Military veterans find hope, purpose and community on a Portsmouth golf course

I have zero complaints about the story you're about to read. I got paid to hang out at a golf course, which is always nice. But the best part was meeting a guy who gives of himself to make the people around him better.

Adam Relan runs the Bide-A-Wee golf course in Portsmouth. He's a staple on the greens and in the clubhouse. A few years ago, he became involved with PGA Hope. It's a program that uses golf to help military veterans improve their physical and mental health.

"I just love being around the game," Relan told me. "I love helping people with the game. I didn't really think about getting something out of it before, but you definitely do."

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Relan spends countless hours each week teaching vets how to improve their game. It's his way of giving back.

"I've always been a pretty patriotic person," he said. "I have a lot of service members in my family. I've never served. That's one way that I can kind of serve."

Veterans like Sean Bowman are beyond grateful.

"Coming off active duty, it's culture shock," Bowman explained during my visit on a warm July morning. "You're just out in the world, and it can be a very lonely time."

Bowman retired from the Navy in 2020. Injuries and PTSD from his time serving lingered into civilian life. He longed for a sense of belonging again — some kind of purpose. He found that with Relan.

"Sometimes playing golf, you know, can be a little mini therapy session among friends," Bowman adds.

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Since Bide-A-Wee became part of PGA Hope, about 300 service members have graduated the program. That camaraderie doesn't end at the 18th hole. They're building a support network — and lifelong friendships.

"Just building this community, it's outstanding," Bowman says.

Several viewers nominated Relan for a News 3 Everyday Hero award. His recognition comes with a $300 Visa gift card from Southern Bank, our community partner. But Relan tells me the real reward comes from helping others, like Sean Bowman.

I asked Bowman if it's safe to say this program changed his life. His answer: "1,000 percent."

News 3 photojournalist Ian Teasley contributed to this report.

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