Nothing like 18 holes to calm the mind.

PTSD experts say golf can serve as a physical rehabilitation for veterans, which allows them to gain confidence. Golf, which has a lot of regularity, repetition, and learning, can be beneficial for those who have been through traumatic experiences.

“You don’t want to do nothing when you’re in dark places,” said military veteran Jake Kessler. Kessler was on his final mission in Iraq 13 years ago when a bomb exploded and he lost both his legs – one above the knee and one below the knee.

“You don’t want to reach out, but that’s what you really need to do,” explained Kessler. The veteran said he refused to sit around feeling sorry for himself about his injuries. His drive motivated him to reach out to fellow veteran Tony Perez, who founded Operation Game On.

Operation Game On is a program that helps rehabilitate wounded warriors, giving them free golf lessons, including fitting them for clubs and gear.

Perez says, “I know what they’ve been through. I’ve been through that. And I know what they’re going through now.”

For Kessler, he says it’s provided companionship: “It’s definitely given me a support group. When you get out of the military, you lose all your support.”