PGA REACH Georgia, the charitable foundation of the Georgia PGA, is proud to announce Mark Capo, Georgia PGA Associate, as the inaugural recipient of The Drew Grant, a new initiative honoring the legacy of former East Lake Golf Club PGA Professional Drew Dunn while supporting the next generation of PGA Professionals.
Established in conjunction with The Drew, the grant provides financial assistance to PGA Associates pursuing their Class A PGA membership, helping alleviate the financial burden associated with completing the PGA Professional Golf Management Program.
For Capo, a United States Army veteran, the journey into the golf industry represents a new chapter built on service, perseverance, and a passion for helping others.
Following his military career, Capo found a new sense of purpose through golf, eventually pursuing a career in the industry and entering the PGA Professional Golf Management Program. His experiences have shaped his desire to make a difference through the game, particularly in the lives of fellow veterans.
“Being a PGA Professional, my goal would be to serve others, teach them about golf, but also share the experiences in life,” said Capo.
His story reflects the very purpose behind The Drew Grant: creating opportunities for aspiring PGA Professionals who share a commitment to the game and the people it serves.
The grant also carries a deeply personal connection to Drew Dunn, PGA, whose own journey in golf began as a caddie at East Lake before he worked his way up to become the club’s Head Professional.
“If Drew were still with us and this grant had been available, he would have been an ideal candidate,” said Chad Parker, PGA President/General Manager at East Lake and Vice Chair of PGA REACH Georgia. “To me, this is a meaningful way to turn an unimaginable tragedy into something positive—creating opportunities and making a lasting difference in the lives of others for years to come.”
As the first recipient, Capo hopes to continue his professional development while using his experiences to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly fellow veterans.
Capo was officially announced as the inaugural recipient during The Drew Pro-Am reception on Sunday, November 1st, at East Lake Golf Club, where a special video sharing his journey and the significance of the grant premiered for attendees.
Watch the video below to hear Mark’s story in his own words, from his military service to his pursuit of PGA membership, and learn what becoming the inaugural recipient of The Drew Grant means to him.
About The Drew
The Drew was established in memory of Drew Dunn, PGA, honoring his passion for golf, his spirit of sportsmanship, and his lasting impact on those around him. Hosted at the historic East Lake Golf Club, the event not only celebrates competitive excellence but also supports the mission of PGA REACH Georgia, impacting lives through youth development, military, and diversity & inclusion programming.
About East Lake Golf Club
Founded in 1904, East Lake Golf Club is Atlanta’s oldest golf course and the historic home of golf legend Bobby Jones. With a legacy of hosting many of the game’s premier championships, East Lake is one of the most storied venues in American golf. Beyond the game, the Club is deeply committed to community impact through its “Golf with a Purpose” initiative. Since 1995, it has served as the cornerstone of a transformative revitalization effort in Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood, led by the East Lake Foundation, and driven by the power of golf to inspire change and opportunity. Today, East Lake Golf Club stands as a national model for how the game can create lasting, positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
