On Tuesday, July 2, Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point played host to 104 graduates of the Met PGA HOPE program, a national initiative designed to introduce military veterans to the therapeutic and recreational benefits of golf. Out of the 104 graduates, 20 were New York City-based and 13 specifically resided in the Bronx. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is dedicated to offering free golf instruction, adaptive equipment, and a supportive community, thereby providing veterans with a comprehensive and inclusive environment to thrive.
“We are beyond appreciative of Bally’s Golf Links commitment to giving back to local veterans through hosting our Met PGA HOPE graduation,” said Kelli Clayton, Director Of Foundation and Business Development at the Met PGA Foundation. “Bally’s went above and beyond to make the day an unforgettable experience for our veterans and their families.” The event, made possible with the support of Northwell Health, highlighted the ongoing commitment to enhancing the well-being of military veterans through the game of golf.
PGA professionals delivered top-notch golf lessons, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques, ensuring that financial barriers did not hinder any veteran’s participation. For those with physical disabilities, the program provided adaptive golf equipment, allowing everyone to engage with the sport regardless of their physical condition. Beyond recreation, golf serves as a therapeutic tool, assisting veterans in coping with physical injuries, mental health issues, and the challenges of reintegration into civilian life.
This is one of many recent charitable activities by the Bally’s Corporation, since they took over the license of the former Trump site, and officially rechristened it as Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point. Over the past year, they have also sponsored a free 20-passenger wheelchair-accessible bus to connect East Bronx with Throggs Neck ferry, and was recognized by BronxWorks for their significant contributions to the Bronx community.
Looking ahead, Bally’s has announced additional steps to revamp the Ferry Point site into a thriving, multifaceted leisure and entertainment facility if they are awarded one of the coveted expanded downstate casino licenses. Plans include developing a first-class hotel and spa, a banquet and events center, and a new gaming facility. A part of these plans includes establishing a new NYPD substation within the gaming facility, ensuring robust security for patrons and residents alike, as well as investing in significant infrastructure improvements to assuage any fears of excessive traffic that might be caused by the development. These enhancements are aimed at creating a comprehensive destination that attracts visitors while ensuring local residents benefit directly. The construction and ongoing operations are expected to create thousands of jobs, providing a significant economic boost to the Bronx.
Ultimately, Bally’s vision is to redefine the Ferry Point site as a global destination while fostering a sustainable and vibrant community. By keeping community needs at the forefront and fostering partnerships with local organizations, Bally’s is poised to transform the Bronx landscape and make a lasting impact on the lives of its residents.
