PGA HOPE Michigan Wins GAM Champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award PGA HOPE Michigan has been named the 2026 Champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award recipient by the Golf Association of Michigan, honoring the program’s work to expand access, connection, and belonging in the game of golf for Veterans and Active-Duty Military. Dusty Hull, a former Michigan Army National Guard Sergeant who in 14 years in the military was deployed to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, said he struggled to find his identity in civilian life after leaving the service in 2019. PGA HOPE Michigan came to the rescue. “They gave me connection and purpose,” said Hull, who now serves as a PGA HOPE Michigan Ambassador. “It’s so much more than some golf lessons. I believe it’s life-saving. We find out someone recognizes us, that they find value in us and want to teach us something. I can’t express how much that means.” PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Led by PGA of America Golf Professionals, the program introduces the game of golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military through a developmental six-week curriculum. All programs are provided at no cost to all participating Veterans. As part of the program, participating PGA Professionals attend PGA HOPE certification training to gain knowledge on military culture and adaptive golf. Glenn Pulice, a PGA Professional and the General Manager at the Royal Oak Golf Center, is a member of the GAM Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and nominated PGA HOPE Michigan for the award. He is actively involved in the program by hosting his own PGA HOPE program and PGA HOPE instructor training sessions at his facility. “We see first-hand what it does for our Veterans, and the Michigan PGA has continued to facilitate and grow the program and do great things through golf,” he said. “The impact is incredible. You can see the reaction of the Veterans.” Michigan PGA Executive Director, Kevin Helm, said the section is humbled and honored to be selected by the DE&I Committee. “Our professionals and our staff see the benefit of the impact it makes in the life of Veterans, and it makes us want to do even more,” he said. “It’s a great program and we are so pleased the GAM has recognized that.” Helm said Madison Maurier, Player Development Coordinator and PGA REACH Michigan Activities Director, displays passion in running the PGA HOPE program for the section. Maurier called PGA HOPE her favorite part of her job. “It is a pleasure to give back to the Veterans who have done so much for us,” she said. “The PGA Professionals that instruct the programs, many haven’t served in the military, but they truly enjoy having a chance to serve the Veterans in this way. I’m honored to be involved. Everybody, I feel, is honored to be involved.” Maurier started with the program in 2022 with just three program locations and has witnessed dramatic growth. In 2026, there will be 26 program locations across the state with a total of 52 six-week sessions, serving an estimated 600 Veterans. “It’s a collective effort to serve and we plan to keep growing,” she said. “The camaraderie that occurs through the program is incredible. The Veterans are always telling us how surprised they are that PGA Professionals care about them and are willing to help them gain access to the game. They are surprised, and yet we think they should be recognized every day for what they have done for us.” | 