Q&A with David Havens, PGA

Why did you become a PGA of America Golf Professional? 

"When I first picked up a golf club, I couldn’t hit the ball to save my life. For those first two years, my uncles never let me forget it—teasing me every chance they got. Spite became my fuel, and the drive to prove them wrong became stronger than anything else. By 13, no one in our Virginia County could beat me. Looking back, I’m immensely grateful for those moments. They lit a fire in me that shaped not only my game but the fighter I also became."

Why did you launch Spare for Change?

"I’m a firm believer in giving back, and for me, that means making the game of golf better and more accessible. I do this by sharing my knowledge and experiences with anyone eager to learn, and by removing barriers that often hold new players back. Equipment costs can be a major hurdle, but I make sure no one around me has an excuse not to play simply because they can’t afford clubs."

Spare for Change is a 501 (c) 3 that recycles clubs for kids and adults interested in playing golf. That's it. Our nonprofit has given out over 46,000 clubs in the past 15 years to new players, kids and adults. Spare for Change was started as a need-based nonprofit that gives options to those who want to learn the game of golf. 

What is your single best memory/moment running Spare for Change?

"We've been doing Spare for Change for 15 years. During that time, seeing the kids we've given clubs to that have grown and gone on to do amazing things has been so rewarding. There have been lots of times I have just stood back and watched the greatness that goes on at events. It ranges from teaching fellow PGA Members how to do what I'm doing to grow the game to the moment a kid in Nepal I taught the day before helped me coach his friends the next day. It was one of the biggest reasons for me to start Spare for Change in 2010."

What is your single best memory of being a coach?

"One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been watching Brendon de Jonge’s journey. I first met him in Zimbabwe, where he once had to borrow my shoes just to compete in the Zimbabwe Open. From those humble beginnings, he became one of my students, spending summers in Virginia with me to play top amateur events. I later coached him on the Nationwide Tour and eventually on the PGA Tour in 2007. Having a front-row seat to his rise—from Harare, Zimbabwe, to the world stage—was an absolute joy, and a reminder of how far talent, hard work, and perseverance can take someone."

Why do you love golf?

"Golf has taken me further than I ever dreamed it could—literally around the world five times. It gave me the chance to earn a degree at Virginia Tech, but the real education came from life on tour, learning from the people, places, and cultures I encountered along the way. Those experiences are truly priceless, and I owe them all to this game."

What is your coaching philosophy?

"Fundamentals and enjoyment by way of vanilla ice cream teaching. The goal is to make sure the setup is sound, posture is correct, stance is stable; while using the skills they bring to the lesson. Everyone is different in mind and body size. Embrace it instead of changing it."

If you didn't become a PGA of America Golf Professional, what would you have done professionally?

"I love the turfgrass side of the business and the building of golf holes. One of the best jobs I have ever had was teaching golf in Thimphu, Bhutan, which turned into rebuilding their main golf course in 2008. I went there to help start their junior golf program, but fell in love with building bunkers and tee boxes, which the R&A helped fund to bring the course to an international standard. It was a dream to be a part of that!"

How does golf impact your life?

"I ask all the time the people I meet how they ended up in front of me today? What decisions, good or bad, did they make to be at this table right now? Golf has broken my heart on more than one occasion, but also led me to Maui, where I met my wife and got us started raising kids. I will be forever grateful that I learned how to hit that 1-iron when I was a kid. Now it is my job to pass it on to the next in line."

Testimonials from Peers

“An accomplished golfer, a genuine golf professional, and an amazing father are the very least of the accomplishments of my friend, David. He has brought joy, passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to improving the game in a way others simply cannot. Golf is a better game with David’s attention to its youth and guidance towards the future. Spare for change started as a mission and has grown into a philosophy. I am proud to have worked alongside David, and will continue to support his journey to truly make a better game.”
~ Patrick Clary, PGA

"It is with great admiration and gratitude that I express my sincere appreciation for Mr. David Havens and his wonderful organization, Spare for Change. Mr. Havens’s dedication to our nation's service members has made a profound impact on the lives of combat veterans currently serving at the High-Altitude ARNG Aviation Training Site (HAATS) located in Gypsum, Colorado.

Through his generosity and commitment, Mr. Havens has provided free golf club sets to combat veterans, offering them not just equipment but an opportunity to engage in a sport that fosters camaraderie, relaxation, and mental well-being. Golf has long been known as a therapeutic outlet, providing a means for veterans to decompress from the demands of military service, and his initiative embodies the very spirit of giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

The impact of his efforts extends far beyond the fairways. By facilitating access to the game, Mr. Havens has strengthened the sense of community among our servicemen and women, encouraging them to find peace, focus, and enjoyment in a sport that continues to support their mental and physical well-being. His generosity is a testament to the power of kindness and the difference that one person can make in the lives of many.

On behalf of those who have had the privilege of benefiting from his selfless contributions, I extend heartfelt thanks to Mr. David Havens and Spare for Change. Your unwavering support for our veterans is truly inspiring, and your actions serve as a shining example of how generosity and compassion can positively impact the lives of those who serve our nation."

~ CW4 Darren E. Freyer, Standardization Instructor Pilot, HAATS

“David Havens is one of the most dedicated and passionate PGA Professionals I’ve ever been around. The time he puts into his non-profit Spare for Change is truly remarkable. And he does it because he loves the game of golf and wants to see everyone have an opportunity to have a club so they can learn the game. David is growing the game and his infectious personality has led to the incredible success of his non-profit."

~ Scott Ashworth, PGA (Aloha Section)

Articles of David Havens, PGA & Spare for Change