T
he Indiana PGA HOPE community gathered at The Legends Golf Club in Franklin on Sept. 21 for the inaugural PGA HOPE Cup. This first-of-its-kind event brought together 39 Veterans and 13 PGA of America Golf Professionals for a lively nine-hole team scramble. Teams, made up of three Veterans and one PGA of America Professional, promoted camaraderie, teamwork and a competitive atmosphere.
The PGA HOPE Cup wasn’t just about golf; it provided an opportunity for Veterans to strengthen bonds, build lasting friendships and share stories. Veterans from all walks of life connected through their experiences and passion for golf. The supportive environment created by PGA HOPE was a testament to the program’s mission of fostering community and wellness.
“It’s great, I’m playing golf with two people I’ve never met before, we’re all telling Veteran stories, we're sharing. It’s fun spending time with Veterans,” said Paul Fletcher, a U.S. Navy Veteran.
Added Katryna Novelozo, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served from 2007–20, shared a similar sentiment. “Since I left the military, it has been great to reconnect with other Veterans while doing something outside and competing together,” she explained.
The event also featured national 2024 PGA of America Player Development Award winner Crystal Morse, Head Professional at The Legends Golf Club. “This was a day they (Veterans) could enjoy with their peers on the golf course, and just have a good time,” Morse reflected.
The scramble ended with two teams tied for first place, and a putting competition decided the winners. Kenton Hobbs, Greg Garber, Adam Leedy and Travis McGovern emerged as the event’s first champions.
PGA HOPE continues to grow in Indiana, expanding from six locations and 11 programs last year to 12 locations and 23 programs. The HOPE Cup showcases the positive impact the program has on Veterans, helping them connect, heal and build community through golf.
—Renee Adam
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon, will host the 2026 PGA Professional Championship. The four-day, 72-hole event will be contested on the Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes courses, April 26-29, 2026.
“The PGA of America is proud to take the PGA Professional Championship to one of the elite golf destinations in North America,” says PGA of America President John Lindert. “The PGA Professional Championship presents an elevated platform to display the skills of our talented playing professionals. Both Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes will offer exceptional challenges for all competitors.”
PGA Show Week 2025 begins with the world’s largest outdoor professional Demo Day, Jan. 21, at Orange County National Golf Center in Winter Garden, Florida, where the latest innovations from top equipment and technology brands can be field-tested at the Center’s massive circular range and 42-acre practice facility.
Workshops are offered throughout the day-long event in Coaching, Clubfitting, Fitness and Range Operations.
For PGA Show Demo Day details and PGA Show registration information, go to PGAShow.com.