The road to Chester Valley Golf Club actually started yesterday, Sunday, May 10th. In a move that set the tone for the entire week, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro officially proclaimed that Sunday as the “Day of HOPE” across the Commonwealth. It was a powerful recognition of the resilience of our Veterans and the impact of a program that has changed the lives of thousands of service members across the country.
A Decade of Excellence
This year marks a major milestone: the 10th Annual Secretary’s Cup. Since its inception in 2016, this tournament has grown into what many call “Golf’s Major for Veterans.”
The event was established to coincide with the PGA Championship week, a tradition that has been a staple of the PGA of America REACH Foundation for over a decade. It was created to celebrate the partnership between the PGA and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it has since become the premier competitive stage for graduates of the PGA HOPE program.
A Salute to the Carolinas
Before the first scorecard was signed today, one team had already won the respect of everyone on the course. The Carolinas PGA Section arrived at Chester Valley with a roster made up entirely of Vietnam Veterans.
In a world that often forgets the sacrifices made by that generation, seeing these men compete on a national stage was a long-overdue “welcome home.” They represent the core mission of PGA HOPE, which is to provide Veterans with a new “platoon” and a sense of belonging through the game of golf. To the men of the Carolinas team… We Salute You.
Team Carolinas pictured above
Michigan Takes Home the Title
When it came down to the final holes of the scramble, it was Team Michigan that claimed the hardware. Led by PGA Professional Scott Vice, the squad, comprising Ryan Young (Army), Chris MacIntosh (Marines), Joel Collins (Army), and Roy Thomas (Marines), shot an incredible 4-under par to secure the victory.
Their teamwork and grit were on full display, proving once again that the discipline and focus learned in the military translate perfectly to the pressure of a national championship.
Why It Matters
PGA HOPE is more than just a golf lesson; it’s a 6-to-8-week curriculum designed to enhance the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of our Veterans. Today’s event at Chester Valley was the culmination of that journey for 12 teams from across the nation.
As we move into the PGA Championship week, the victory by Team Michigan and the “Day of HOPE” declared by Governor Shapiro serve as a reminder: for those who have served, the game is just getting started.
