Championship Southside Golf Course’s Mission Focused on Supporting Veterans and Special Needs Individuals

The Odyssey Golf Foundation, formerly The Odyssey Country Club golf course in Tinley Park, has become a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization donated and dedicated to providing the therapeutic and recreational benefits of golf to Veterans, Active Military and Special Needs Individuals of all ages.

The course, open to the public, uses the revenue it generates from golf greens fees, outings, sponsorships and donations to deliver its programs and services to its beneficiaries. Beginning their fourth year, the Foundation has already provided over 15,000 rounds of golf to veterans, as well as instructional golf sessions and other programs. Averaging a growth rate of 50% year over year, they plan to reach many more service men and women and special needs individuals in 2017.

Veterans are clearly getting involved in everything the Foundation has to offer, and their appreciation is evident. “There is one day a year that is dedicated to recognizing us for our service, but here, we are recognized every day,” exclaimed Fred Hammar, Retired US Air Force, First Class and frequent attendee at Foundation events.

The Foundation’s facilities include the challenging 18 hole golf course designed by 2-time, back-to-back PGA champion Curtis Strange; the full service Pro Shop; the year-round Driving Range with heated tees; and the instructional Golf Academy with professional staff.

“Our mission is to contribute to the well-being of our Veterans and Special Needs Individuals by empowering them with the physically and socially therapeutic benefits attributed to the game of golf. We have had great success so far, but there is so much more we plan to do. We are counting on the community to continue to help us grow. Every time they play, they support our mission,” declared Lisa Halikias, the Foundation’s Executive Director.

The organization also supports other non-profits through golf outing fundraising programs. “We strive to help other organizations maximize their efforts for their good causes, knowing first-hand, helping each other is a win-win,” stated Halikias.

Plans for 2017 include 25 golf outings for veterans, free instructional golf sessions every week at the golf academy, and discounted golf every day for all veteran members. The Foundation will also be launching new Special Needs programs through the Golf Academy.

 While you can support the organization’s mission by simply enjoying a challenging round of golf, they rely on individual and corporate donations, sponsorships, organized golf outings and volunteers to successfully fulfill their goals.

You can become a sponsor, make a donation, book your event, schedule a tee time, and much more at odysseygolffoundation.org.

 

Lisa Halikias

Executive Director, Odyssey Golf Foundation

Odyssey Golf Foundation

19110 South Ridgeland Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477

odysseygolffoundation.org

 

The Odyssey Golf Foundation includes a championship 18-hole golf course,

driving range, pro shop and instructional golf academy.

The course provides challenging play for skilled golfers and is the perfect

destination to host golf outings and non-profit fundraisers.

Another at-capacity Veteran’s golf outing, provided by the Odyssey Golf Foundation,

gets underway.