SwingPals

Our mission is to build a foundation of health and strong character in children facing adversity.

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

Ari, right, and Avi, center, two Durham Academy students from the Class of 2028, presented Doug Hodges, Executive Director of SwingPals, with a $250 check from their golf ball collection project.

Together, Ari and Avi have collected more than 1,000 high-quality golf balls. After washing and packaging them, the balls are ready to be shared with golfers in exchange for donations to SwingPals.

Ari and Avi are yet another example of young people stepping up to the tee and showing what future leadership looks like.

Way to go, Ari and Avi!

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

The SwingPals All-Star team and their families enjoyed a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the Heritage Golf Club in Wake Forest this past weekend.

They may have been defeated by an incredibly strong Heritage team, but they had a great time, and that’s what the day was all about.

Thank you to everyone who came out, played, cheered, and helped make the day so special. Moments like this are what make the SwingPals community so meaningful.

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

SwingPals students visited @MethodistU in Fayetteville for a college tour.

Brock White, Director of the PGA Professional Golf Management Program (center), met with our students and shared insights on careers in golf and pathways to PGA membership.

Durham Public Schools students, the future of the game. Priceless.

@CarolinasPGA @PGA

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

Unlocking potential in Durham.

Nearly $1 million is being invested to expand Hillandale Golf Course—creating space for more Durham Public Schools students, especially those historically underserved, to access SwingPals programming.

This is what real impact looks like.

Grateful to the City of Durham, Karl Kimball, Mayor Williams, and City Council for showing up for these students.

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

Today’s the day. Giving Tuesday. And it asks one simple question: Who can you help today?

We believe Durham’s public school students should be at the top of that list.

Thanks to the SwingPals Leadership Circle, all new donations, and any increased giving from current supporters, will be matched up to $100,000 through December 31. Your gift goes twice as far for Durham’s kids!

We’ve raised $59,890 so far.
Every gift brings us closer to the finish line.
Every gift touches the life of a child.
Every gift unlocks potential.
Give today and help us reach $250,000.

Give now: https://t.co/sGLix393SQ

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

From the SwingPals family to your family — HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We are indeed grateful for the opportunity to serve Durham’s public school children who need additional resources. Thank you to all who make this possible.

From left to right: Nate (Golf Coach), Erin (Mindfulness Coach), Brittany (Program Director), Brook (Business Manager), and Brian (Director of Operations).

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

What a spectacular morning at Falls Village Golf Course!

Over 100 golfers came out for the Wild Turkey Shoot Out to support SwingPals and the young people we serve in Durham, including our Executive Director Doug Hodges and Board President Lanny Ealey (see photo below!).

Huge thanks to Brian Peterson, GM at Falls Village Golf Club, and tournament organizers Jason Hunter and Chris Jacobson for hosting such a wonderful event. And an even bigger thank-you to every participant — your support shows our students that you care.

SwingPals now delivers mindfulness programming in 6 of Durham’s 9 public middle schools, reaching more than 1,000 students each year. Together, we’re helping young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience.

Annual Giving Challenge 2025:
All new $ donated through December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Your generosity goes twice as far!

Give now: https://t.co/sGLix39BIo

Thank you for making this work possible.

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

We're proud to be part of the North Carolina State Employees Combined Campaign! Your pledge helps SwingPals empower Durham’s underserved youth to build emotional regulation skills and resilience through mindfulness and golf, allowing them the freedom to unlock their potential.

SECC Code: 7123
Learn more & give: https://t.co/mtpIPa4r3g

@ncsecc

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

Congratulations Sereani! We are so proud of you for reaching Regionals in the Drive, Chip and Putt competition last weekend.

Your dedication and hard work inspires all of us at SwingPals!

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

⏳ Only 10 days left! We are almost halfway to our $100,000 goal and you can help push us over the top!

In this video, Coach Doug reveals the beautiful new trophy that will go to this year’s SwingPals Topgolf Fundraiser overall champion—a combination of golf score and fundraising total. 🏆

Your support helps us expand programs in Durham Public Schools, giving students the tools to build confidence, manage emotions, and take charge of their own journey.

Now is the time to sign up, share your fundraising link, and rally your supporters before August 20th at Topgolf Durham.

Let’s make these last 10 days count!

📌 Register to Play: https://t.co/QMbXfezIbT
➡️ Make a Donation: https://t.co/xLt9YV7pwb

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

Day 2 of our SwingPals PGA Jr. League Event was one to remember!

We're grateful to share these unforgettable moments with our students and families. This is more than just a competition. It's an opportunity to bring our community together in a safe and supportive environment.
Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophy winners!

@JEShepardMiddle @LowesGrove @PGAJrLeague @PGA @DurhamPublicSch

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

We are wrapping up the year with SwingPals PGA Jr. League Spring 2025 tournaments!

Yesterday we started with @BrogdenMiddle 6th graders, who were first exposed to the game of golf in school during their health and PE class, and have graduated to the afterschool camp! Families were invited out to watch their child compete amongst one another for a first-place trophy!

Congrats to each winner, but most importantly, to each student who proved that they could try something new and grow in just a short amount of time.

Next up, Lowes Grove and Shepard!

@PGAJrLeague @PGA

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

A big thank you to CT Wilson Construction Company, Inc and Trust Company of the South for sponsoring our 2nd Annual Fundraiser at Topgolf! Your support helps make our programs possible.

We still have sponsorship opportunities available! If you’d like to be part of this incredible event and make a lasting impact, reach out for more details.

Let’s make this year even bigger and better!

Learn more -> https://t.co/ZGdgNWPTQ9

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

We’re growing our team!
SwingPals is hiring two part-time roles. If you're passionate about making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Mindfulness Coach (30 hrs/week)
Help students build emotional regulation and resilience through mindfulness techniques. You’ll lead school-based and afterschool sessions, support our home-based program, and guide students in developing self-awareness and confidence. Background in mental wellness and experience with youth preferred.

Golf Coach (30 hrs/week, includes some weekends)
Use golf as a tool to support students’ personal growth. Lead in-school and afterschool programming, coordinate with schools and facilities, and ensure a safe, empowering experience for all participants. Ideal for someone with golf knowledge, strong communication skills, and a passion for youth development.

Located in Durham, NC
Learn more @ https://t.co/K5jdo65KWP

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

We’re excited to share that the Durham City Council has officially approved the expansion of the @HillandaleGolf course, a place that means so much to our SwingPals family and to the broader Durham community.

These upgrades are more than just renovations. They are an investment in opportunity, access, and healing. With a new driving range and putting course, the expanded space will allow even more young people to grow through golf and mindfulness—building focus, resilience, and confidence along the way.

We are deeply grateful to @CityofDurhamNC for recognizing Hillandale’s role in shaping lives and strengthening our city. Thank you as well to Karl Kimball and the entire Hillandale team for your tireless commitment to the community.

This is what it looks like when a city comes together to build something lasting!

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

🌿 Fore the Community 🌿

On Saturday May 3rd, a group of our amazing SwingPals students spent the morning giving back by clearing a dense bamboo grove along the West Ellerbe Trail near Hillandale Golf Course

With gloves on and tools in hand, they worked together to remove invasive bamboo and open up space for native trees and wildlife to thrive again.

Every branch trimmed and every pile cleared was part of building stronger communities and stronger young leaders.

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

Thank you, HV3 Foundation!

@hv3_foundation @HV3_Golf

https://t.co/zxogh3UUAO

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

Today we celebrate educators who lead with heart.

We are deeply grateful to Mr. Terrence Covington, Principal at Neal Middle School, for warmly welcoming SwingPals to run programs for 6th–8th grade students and their educators. Principal Covington exemplifies leadership, consistently showing immense care for his staff and students. We can’t express enough how much we appreciate his dedication. Thank you, Principal Covington, for everything you do!

@DPSNealMiddle

[SwingPals @SwingPalsDurham]

When youth have the right support, they can rise to meet any challenge. We’re grateful to the HV3 Foundation for believing in SwingPals and the incredible students we serve.

"The HV3 Foundation is proud to support SwingPals and their mission to empower students in Durham Public Schools through golf, mentorship, and social-emotional learning. By partnering with programs like SwingPals, we’re helping create opportunities for underserved youth to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community—both on and off the course." - Harold Varner III, LIV Tour

@HV3_Golf @hv3_foundation