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 “Day by day Present” correspondent, amongst numerous different issues. He’s simply one of many extra recognizable faces in comedy.

However what many individuals could not know is the extremely charitable facet 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 obligation and his last 14 in reserve. Like so many veterans, Riggle is obsessed with giving again and serving to fellow vets re-acclimate into society.

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

Semper Fi & America’s Fund

The Semper Fi & America’s Fund is closing in on its twentieth anniversary subsequent spring. Up to now, they’ve given greater than $320 million in grants to help 31,000 combat-wounded, sick, 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 means of their PXG Double Down for Veterans match marketing campaign.

By way 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 means of their marketing campaign. If that aim is met, it is going to carry the entire matched as much as $100 million for the reason that starting of their partnership.

Riggle, a long-time proponent and shut pal to PXG and Parsons, continues to be a car by means of which the Basis reveals its heartfelt philanthropic undertakings.

PXG and Riggle sharing Semper Fi values

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

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

All through his profession, he has brazenly mentioned the impacts of PTSD from service, and has helped encourage so many to succeed in out for assist. As not too long ago as a few weeks in the past, Parsons posted an inspirational, earnest message to veterans fighting PTSD.

That’s one thing that Riggle is equally obsessed with. It was the right partnership.

“I used to be fortunate sufficient to attach with PXG once they have 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 at all times attempt to make myself obtainable to what they’re doing as a result of I imagine in what they’re doing,” mentioned 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 Best Sport’

“I discovered an outdated set of Kenny Smith golf golf equipment hanging in my grandfather’s machine shed.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

“I had a military bag of outdated golf balls and began whacking them out within the pasture—beloved it! I used to be most likely 12 years outdated. 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 mentioned.

“I beloved the sport. I at all times beloved it.”

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

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

Photograph by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Pictures

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

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

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

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

“You’ve catastrophically wounded veterans… you might have a number of veterans which have wounds you could’t see.

“Lots of our veterans are affected by isolation. They don’t wish to discuss their issues, burden different folks with their issues, they really feel a disgrace and really feel like they need to be capable of deal with their issues.”

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

Photograph by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Pictures for SAG-AFTRA Basis

However therein lies the connection I used to be after.

Riggle fantastically expressed why the game of golf may also help break that cycle of isolation and potential deepening despair.

“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 an exquisite social sport. It will get you out, it will get you speaking, it will get you interacting, your physique shifting.

“When you begin taking part in it, you fall in love with the sport. Particularly if you happen to hit that ball nicely a few times, you’re going to be hooked.”

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

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a woman… younger or outdated… it’s a sport that’s obtainable to everybody.”

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

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

Veterans Day is at all times a stark reminder of what those that served sacrificed for Individuals to benefit from the civil liberties of right this moment. But, those that served have typically been neglected in society and generally 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 imagine that all of us ought to be a little bit extra like them and provides again after we can, whereas having fun with the world’s best 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 way of. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms.