Nationwide Tour players visit veterans hospital

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LIVERMORE, Calif. -- Golf took a back seat to life and perspective on Tuesday as several Nationwide Tour players had a chance to visit the Livermore Veterans Affairs Medical Center and chat with a few of the servicemen at the facility.

Top: Jeff Klauk visits with patients at the Livermore Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Below: D.A. Points chats with a patient (Chemycz/PGA TOUR)

"Without their dedication, service and sacrifices, this country wouldn't be what it is," said Jeff Klauk, who is one of 144 players competing in this week's Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship at Wente Vineyards. Klauk, along with Joe Daley and D.A. Points took time to visit the 120-bed convalescent hospital that provides care for World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veterans.

The Livermore facility, opened in 1929 as a tuberculosis hospital, is now part of the VA's Palo Alto Health Care System and provides hospital service to more than 100,000 veterans in the Central Valley each year. The visit was the first for Klauk and Points, while Daley was making his second trip to visit the veterans.

"It's really easy to talk with them," said Klauk. "We all know people in our families that have served this country, and it's nice to just have a chance to chat with them, even for a few minutes, and try to give something back."

The three players used their time to shake some hands, talk about golf and hand out some hats to the men and women, many of whom will visit the golf tournament on Friday. "It wasn't something that I haven't done before. I just wanted to talk to them and find out what their lives have been like and what they're doing," said Points. "A lot of the guys just wanted to share their memories of playing golf all over the world."

All three players came away with a new sense of priorities and what's important in life.

"These men and women have done things in service to this country that we can never imagine. They went through the difficult times, and through their courage, we all have greater opportunities today," said Points.

"They did all of the hard work, and I'm playing golf for a living -- I feel very blessed and am thankful for all that they've done for us. The men and women serving in the military today are giving us the freedoms and advantages that we enjoy, and it just brings it all into perspective for us."