US Marine Corp Vet Ryan Bugler, PGA Professional Bob Beach and "Noonan". (Nice hat Ryan!)
I came across the following email in the Titleist "Webmaster" email box this week and with permission from Ryan I'm posting it. Ryan had no idea I would find his email, but it was a coincidence because I actually just met Ryan two weeks ago at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, MA. I had just arrived at GL at about 6:30 pm on a Wed night - jumped on the course and flew through the first 3 holes. As I got to the par 5 4th tee at about 7pm, I noticed what appeared to be 2 golf carts, a motorized vehicle and a dog! across the fairway.
After hitting my tee shot, I approached the group and realized they were in the middle of a playing lesson and were part of the SMGA Clinic held for military vets Wed. nights at Granite Links. We all said hello and another coincidence - one of the volunteer teachers was a fellow Titleist associate whom I had not yet met - Chris O'Rourke who, inspired by PGA Pro Bob Beach's work, had started helping out at these clinics. This is a long introduction to Ryan, but it was then, that I met Ryan and his dog Noonan on the golf course. It is so heartwarming to see how Bob and Chris are sharing their love of golf and helping others learn the game and to develop that same passion for golf.
Liz
Here's Ryan's note:
To Whom it May Concern
I wanted to share this on your FB page but was unable to post a picture. My name is Ryan I am a US Marine Corps veteran that was injured in the military and again later in life while serving a community as a firefighter paramedic which has left me as an incomplete paraplegic. With the support of an organization called SMGA and a local Pro Mr Bob Beach I have and am still learning to play golf which I love. Mr Beach surprised me Saturday with a brand new Titleist Hybrid. Which not only works quite well, it is quite sharp looking.
I wanted to thank your company for supporting men and women like me. Even though I only own now 5 clubs I will buy Titleist in the future (have to save a little) and recommend them to my friends. In the attached photo is Mr Bob Beach, myself and my service dog Noonan. Again thank you for this club can't wait to use it on the course it crushes balls on the range wait till the greens.
Ryan T Bugler