Many PGA of America Golf Professionals get involved in PGA HOPE because a family member served in the military. That’s the case for Samuel “Bo” Preston, PGA, General Manager for The Links at Boynton Beach (Florida).
His father, Samuel, fought in World War II. His daughter, Tiffany, continued the family’s military tradition as a member of the JROTC.
What sets Bo apart, however, is that his involvement in PGA HOPE for the last decade at several South Florida golf facilities changed his family dynamics. He met his wife, Christina Olivarez, during a PGA HOPE program at Osprey Point Golf Course in Boca Raton three years ago. She spent 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a master sergeant.
Their marriage has given Preston a rare, inside look at what it’s like to be a Veteran and the challenges they face after military life, knowledge that helped him earn the PGA of America’s 2026 Patriot Award. Her best advice? “Let them be them,” he says. “Actually, she meant, ‘Let us be ourselves.’”
Preston’s PGA HOPE programs have touched more than 450 Veterans in the last decade, with 100-plus additional Veterans scheduled to utilize four more classes in 2026, including one for women-only. The club’s Patriot League every Thursday has grown from 13 Veterans to more than 160. On that day, American flags are flown on the road leading into The Links at Boynton Beach, where every PGA of America instructor is HOPE certified.
“Bo possesses a unique combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills,” says Olivarez, a South Florida PGA Section HOPE Ambassador. “Bo’s enthusiasm helps Veterans respond positively to the lessons each week. He is also an incredible leader who motivates and inspires his team to perform their best. His team treats all Veterans as VIPs anytime they are at The Links.”
Preston has had another female influence that fuels his passion for PGA HOPE: Judy Alvarez, PGA, winner of the Patriot Award in 2019, when Preston and Alvarez worked together at Monarch Country Club in Stuart, Florida.
“She’s my PGA HOPE mentor, absolutely,” Preston says of Alvarez. “Thanks in part to Judy, PGA HOPE changes lives and it saves lives.
“When somebody from a program comes up and gives you a hug and says, ‘thank you,’ they’re emotional about it. I respond, ‘I’m just a golf guy. What you did is much more important.’ It’s hard to balance that but, as my wife says, ‘You don’t get it, that was our job. That’s what we (Veterans) do.’”
What Preston constantly does is try to make things bigger and better. It’s in his DNA. That in volves doing bi-weekly check-ins on Veterans who haven’t been at the course in recent days.
“Some of the guys call me when they’re going on vacation, so I won’t worry about them,” he says.
Preston knows which Veterans have transportation issues, so he will arrange for a club employee to provide a ride. Veterans can play at The Links for a reduced rate of $15. All PGA HOPE graduates receive a special putting chip. Any time he sees a new golfer on the course wearing any type of military insignia, he will let them know about the program and league.
“Every Veteran has a story, and we don’t ask what that story is,” Preston explains. “We just embrace the fact that they have it, and we want to make them feel comfortable here.”
Preston adds that he has received strong support from the city of Boynton Beach and the club’s vendors to help run the PGA HOPE program. He takes pride in saying “Veterans know they are welcome at The Links at Boynton Beach.” He’s even prouder to know his passion for helping Veterans the last decade has paid off with the PGA of America’s Patriot Award.
“It defines my career,” Preston says. “When I got into this business in 1999, I didn’t think I ever had the option to win Section awards, let alone national honors. This award is the pinnacle. It’s a ‘wow’ for me.” —Craig Dolch
