COLUMBUS, OH – At its core, Smiling Fore Life reflects PGA Reach Southern Ohio’s deep-rooted belief in golf’s ability to heal and connect. As an extension of the Play Yellow Birdie Bash which helps raise money for the three Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Ohio, Smiling Fore Life aligns perfectly with that ideal, that golf can bring happiness to those who need it.
By bringing PGA of America Golf Professionals into hospital environments, the program provides more than a fleeting distraction. It creates moments of normalcy, empowerment, and teamwork. Putts mean a little more when the child standing over the ball happens to also be receiving chemotherapy or other forms of treatment.
Smiling Fore Life Meets PGA Jr. League
In July of 2025, Chris Yoder, PGA, Director of Youth Player Development at Scioto Country Club brought his PGA Jr. League team to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the results were extraordinary.
Kids from the Jr. League team spent time engaging with children and patients for hours, helping and encouraging them around a SNAG Golf course. There were cheers, high fives and fist bumps to go along with tons of smiles. Children dealing with illness often face isolation and emotional strain but for a few brief moments, these interactions were gifts of shared laughter and powerful relief.
Hospitals benefit from expanded support and creative programming, even for young children facing daily challenges. Smiling Fore Life is already making an impact and will continue to do so throughout 2025.
Looking Ahead
As PGA REACH Southern Ohio continues to grow its outreach portfolio, programs like Smiling Fore Life exemplify how golf extends far beyond fairways and greens. Southern Ohio PGA Professionals are proud to bring “something much bigger than golf” into Nationwide Children’s, Dayton Children’s and Cincinnati Children’s Hospitals. Clubs turn into comfort, lessons into laughter and meetings into meaningful moments for young champions fighting the toughest battles.