Finding Peace on the Golf Course: A Veteran’s Story

The subject of this story is my father, retired Army Staff Sergeant Randy Kirksey, a man who has found healing and comfort in an unexpected place. Golf is more than a hobby for him. It is his way of coping with the lifelong impacts of war.

My father served in and survived the Gulf War, where he witnessed explosions, death, and constant danger. These experiences left him with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which continues to affect his daily life through anxiety, sleepless nights, and emotional strain. The invisible wounds of war are often harder to carry than the visible ones, and for him, golf has become a lifeline.

Golf is not just about swinging a club or keeping score. For my dad, it is about finding joy, peace, and a healthy outlet for the pain he carries. The game allows him to step away from the pressures of his past and focus on something that brings calm and balance. It is a reminder that healing can come from the most unlikely places.

In addition to his military service, my father also worked as a Birmingham police officer while serving in the Army Reserve. That role placed him in high-stress situations even after returning home from war. Now retired, he spends several days a week on the golf course, where he finds comfort and a sense of renewal.

His story is one of resilience and the importance of discovering healthy ways to cope with trauma. Golf is not simply fun or relaxing for him. It is essential. It is his lifeline.

I am sharing my father’s story as a tribute to his courage and as an inspiration to others who are searching for peace.

If you know a veteran who struggles with PTSD, what do they do to find peace? Please share in the comments.