Utah Golf Foundation asks EAC for $40,000 to keep free Veterans on Course program running

The Utah Golf Foundation told the Executive Appropriations Committee it is seeking a one-time $40,000 appropriation to continue its Veterans on Course program, which provides free instruction, a nine‑hole scramble and a post‑round meal to active and veteran service members.

The request was introduced by Senator Weiler and presented by Megan Huntsman, executive director of the Utah Golf Foundation, and Scott Ullbrook, board chair of the foundation. "This started as a project in 2016 to help veterans be together through the game of golf," Huntsman said, adding the program serves veterans who are coping with post‑traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. Ullbrook said the money would pay for course rental, stipends for PGA professionals and meals served at events.

Why it matters: Committee members were briefed that the program operates statewide and fills a niche combining recreation, peer support and outreach. The presenters emphasized the program's cost structure — rental, instructor stipends and food — as the reasons for the funding request.

Program details provided to the committee show Veterans on Course ran 10 events across Utah this year and recorded more than 250 participants: 79% male and 21% female. Reported breakdown by service was Army 36%, Air Force 25%, Marine Corps 16%, Navy 12%, National Guard 2% and other 9%. Huntsman said the foundation has created a "Veterans Club Depot" in partnership with the First Tee chapter in Utah, where veterans can be fitted for donated clubs; presenters said the program has distributed just over 500 sets of clubs to veterans to date.

Presenters and committee members clarified why a longstanding program is seeking state funds now. Ullbrook and Huntsman said the program has sometimes been funded and sometimes not; key recurring costs remain course rental and instructor stipends. Representative Hayes, introduced as a new committee member, asked whether this was an expansion or a request tied to financial shortfall; presenters said it is expansion and ongoing operating need rather than a new program.

No committee action was recorded on the appropriation request during the hearing. The foundation representatives invited committee members to attend events and noted they will continue fundraising and partnerships.

For follow-up: Huntsman and Ullbrook indicated the program will continue seeking private donations and local partnerships; they asked for legislative consideration of the one‑time appropriation to offset recurring event costs.