Bay Area veterans use golf to cope

For weekend warriors, golf is often mostly about frustration. But some real-life warriors in the Bay Area are using the game to cope with transitioning to civilian life.

It's part of a program called "PGA Hope" (Helping Our Veterans Everywhere) organized by the PGA. According to the program's website, there's 68 HOPE chapters around the country benefiting 3,500 veterans. The program introduces vets with emotional and physical disabilities to the game of golf.

"Since we're going through a lot of issues, we tend to isolate and this helps us from getting out of that isolation mode," says veteran Cedric Ray.

One of the participating chapters is in the Bay Area. ABC7 News caught up with some participants at the Presidio golf course.

"I work with vets in mental health and substance abuse programs, and it really helps them, get them out here, learn how to have more fun," said Navy veteran William Clift.

The program takes place twice a year. The current class is wrapping up but the next one starts in April.

For more information about the program, click here.