400 Franklin Rd., Franklin, TN 37069
Email: tenn@pgahq.com Website: Tennessee Office: (615) 790-7600
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A 2023 graduate of the Chattanooga PGA HOPE program, led by PGA Professional Lamar Mills, Daniel Ferrere, Sr. brings a contagious sense of humor, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping fellow veterans experience the life-changing impact of golf.
Motivated by his own journey through recovery, Daniel stepped into the Ambassador role to give back to the program that helped transform his life. PGA HOPE offered him a renewed sense of purpose, brightening some of his darkest days. Now, he’s committed to supporting PGA Professionals during HOPE sessions, sharing his story, and showing other veterans that they are not alone.
Since completing the program, Daniel has spoken at several PGA HOPE graduations, offering powerful testimony to the healing potential of golf-based rehabilitation. With over 25 years of post-service challenges, he credits PGA HOPE—and similar veteran support programs—as vital to his healing journey.
Daniel’s giving spirit extends beyond the course. Through AARP, he volunteers to prepare taxes for fellow PGA HOPE graduates, easing the burden with encouragement and humor. He’s also a familiar face at PGA HOPE Play Days, staying actively involved with graduates and building lasting community. Recently, he was named a PGA HOPE Platoon Leader, where he supports training and speaks at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Off the course, Daniel remains a beacon of hope for others. Since retiring in 2022, he visits veterans weekly at Erlanger Hospital and drives the Veterans Administration shuttle every Thursday from Chattanooga to Murfreesboro for medical appointments. With every interaction, he reminds fellow veterans that sometimes the greatest act of support is simply listening.
With the steady encouragement of his wife, Jeanne, and their two children, Daniel has seen firsthand how even small steps in therapy can lead to lasting transformation. Daniel’s wife is also a proud U.S. Army veteran, and together they bring a deep understanding of military life and a shared commitment to serving fellow veterans. One of his favorite memories on the course was with his son, during a round where he wasn’t playing his best. His son looked at him and said, “It’s okay, Dad—I’m with you.” That moment reminded Daniel what truly matters.
Daniel also serves as a facilitator for Reboot Recovery, a program supporting veterans battling PTSD—a struggle he knows intimately, dating back to his first deployment in 1991.
At the heart of it all is the joyful spirit of Daniel’s grandmother, Helen, who first introduced him to golf. She taught him that “you’re only as good as your last shot,” a lesson he carries daily. Her sense of humor helped shape his resilience and outlook on life. Today, her legacy lives on through Daniel—not just in the game he loves, but in his belief that golf, like life, is best when shared with purpose, connection, and joy.
Kelsey Ludwigsen, Communications Manager
