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Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, the Secretary’s Cup continues to demonstrate the therapeutic power of golf for military Veterans. Held during PGA Championship week, the event highlights the physical and mental well-being fostered by the PGA HOPE program.
This year marked a historic milestone as the Tennessee PGA Section sent its first ever team of PGA HOPE Graduates to the national stage. Competing in a 5-person scramble alongside a PGA or LPGA Professional, the Tennessee team joined Veterans from across the country to showcase the resilience and community spirit at the heart of the program.
The Tennessee PGA Section is honored to recognize the team that proudly represented our Section this year.
Angela Hammontree | U.S Army: Serving as an Army Medic, Angela Hammontree spent years caring for others. Through PGA HOPE, she found a program that cared for her, offering a renewed sense of purpose and a network of lifelong friends. Today, she uses the game as a platform to share her story and heal.
“PGA HOPE gives Hope; PGA HOPE saves lives”, said Angela. “PGA HOPE may not have saved my life, but it certainly gave me one”.
Casey Willett | U.S Army: Though he grew up on a Louisiana golf course, Casey Willett’s relationship with the game took on an entirely new meaning after his six-year tenure as an Army Combat Medic, which included assignments at Walter Reed and in South Korea. Through PGA HOPE, Casey discovered that golf was more than a sport, it was a safe space for post-service vulnerability. Now, he focuses on paying it forward.
“I know what PGA HOPE has meant to me and the impact it has made on my life, and I want others to experience the same. It has truly given me a sense of purpose”, said Casey.
Shellie Smith | U. S Army: A Black Hawk mechanic deployed to Kuwait in 1990, Shellie Smith initially wondered if she would fit into a golf program. Her simple decision to try PGA HOPE completely transformed her outlook, helping her realize she was never alone in her post-service journey.
“What this program has done for me is immeasurable”, Shellie noted. “It was really moving how comfortable the sessions made me feel, and this program has really helped me come out of my shell. I want to take this experience and help bring others into it”.
Erik Dines | U.S. Navy: Originally from Detroit, Erik Dines enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2006, serving globally as a Seabee Utilitiesman. After discovering PGA HOPE in North Chicago and later Memphis, he found the sport’s demand for mental toughness and a quiet mind to be transformative. For him, PGA HOPE has been instrumental in building resilience and has been a game changer in curbing depression and anxiety by connecting him with a community of like-minded veterans.
“Representing Team Tennessee in our first-ever Secretary’s Cup was a humbling honor I will never forget”, Erik said. “Words cannot express my gratitude for PGA HOPE, the Tennessee Section, and especially our professionals. We might not have taken first place, but the profound impact this experience had on my teammates, and the doors it opened for future Tennessee veterans makes it a true win”.
Lamar Mills, PGA: As the PGA HOPE Lead for the Chattanooga Chapter, Lamar has turned his region into a powerhouse of engagement, bridging the gap between golf and community service. Under his guidance, the program has evolved from simple golf instruction into a thriving ecosystem where Veterans can find mentorship where Lamar has hosted over 1,000 rounds of golf.
“It was a true honor to lead the first PGA HOPE team from Tennessee to play in this event”, Lamar reflects. “I believe we have some very special things happening in the Tennessee Section, and it was great to showcase our Veterans and their incredible stories. I even had several participants comment to me about how they used some of our local program ideas to help enhance the PGA HOPE programs in their own Sections”.
Ultimately, while the national exposure and regional pride were significant, the true value of the historic week was found in the quiet moments between rounds.
“Being part of this team was an absolute honor, made even more special by the incredible leadership of PGA Professionals Lamar Mills and Jesse Grimes, who supported us every step of the way”, shared Casey Willett. “The entire Secretary’s Cup was a mind-blowing experience; at every turn, I just kept saying 'wow' at everything we were getting to be a part of. My son had recently passed away, and having this community to lean on was such a profound blessing during one of the most difficult times of my life. The game brought us together, but the memories and friendships we created there will truly last a lifetime”.
The gratitude for the opportunity to connect and represent Tennessee echoed deeply across the entire team.
“It was an honor to be amongst so many wonderful veterans while representing TN HOPE”, said Angela. The event and all the wonderful experiences leading up to it cannot be duplicated. In Philadelphia, many great memories and new friends were made. Thank you to all who made it possible for me to have been able to represent all my guys back in Chattanooga!”.
Looking ahead to the next decade of the Secretary’s Cup, Team Tennessee returns home changed. The competition may be over, but the true impact of the trip is just beginning. As Lamar Mills concluded, “The bonds that I created with each of the Team Tennessee members will last a lifetime for me.”
