Veterans Day: Rob Riggle, PXG give again to assist increase $10 million7 min read

Rob Riggle is a really humorous man. He’s recognized for a few of his over-the-top roles in “The Hangover,” “Step-Brothers” and his time as a “Every day Present” correspondent, amongst varied different issues. He’s simply one of many extra recognizable faces in comedy.

However what many individuals could not know is the extremely charitable aspect of Riggle.

Riggle is a retired U.S. Marine who spent 23 years of service, enlisting in 1990 and retiring in 2023 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served the primary 9 years in lively responsibility and his ultimate 14 in reserve. Like so many veterans, Riggle is keen about giving again and serving to fellow vets re-acclimate into society.

One such method he discovered to achieve success in that endeavor was by the sport of golf, which he was gracious sufficient to element in an unique interview with Taking part in By means of.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund

The Semper Fi & America’s Fund is closing in on its twentieth anniversary subsequent spring. So far, they’ve given greater than $320 million in grants to help 31,000 combat-wounded, in poor health, and injured service members, veterans, and army households.

For the twelfth consecutive yr, PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) and The Bob & Renee Parsons Basis are partnering with Semper Fi by their PXG Double Down for Veterans match marketing campaign.

By means of the top of the yr, each greenback raised as much as $10 million PXG CEO Bob Parsons and his spouse Renee will match by their marketing campaign. If that purpose is met, it should carry the full matched as much as $100 million because the starting of their partnership.

Riggle, a long-time proponent and shut buddy to PXG and Parsons, continues to be a automobile by which the Basis displays its heartfelt philanthropic undertakings.

PXG and Riggle sharing Semper Fi values

PXG Founder and CEO, Bob Parsons, can be a retired member of america Marine Corps.

Parsons enlisted in 1968 and shortly thereafter, discovered himself collaborating within the Vietnam Struggle. He later turned a recipient of the Purple Coronary heart Medal, Fight Motion Ribbon and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

All through his profession, he has overtly mentioned the impacts of PTSD from service, and has helped encourage so many to succeed in out for assist. As just lately as a few weeks in the past, Parsons posted an inspirational, earnest message to veterans battling PTSD.

That’s one thing that Riggle is equally keen about. It was the right partnership.

“I used to be fortunate sufficient to attach with PXG once they had been beginning out, a yr or two after they launched. Over time, I obtained to know them and so they obtained to know me. We simply gravitated towards each other so far as our values and issues we care about.”

“I actually fell in love with PXG and Bob and Renee—their dedication to giving again to our service members.”

“I used to do a golf event referred to as the InVETational Golf Traditional. Bob and Renee used to match no matter I raised at my event. So, I all the time attempt to make myself obtainable to what they’re doing as a result of I consider in what they’re doing,” stated Riggle.

The comic went on to element not solely how he discovered the sport of golf, however why it may be so helpful to veterans.

Rob Riggle finds ‘The Biggest Recreation’

“I discovered an previous set of Kenny Smith golf golf equipment hanging in my grandfather’s machine shed. They had been purchased again within the 50’s. They had been these lovely, wooden, custom-made golf equipment… thought-about very excessive finish golf golf equipment,” Riggle advised Taking part in By means of.

“I had a military bag of previous golf balls and began whacking them out within the pasture—cherished it! I used to be in all probability 12 years previous. I hit that one magic 3-wood that went 200—perhaps 210 [yards]. To me it felt prefer it was a moonshot and that was it. I used to be hooked for all times,” Riggle stated.

“I cherished the sport. I all the time cherished it.”

The longtime comic parlayed that zeal and love for golf into expertise on the course.

This previous July, Riggle competed in his eighth American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Picture by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Photographs

Golden State Warriors level guard Steph Curry captured the win in epic style this yr, sinking a prolonged downhill eagle putt on 18 Sunday.

American Century Investments, the 25-year title sponsor of the occasion, has helped increase tens of tens of millions of {dollars} for the Stowers Establishment in addition to native charities in Southern California and Nevada.

Golf has all the time been a sport that breeds generosity and charitable ventures. However the sport, because the comic defined, can be an effective way to assist veterans re-acclimate to society.

“I feel there are ancillary advantages to the sport of golf,” Riggle stated.

“You’ve gotten catastrophically wounded veterans… you might have lots of veterans which have wounds that you may’t see.

“A variety of our veterans are affected by isolation. They don’t need to speak about their issues, burden different individuals with their issues, they really feel a disgrace and really feel like they need to have the ability to deal with their issues.”

“What occurs is lots of our veterans find yourself isolating, which is the worst factor they’ll do.”

Picture by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Photographs for SAG-AFTRA Basis

However therein lies the connection I used to be after.

Riggle superbly expressed why the game of golf may help break that cycle of isolation and potential deepening melancholy.

“I feel golf is an excellent avenue to… be amongst mates, friends, even strangers that you’re simply assembly for the primary time. It’s a beautiful social sport. It will get you out, it will get you speaking, it will get you interacting, your physique transferring.

“When you begin taking part in it, you fall in love with the sport. Particularly in the event you hit that ball effectively a couple of times, you’re going to be hooked.”

Anybody that performs golf is aware of that sentiment to be true. Past how golf helps vets specifically, the accessibility of the game transcends.

“It doesn’t matter in case you are a boy or a lady… younger or previous… it’s a sport that’s obtainable to everybody.”

“That’s why I like golf and I find it irresistible for the veteran group.”

Riggle, together with PXG, proceed yr after yr to present again and assist these in want.

Veterans Day is all the time a stark reminder of what those that served sacrificed for Individuals to benefit from the civil liberties of at this time. But, those that served have typically been missed in society and typically need assistance.

Studying what PXG, Riggle and others do for our veterans has been one of many extra rewarding experiences of my profession. I firmly consider that all of us must be a bit extra like them and provides again after we can, whereas having fun with the world’s biggest recreation.

If you want to donate, you are able to do so on the Semper FI & America’s Fund website right here.

Kendall Capps is the Senior Editor of SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms.