Operation Support Military Golf (OSMG) — a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance service members’ morale, welfare and recreation by improving golf courses and associated facilities at bases worldwide — has announced partnerships with leading golf industry associations.
GCSAA, the American Society of Golf Course Architects and the Golf Course Builders Association of America have each pledged their proud support of OSMG.
OSMG was created to serve those who have, do and will serve our nation by ensuring their Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is not forgotten. Positive MWR is an integral component of the well-being and quality of life of our service members and their families.
There are 145 military base golf facilities located in 40 states and 11 overseas countries. In many cases, overseas golf courses are service members’ only safe and cost-efficient means of outdoor recreation, relaxation from work stress, and separation from their families.
Stateside military golf courses are provided zero government funding to operate, and overseas courses receive minimal funding. They are required to be entirely self-sufficient. OSMG was founded to help fill this “nonessential items” void.
As a groundbreaking, global, military-supportive, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, OSMG’s goal is to provide a $1 million infusion to each military golf facility. Helping increase accessibility for wounded and aging veterans, reducing golf facility maintenance costs through modernized equipment, and increasing overall visual enjoyment are just some of the benefits of the upgrades.
“Having these organizations unite for OSMG shows that they understand how important recreation and wellness programs are for service members’ morale in general, and specifically through golf, with its camaraderie, competition, exercise and outdoor activity,” says OSMG founder Jennifer Poth. “Many military base golf courses are falling into great disrepair due to long-standing budget constraints, and OSMG raises funds and in-kind donations for revitalization work that would not otherwise occur.”
Military courses are spread throughout Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine bases. OSMG strives to rotate through the services, one base at a time, to equitably support each. The first revitalization is underway at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Fla., the city where OSMG is based. To date, most support for the renovation has come from in-kind contributions, including from Arnold Palmer Design Co. and MacCurrach Golf Construction Inc.
For more information about OSMG, get in touch via email, or call 904-626-4374.