The 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup recently honored 48 military veterans from across the country at the Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, NC.

Among those present were Sun City residents Terry Braun (United States Navy, six years of service), John DuTemple (United States Marine Corps, two years of service) and Toney Miller (United States Air Force, 21 years of service), as well as Surprise resident Matt Jackson (United States Army, 11 years of service).

Kicking off PGA Championship week, the Secretary’s Cup was contested by 12 teams of four PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) graduates and a PGA of America Golf Professional. More than a tournament, the Secretary’s Cup celebrates veterans and the PGA professionals who positively impact their lives.

PGA HOPE — the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation — is a rehabilitative golf program that introduces golf to veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being through a developmental, six- to eight-week curriculum taught by PGA of America golf professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. For over a decade, the program has served more than 50,000 veterans and active duty military.

The veterans arrived at Carmel CC with an escort from the Charlotte Metro Police Department, followed by an opening ceremony that featured the 208th Army Band, a presentation of the colors by UNC Charlotte’s Air Force ROTC and the National Anthem by country music singer/songwriter Blane Howard.

“You are the ‘why’ behind this program,” said PGA of America President Don Rea Jr., PGA master professional and owner/operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona) while addressing the veterans. “Today, you represent your branch of service, your PGA Section and the PGA Professionals who helped get you here. There is a combined 701 years of service to our country here today, and it’s an honor and a privilege to be with you.”

Held in conjunction with the PGA Championship, this annual event began in 2016 and is named after the Secretary of Veteran Affairs in recognition of the Memorandum of Understanding between the PGA of America REACH Foundation and the Department of Veteran Affairs. The MOU enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy.

“I want to thank you for representing the Veteran community, the PGA HOPE Program as well as the PGA of America,” said Chris Nowak, U.S. Marine Corps retiree and PGA of America military and veteran liaison. “You are true patriots and I hope that you go back and share this experience with other HOPE participants and carry it forward.”

Additionally, the Office of North Carolina Governor Josh Stein provided a special proclamation naming May 12, 2025, “PGA HOPE Day” in North Carolina. Since 2017, more than 1,500 veterans and active duty military in North Carolina have completed PGA HOPE programs, all at no cost.

Led by PGA of America golf professional and Navy veteran Jack Aschenbach, PGA HOPE North Florida captured the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup with a birdie on the last hole to finish 7-under. Aschenbach, a PGA HOPE instructor, led the winning team of U.S. veterans Dan Moore (Army), Chris Hundley (Navy), Felix Rios (Army) and Andrew Ramirez (Marine Corps).

“It’s a magical moment,” said Aschenback. “It means the world to me, being a Veteran, but it also means the world to me being a PGA Professional. I’m very honored to be part of the program and this team. We took care of each other out there on the golf course. We all had bad moments, but one of us always had each other’s back, just as veterans do.”

Team North Florida’s round started and ended in style as Rios made a 50-yard pitch shot for birdie on the first hole, while Moore ended the round making a 12-foot birdie to win the Secretary’s Cup.

PGA HOPE Michigan captured the Journey Award, recognizing the importance of the overall journey for all who take part in the program. Doug Temple, a PGA of America golf professional at Maple Leaf Golf Course, who serves as an instructor for the PGA HOPE Program in Linwood, MI, participated alongside veterans Ruben Rodea (Army), Pat Shannon (Air Force, Army Reserves), Rick Holbrook (Army) and Chuck Bootz (Army).

Along with the Journey Award, Golfpac Travel donated a dream Orlando golf vacation to the PGA HOPE Michigan Team.

As part of the overall Secretary’s Cup experience, the veterans and PGA of America golf professionals attended a welcome celebration and a Taste of Charlotte dinner at the Nascar Hall of Fame.

PGA HOPE and the Secretary’s Cup are made possible by a donation from the Kim Family.

Additional support of the Secretary’s Cup came from Altria Client Services and Flag & Anthem, who provided team apparel for veterans, PGA of America Golf Professionals, volunteers and staff.

The PGA of America REACH Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. Visit PGAREACH.org for more information.