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Email: nflorida@pgahq.com Website: North Florida Office: (386) 256-1221
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December 10, 2025 marked a special day on the NFPGA calendar. Hosted at Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, the North Florida PGA HOPE Cup brought together teams of Veterans and NFPGA Golf Professionals for a day of competition, camaraderie, and powerful emotions. This event also served as a fundraiser, and every dollar raised was dedicated to directly supporting PGA HOPE North Florida and its mission. Through generous support, the Section raised approximately $1,500.
12 teams (four Veterans and one NFPGA Golf Professional) played in the Scramble format. Veterans came from the following branches of the military: Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. The teams displayed many of the traits that make our game so special and showed how golf can be a source of healing for those that gave their service to our country. Some Veterans have been playing the game for a while, and others took up the game only a couple of years ago. Regardless of when they started playing, they all share a passion for the game we love.
The winning team was comprised of Daniel Phillips (Navy), David Haire (Army), Brian Russell (Navy), Robert Sershon (Army), and Matt Hipps, PGA (Head Professional at World Golf Village – Slammer and Squire). They shot a total of 15-under, 57 on the par 72 layout. On holes 10 – 18, they totaled 7 birdies and an eagle on the par 5 13th hole! This impressive run helped them earn a two-shot victory.
A tournament like this highlights the impact of PGA HOPE. We thank the Veterans for their service and the NFPGA Golf Professionals who are Instructors. Each and every person is a special part of the North Florida PGA HOPE program!
Throughout the 2025 season, our Rolex Section Players of the Year played terrific golf, consistently won events, and were near the top of the leaderboard. They competed against strong fields and showed the poise needed to take home trophies.
Sandra Changkija, PGA – Assistant Professional at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, won the 2025 Rolex Player of the Year and 2025 Rolex Women's Player of the Year. Her impressive 2025 season included winning the NFPGA Section Championship and the Women’s Section Championship. She played well enough for a T2 in the NFPGA Professional Championship, a T4 finish in the E-Z-GO Stableford Championship, and a 5th place finish in the Pro-Pro Championship.
David Hronek, PGA – Teaching Professional at GOLFTEC – Sarasota, won the 2025 Rolex Senior Player of the Year. He made it to the winner’s circle in the Senior Section Championship/Senior PGA Professional Championship and the Senior Stableford Championship. He also came in T5 at the NFPGA Professional Championship and made it to the Quarter Finals of the Senior Match Play.
Andre Hammett, PGA – Assistant Professional at Aileron Golf Club, won the 2025 Rolex Assistant Player of the Year. His significant accomplishment during the season came when he won the NFPGA Assistant PGA Professional Championship. He also finished T5 in the Pro-Pro Championship.
Congratulations to Sandra, David, and Andrew!
