About the Foundation

An Unwavering Commitment to Those Who Have Served

Explore

The Odyssey Golf Foundation Mission

The Odyssey Golf Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and active-duty service members by offering free instruction, discounted rates and a supportive community. By leveraging golf's inherent qualities - strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and mental discipline - the foundation promotes physical, social, and emotional well-being, fostering camaraderie and lasting friendships among its members.

Supporting Those Who Served

Empowering Veterans

Enabling over 5,000 veterans to find joy and healing through golf, opening the door to new possibilities and community.

Support Through Sports

Offering free lessons and inclusive tournaments, the foundation helps veterans' and military members' well-being.

Community & Healing

From the driving range to the 18th hole, veterans celebrate each victory, big or small, fostering resilience and companionship.

Golf for the Greater Good

Hines Partnership

The Odyssey Golf Foundation stands as a beacon of support not only for local veterans in the Chicago metro area but also for those from across the nation. Their notable partnership with Hines Veterans Administration Hospital exemplifies their commitment. Through this collaboration, veterans find strength and camaraderie, aiding their healing journey. A heartwarming example of their impact is the story of “R,” a veteran who, despite losing a leg during service, found joy and a sense of achievement in golfing for the first time with us.

Donations

Every donation supports the foundation's mission to offer golf as a form of therapy and to build strong community bonds among veterans. With your help, they provide free lessons and unique golfing experiences. Honor a veteran today; your gift makes a lasting impact.

Empowering Veterans Through Golf

Weekly Golf: Odyssey welcomes veterans to free lessons, encouraging skill and social bonds. Tournaments: Monthly events offer a blend of competition and fellowship. Subsidized Golf: Affordable golf experiences, complete with lunches. Veteran Participation: Annually, the foundation proudly hosts over 700 local veterans in its programs, reflecting strong community engagement.

Location

The Odyssey Golf Foundation is located in the suburbs of Chicago, offering a serene and challenging, 18-hole golf course designed by Curtis Strange, specifically aimed at supporting the mental health and well-being of military veterans and active-duty personnel through golf.

Meet the Team

Passionate leaders with a shared vision of serving our veterans through golf to enhance their physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Aris Halikias

Aristotle Halikias

Chairman, Republic Bank of Chicago
Aris, the foundation's charismatic leader for over a decade, is driven to honor all veteran, expressing gratitude through comprehensive support for their well-being.
Patricia Halikias

Patricia Halikias

Vice Chairman, Republic Bank of Chicago
Patricia believes that the Odyssey Golf Foundation offers veterans a unique, therapeutic experience, benefitting their emotional, social, and physical well-being.
Mike Hainline

Mike Hainline

Director of Golf, Odyssey Golf Foundation
Mike, a highly experienced PGA Professional with 45+ years of expertise, has held key roles across the US and was honored with the Illinois PGA Section Patriot Award in 2020.
Tony Frandria

Tony Frandria

Superintendent, Odyssey Golf Foundation
Tony has dedicated nearly 30 years to golf course/turf grass management, advancing throughout his career from high school roles to superintendent and general manager positions within the golf industry.
Gayle Nelson

Gayle Nelson

General Counsel, Odyssey Golf Foundation
Gayle serves the foundation as General Counsel, also leading fundraising and marketing efforts and is fueled by her father's service. She finds joy in the unity of the veteran community.
Leonard Sutter

Leonard Sutter

Veteran, United States Navy Foundation Advisory Committee
Leonard, a United States Navy veteran, is deeply passionate about the foundation, now dedicates a few days a week to working in the pro shops, extending his commitment to fellow veterans.
Georges Sanon

Georges Sanon

Veteran, United States Air Force Foundation Advisory Committee
George, a United States Air Force veteran, commits a significant portion of his time to building bonds and forging new memories alongside fellow veterans at the foundation.
Roger Barton

Roger Barton

Veteran, United States Army Foundation Advisory Committee
Roger, a United States Army veteran, dedicates much of his time to fostering camaraderie and creating lasting memories with fellow veterans at the foundation.
John Pope

John Pope

Veteran, United States Army Foundation Advisory Committee
John, a United States Army veteran who enlisted in 1986, discovered solace and purpose in golf through the foundation - a "life saver," as he calls it, which profoundly enriched his life.
Harry Smutzer

Harry Smutzer

Veteran, United States Marine Corp Foundation Advisory Committee
Harry, a United States Marine veteran turned mechanical engineer, found purpose at the Odyssey Golf Foundation, driven by his belief in its mission to support and uplift fellow vets.

Got questions? Get answers.

To learn more about how you can support veterans, please contact us.

CONTACT US