We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Corwin Parker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Corwin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
The mission behind Swing Fore MS is deeply personal. Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 29, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and uncertainties that come with living with an autoimmune disease. My mission is not only to raise awareness and fund research for MS but also to show that no matter what life throws at you, you never give up. It’s about getting back up every time you get knocked down and continuing to fight—for yourself, for others, and for future generations who shouldn’t have to face the same struggles. This mission is meaningful to me because I don’t want my kids or anyone else to worry about this disease. I want to be part of creating a world where MS isn’t something people have to live with or fear. Every event, every swing, and every dollar raised brings us one step closer to a cure, and that’s a fight worth taking on.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I majored in Real Estate Finance in college, but I graduated just as the market crashed, which led me to pivot into hospitality. My first role was as a Golf Sales Manager for several 5-star resorts, and I quickly discovered that golf was my passion within the hospitality world. Over the years, I worked on the property side of the business, forming strong relationships and learning everything I could about the golf industry. These experiences have shaped my career and helped me create a strong foundation in golf and hospitality.
Today, I work for Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR, a global leader in golf travel, managing the East Coast. My role allows me to leverage my years of experience and the relationships I built while working at resorts to help golfers plan incredible trips to some of the best courses across the country. I bring the expertise I gained from the property side into my current position, allowing me to offer valuable insights and build deeper connections with suppliers.
In addition to my career, I also run the Swing Fore MS charity, which was a natural fit for me given my background in golf and my personal experience living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The charity combines my love for golf and my drive to make a real impact in the lives of those affected by MS. By hosting charity tournaments and events, we raise funds to support MS research and provide awareness about the disease, all while celebrating the golf community and the power of giving back.
What sets me apart from others is my unique blend of experience in both the golf and hospitality industries and my ability to build strong relationships that benefit both clients and partners. I truly believe in the power of collaboration and doing things with purpose. I’m most proud of the Swing Fore MS charity and the difference it’s already making in helping find a cure for MS, especially knowing that I’m helping others while doing something I love—playing golf.
What I want potential clients and followers to know is that I’m deeply committed to what I do, whether it’s in golf travel or in supporting the MS community. I work tirelessly to bring people together around causes that matter and create unforgettable experiences that benefit both the individual and the community. My goal is to continue making a meaningful impact and to help others find joy and purpose through the things that matter most, like spending time with friends and family on the golf course united for a good cause.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that truly highlights my resilience comes from the moment I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). At 29, I started experiencing symptoms that I couldn’t ignore, but it took several doctors and a lot of time before I was finally diagnosed. I knew something was off, but no one seemed to have answers. I had to be my own advocate, persistently pushing for further testing and eventually demanding an MRI.
When the results came back, they confirmed what I had already suspected—I had MS. That moment was a turning point for me, but it also reinforced the importance of never giving up. It would have been easy to feel defeated or give up, but I knew I had to keep moving forward. Each time I felt knocked down by this illness, I got back up and kept fighting, not just for myself but also for others who are facing the same challenges.
This experience taught me the value of resilience—it’s about showing up, even when things feel uncertain, and staying committed to overcoming obstacles. That mindset has carried me through both my personal life and my professional journey, including my work with Swing Fore MS, where I’m now focused on helping raise awareness and funds for MS research. My journey with MS has shaped the way I approach everything in life—it’s all about getting back up, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Have you ever had to pivot?
After my diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I realized I had to make a major shift in how I approached my work and personal life. For years, I had been working in the golf industry on property, managing events and relationships at 5-star resorts. The job required long hours, unpredictable schedules, and a lot of travel, which began to take a toll on my health. As my symptoms progressed, I found it increasingly difficult to keep up with the physical demands of the job.
I had to accept my physical and mental limitations and adjust accordingly. It wasn’t easy to let go of the fast-paced, high-energy lifestyle I had been used to, especially as I watched friends around me working crazy hours and chasing big paychecks. But what I realized is that success isn’t just about how hard you can work, it’s about how you can live a fulfilling life while taking care of your body and mind.
This shift happened around the time of COVID, when working from home became more common. Having the ability to work remotely gave me the flexibility to balance my career and my health. I no longer had to worry about working endless hours and unpredictable schedules. Instead, I focused on building a life that was comfortable, manageable, and sustainable for both my professional and personal well-being.
In many ways, accepting my limitations was the key to finding a new pace of life that I could thrive in. It taught me that you don’t have to follow the traditional path to be successful—you can create a life and career that works for you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swingforemultiplesclerosis?igsh=MWo4bjI3MWlmZHhnMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corwin-parker-26788b23/
- Other: eventbrite for tournament: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-swing-fore-ms-golf-tournament-seabrook-island-may-19-2025-tickets-1107928968369?aff=oddtdtcreator