It’s that time of year again.
When the new golf season is in full swing and people from all over start thawing out and thinking about their first range session, their first tee shot with the brand new driver they got for Christmas, or that first-birdie-of-the-season feeling. It’s a breath of fresh air and a new start representing a world of possibilities through a game we love.
As we look ahead to all of the excitement around the 2026 season, of course we look at major events and championships. We look forward to all the memorable moments and the momentum they provide to launch us into whatever lies next for the golf season ahead.
Part of this lineup of events, of course, includes the PGA Championship – this year’s 108th edition being held at the historic Aronimink Golf Club just outside of Philadelphia. Before balls are in the air for the second major of the year, another special event will be taking place just down the road at nearby Chester Valley Golf Club – the tenth annual PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup presented by American Airlines.
For our Veterans and Active Duty Service Members who have graduated from their hometown PGA HOPE program, the Secretary’s Cup is a unique experience for the participating graduates and their lead PGA of America Golf Professional. Established in 2016, the event is a salute to PGA HOPE and all that it stands for. The event also recognizes the PGA of America REACH Foundation’s long-standing partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In celebratory fashion, the tenth edition of this marquee event deeply embodies the spirit of PGA HOPE and how community, pride, passion, and a healthy dose of friendly competition come to a head for one weekend. Let’s take a closer look at who will be making the journey to Philadelphia as we gear up for another memorable weekend.
Team Philadelphia
The home team – hailing from Five Ponds Golf Club in Warminster, Pennsylvania – earned their trip to represent the Philadelphia PGA Section after winning the third annual PGA HOPE Philadelphia Cup presented by MedEast Post-Op & Surgical Inc. Led by PGA of America Golf Professional, Rick Flagler, the team includes two U.S. Navy and two U.S. Air Force Veterans Joe Dooley, Steve Fisher, Mike Rudart, and Craig Adams. As the host Section, the Philadelphia PGA is proud to support more than 20 PGA HOPE program locations throughout the region, serving more than 650 Veterans and Active Duty Service Members.
Team Northern Texas
The 2023 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup Champions are making their fourth consecutive appearance at the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. Michael Powell, Mary Wine, Jason Ogilvie and Foster Veronda all graduated from PGA HOPE last fall at the Ronny Golf Park in Frisco, TX with their PGA HOPE Instructor, Hanna Dickens by their side.
“Skill level aside, this team is built on good vibes, strong camaraderie, and a passion for golf,” says Hanna. “The stellar golf they can all play is a bonus to the amazing people they are and the great friendship they have with one another.”
A common denominator that runs through the whole team is their passion for the game and how it has transformed their lives, provided an outlet and renewed purpose on and off the golf course. Together, this team reflects on what makes the game special – the belief that golf is truly a game for everyone.
Team Northern California
Representing a proud and powerful community of Veterans, the Northern California Team is ready to make the journey, once again, to the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. Cliff Hanada, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, is a steady leader within the community and plays an important role in bringing Veterans together through the game of golf. Karen Neidner, an Army Veteran from Haggin Oaks, provides passion and resilience as the team’s emotional heartbeat. Ron Perez, a Marine Corps Veteran from Cypress Lakes in South San Francisco works to expand the program’s reach and ensure more Veterans have access to its impact. From the Santa Teresa PGA HOPE program in San Jose, John Penny, an Army Veteran, is known for his dedication and positive support of fellow Veterans. Leading the team is Shannon Kahahane, PGA, the Lead Professional at Lincoln Hills Golf Club and a U.S Navy Veteran. Shannon is a tireless advocate for the PGA HOPE community and works year-round to create meaningful opportunities for Veterans to connect, heal, and grow through golf.
Team New Jersey
The three-time Secretary’s Cup Champions will be looking to add some hardware to their trophy case when they make the short, but important journey down to Philadelphia. PGA HOPE has grown significantly in the New Jersey Section with now over 120 certified PGA of America Members and offers nearly 45 PGA HOPE sessions annually at 30 facilities. With more than 450 Veterans graduating from PGA HOPE every year, the New Jersey Section is capitalizing on the program’s surge and momentum. Leading Team New Jersey is the 2024 New Jersey Section Patriot Award winner, Rylee Plitz, PGA. She is teaming up with a distinguished group of Veterans including U.S. Army Veterans, Justin Key and Ernie Trent, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Michael Tozer and U.S. Navy Veteran Tom Canales.
Team Carolinas
The Carolinas PGA Section operates 31 PGA HOPE programs serving hundreds of Veterans annually throughout North and South Carolina. PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach is the Section’s flagship program – having graduated over 600 Veterans – and will be representing the Carolinas Section at the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. This all-Vietnam War Veteran team represents an entire generation that returned home to a divided nation. For this team, competing on a national stage is honoring an entire generation of quiet heroes. The team is led by Gary Schaal, PGA – a Vietnam War Air Force Veteran – who has created a bond of trust within the team that extends far beyond the golf course. The remainder of the team consists of U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and three-time Purple Heart Recipient Thomas Boyd, U.S. Army Veteran Russell Combs, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Edward Courtney, and U.S. Army Veteran Robert Pappas.
Team Connecticut
For the first time, the Connecticut PGA Section will be making its debut in the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. This inaugural appearance embodies the program’s mission – impacting and saving Veterans’ and Active Duty Service Members’ lives through the power of golf. Leading the squad is PGA of America Member, Bob Bigonette or “Coach Biggs” who has been instrumental in fundraising for the program’s mission in and throughout the communities in the Section. The team represents a powerful mix of military eras including U.S. Air Force Veteran Doug Lash, U.S. Navy Veteran Hiramis Perez-Gomez, U.S. Army Veteran Chirs Roeder, and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Dennis Withers. By competing on a national stage, Team Connecticut aims to prove whether you served in 1967 or 2020, the golf course can provide a level playing field for healing and community.
Team Indiana
Another team making its debut at the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup – the team from the Indiana PGA Section are shining examples of the power behind PGA HOPE and the level of impact it has on our heroes. Leading the team is PGA of America Golf Professional Crystal Morse who has headed the PGA HOPE program in Franklin for four years. The remainder of the team is made up of U.S. Army Veteran Daniel Heavrin, U.S. Army Veteran Jeremiah Runser, U.S. Navy Veteran Travis McGovern, and U.S. Army Veteran Jesus Sanchez. Each member has a different story, but a chapter in each of those stories includes how PGA HOPE has helped them overcome challenges and adversity. The five teammates are ready to represent the Hoosier State and all Indiana Veterans on a national stage.
Team Michigan
The Michigan PGA Section remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure the healing power of golf is felt and an accessible reality for all Veterans and Active Duty Service Members in the state. For 2026, Team Michigan is proud to be bringing a team centered on the theme “Back To Baseline – The Quiet Mission.” This theme reflects on the Veterans’ transition from a state of “free fall” toward a future of stability found through community and personal growth. Leading the team is PGA of America Golf Professional Scott Vice. He is joined by two U.S. Army Veterans, Ryan Young and Joel Collins and two U.S. Marine Corps Veterans, Chris MacIntosh and Roy Thomas. Together these men are no longer navigating their journeys alone, and are a cohesive unit proving that once a Veteran finds their baseline – they can stop falling and start to lead themselves and each other.
Team New England
This inspiring team is uniquely composed of civic-focused Veterans who prioritized true character traits during their military careers. The team will represent over 1,200 PGA of America Members and the more than 425 PGA HOPE Graduates within the New England Section. Led by PGA of America Member, Joel Jenkins – a proud father of a Senior Airman serving overseas in Japan – Team New England is made up of three U.S. Navy Veterans, Colleen Navius, Sherry Dellascio, and Kenny Celeste plus U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Blake Crist. Through the guidance and mentorship of PGA of America Golf Professionals across New England, these Veterans and captain PGA of America Golf Professional have embraced golf not only as a sport, but as a pathway to healing, connection, and renewed purpose.
Team Northern Ohio
Representing a vibrant and expansive PGA HOPE community, Team Northern Ohio truly represents how golf can create newfound community, restore purpose, and provide our heroes with lifelong opportunities. In 2026, the Northern Ohio Section will operate 22 PGA HOPE programs across the region through the dedicated leadership of PGA of America Golf Professionals and their heart and love for the game. Leading the team is PGA of America Member, Trevor Hazen who has spent more than 20 years working with individuals with disabilities and Veterans through the game of golf. The members of the team include U.S. Air Force Veteran Kevin Halbrook, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Zack Bennett, U.S. Air Force Veteran Francis Rawlings, and U.S. Army Veteran Jeff Raver.
Team Pacific Northwest
This is the Pacific Northwest Section’s first ever PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup team, made up of five Veterans from four different military branches and three different states – including Alaska, Oregon, Washington. Although there are many differences among their backgrounds, they come together to share the same goal – saving lives through golf and PGA HOPE. The team includes PGA of America Member and U.S. Air Force Veteran Josh Cantrell, U.S. Navy Veteran Ralph Brown, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Chris Houle, U.S. Army Veteran Kevin Wilson, and U.S. Army Veteran Clint Stayton.
Team Tennessee
Rounding out the field is the team from the Volunteer State, who are also the first team to represent the Tennessee Section of the PGA of America in the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. PGA HOPE in Tennessee has now grown to 12 locations. Lamar Mills, a 27-year PGA of America Member and Tennessee PGA Board Member, is a prominent PGA HOPE leader, having graduated over 250 Veterans. U.S. Army Veteran Angela Hammontree found renewed purpose through golf and now serves the program as a speaker and volunteer at high-profile events. PGA HOPE was a game changer for U.S. Navy Veteran Erik Dines. Still active duty, Erik has found resilience and a new community to engage with. His experiences with the game have acted to curb the depression and anxiety he has felt throughout his service. U.S. Army Veteran Casey Willett, who once thought injury ended his golf journey, now volunteers to share the program’s healing power. Former Blackhawk mechanic Shellie Smith, a U.S. Army Veteran, found community and peace through PGA HOPE and remains active in local leagues.
The stage is set for another memorable PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup, and for all the teams making their journey – whether it’s just down the road or across the country – this is their major championship. You can tune in via PGA HOPE social media channels all weekend long beginning Saturday, May 9 to get the latest updates from Philadelphia. Who will be the team to etch their names in the next chapter of the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup?
We can hardly wait.