Wallace Family Finds Unity, Hope At Golf Academy of America

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For George Wallace and sons Jonathan and Christopher, Golf Academy of America is more than a place where golf instruction is taught and career paths are forged. Rather, it is a place where they can knit their torn lives back together.

Both sons have been discharged from military service after injuries sustained in Iraq. George lost his job last year at a nuclear power plant near Aiken, S.C., after 30 years of employment.

Jonathan, 26, was a military police officer who worked with the Secret Service through 2011 before suffering a leg injury. Chris, 29, served in the Army for 10 years until 2010 and endured combat ordeals that have left him with residual golf ball-sized tumors that cause periodic seizures. He is in the midst of his second divorce and he and Jonathan have battled alcoholism.

"It kind of started as a joke, and then it became a challenge," Chris said of their decision to enroll at Golf Academy of America. "It feels like it was meant to be that all of us are now together here. Our dad is our best friend, and he's helped us through a lot. We're proud of him for being here."

George is thinking he might use his new education to pursue a job as a clubfitter. "Golf has become part of our therapy, both individually and collectively. We're getting our lives back, little by little," he said.

Jonathan, a gregarious and affable sort, is perfectly suited for a sales position. Chris, who has lost 100 pounds but is still a big man at 6'3" and 255 pounds, would like to be a professional golfer.

That will be a challenge for Chris, but one that seems simple compared to what the Wallaces have already endured.

About Golf Academy of America
Golf Academy of America is the largest and longest-running two-year golf college in the world. Golf Academy of America's 16-month program balances classroom studies, practical experience and comprehensive understanding of both the game and the business of golf. Campuses are located in San Diego, Phoenix, Orlando, Myrtle Beach and Dallas. For more information, call 800-342-7342 or visit www.GolfAcademy.edu. The schools are owned and operated by the Education Corporation of America, headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

SOURCE Golf Academy of America