About Next 18
Next 18 is a Wisconsin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the mental health of veterans and first responders through the game of golf. Next 18 provides a variety of resources and training, including golf camps, peer support communities, and holistic life resource training. Although Next 18 does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, it offers valuable resources and support to veterans and first responders. Next 18 is a part of the PGA Tour’s “Birdies for the Brave” initiative.
Matt McDonell
Founder & Executive Director
Matt McDonell, originally from Detroit, Michigan, resides in Fox Point, Wisconsin. A U.S. Army veteran, Matt served as an Airborne Infantryman with the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), primarily stationed in Germany, and deployed to Afghanistan in a combat role from 2012 to 2013. He was medically retired in 2015. Since transitioning to civilian life, Matt has built a successful lawn and snow company, earned his MBA from Cardinal Stritch University in 2020, and received his Master of Social Work from Concordia University in 2023.
“I built this program to save lives. What I didn’t realize is, I was building it to save my own too.”
