Boca West Country Club's Pam Elders Honored with South Florida PGA Patriot Award

Boca Raton, FL – Pam Elders, PGA Director of Instruction at Boca West Country Club, a cornerstone of Boca Raton's golfing community, has been named the fifth recipient of the South Florida PGA Patriot Award. The award recognizes a PGA member who demonstrates patriotism through golf and an unwavering commitment to those who have served the United States.

Elders, a certified instructor, has played a significant role in the South Florida PGA HOPE program for the past six years. This program utilizes golf to aid the rehabilitation and assimilation of military veterans. "It is an honor to win the Patriot award, I’ve learned to never underestimate the power that the game of golf has," Elders stated. "I have watched over the last six years just how important having golf in a Veteran’s life can be."

Her connection to service runs deep, stemming from her father's time in the Navy and his transfer to Homestead Air Force Base during the Bay of Pigs Operation. It was there, on the base's golf course, that Elders first learned to play the game. She now views her involvement with PGA HOPE as a way to give back, inspired by the opportunities she received as a child.

Over the past six years, Elders has led PGA HOPE programs at various locations, including Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club and Osprey Point Golf Course. She has a particular goal of increasing female participation in the program. This past year, Elders was instrumental in the Women’s PGA HOPE program at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, which marked the first program to feature all female participants and instructors.

To further enhance her skills and dedication, Elders has attended three PGA HOPE training seminars and multiple classes. "Golf has given them the ability to make friends, to have a purpose and the opportunity to start something new," Elders commented on the impact of the program on veterans. "For some, it has been life changing but for me this has been so fulfilling."

The Patriot Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual accolades. Elders and other 2023 award winners will be celebrated at their respective facilities in front of members, family, and friends.