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Day turned to night, but the energy never wavered at Sweetens Cove Golf Club. On June 22, golfers, PGA Professionals, and military heroes united for the third Operation 24 fundraiser, a signature event for the Tennessee PGA dedicated to changing veterans' lives through the game of golf.
Operation 24 represents a powerful promise: Stay up for those who stood up. This unique golf event brings together PGA Professionals and amateurs to support PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) the flagship military program of PGA REACH. PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans and active duty military personnel with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well being through free programs led by adaptively trained PGA Professionals.
Since its inception in 2023, the fundraiser has continually evolved its efforts to generate resources for PGA HOPE local programs. The dedication of the Tennessee golf community has translated into substantial impacts over time.
Funds raised through this campaign goes toward future veteran programs, ensuring that the therapeutic benefits of the sport remain free of charge for those who served. The 2026 edition featured a shift in format, pivoting to a multi-wave tournament structure. The event hosted three sold out, 18-hole waves that played the fairways of Sweetens Cove at 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 8:00 PM. The evening wave offered participants a true bucket list experience: the rare opportunity to play one of the country's most celebrated nine-hole courses under the lights.
The reason why belonged to the 12 veteran representatives traveling from PGA HOPE programs across the state of Tennessee. Stations were set up at designated holes, giving participants a meaningful chance to connect and hear first hand stories of the PGA HOPE impact. The veterans were not just there to talk, they were there to play. Teams had the chance to use the veterans' shots on these select holes, directly contributing to their overall team score.
Ultimately, this incredible day would not have been possible without the collective effort of the community. A massive thank you goes out to all of the participants who signed up and braved the weather to play. Everyone was grateful to the PGA HOPE Veterans in attendance on such a special day, hearing the powerful impact stories will inspire others and ensure that the vital mission of PGA HOPE continues to thrive.
On June 29–30, 2026, Oak Ridge Country Club played host to one of the premier events on the Tennessee PGA tournament calendar: The Goat Turf Players Championship. The 36-hole individual stroke play event brought together top talent across four divisions; Professional, Senior Professional, Amateur, and Senior Amateur all competing for glory on a challenging stage.
Since its inception in 2012, the Players Championship has provided a backdrop for incredible performances and heroic finishes. The tournament history distinguishes repeat winners in the Professional Division, including:
● Johan Kok, PGA (2015, 2021)
● Loren Personett, PGA (2012, 2017)
The Senior Division has similarly featured multi-time champions who have left their mark on the event, including Bill Breen, PGA (2020, 2022), Buzz Fly (a) (2013, 2017), Audie Johnson, PGA (2014, 2016, 2023), and Jared Melson, PGA (2018, 2021).
Congratulations to Eric Ansett for capturing the Goat Turf Players Championship title in dominant fashion. Ansett came out firing in the opening round, putting together a flawless display of golf to post an impressive 7-under par. His stellar performance immediately launched him to the top of the leaderboard, tied for the Day 1 lead with Jacob Parton (a) amid a crowded field of contenders.
Refusing to take his foot off the gas on Day 2, Ansett kept the momentum rolling as aggressive charges were made across the leaderboard. Carding a spectacular 8-under par in his final round fueled by an incredible 8 birdies, Ansett closed out a well deserved victory with a staggering 15-under par over 36 holes.
The Senior Division provided high drama from the opening tee shot, with a talent stacked field leaving zero room for error. Jake Reeves, PGA, Director of Instruction at Fox Den Country Club, opened the championship with a stellar 6-under par. That put him tied for second place heading into the final round, well within striking distance.
Reeves kicked things into high gear on Day 2, pouring in 9 birdies during a final round surge to match the tournament low. Finishing at a remarkable 15-under par for the event, Reeves found himself locked in a tie at the top with leader after Day 1 Jeff Lyons, PGA, sending the Senior Division into a sudden-death playoff. Showing steady resolve under pressure, Reeves sealed the deal on the second playoff hole to secure the title and hoist the trophy.
This past month, Tennessee PGA Member Adam Forgey captured a monumental victory at the 77th Tennessee State Open, battling through severe weather and a sudden-death playoff at The Grassland Club’s Fairvue Course to secure his first State Open title.
Forgey, the 37-year-old Manager of Player Development at Fairfield Glade, posted a final round 5-under 67, the low round of the day to finish regulation tied at 13-under par alongside amateur Seth Smith.
Trailing by two strokes with three holes remaining, Forgey surged down the stretch as torrential rain hit the course, converting a clutch four foot par putt on the 72nd hole to force extra holes. Returning to the 18th hole for the playoff, Forgey safely parred to seal the victory.
With the victory, Forgey became the first PGA Professional to win the Tennessee State Open since Kip Henley in 1997, who also accomplished the feat while working at Fairfield Glade.
Forgey earned low professional honors alongside the coveted championship trophy.
