Charlotte, NC – In the midst of the PGA Championship, everyone wants to win the 2025 Secretary’s Cup. But no one wanted it more than the defending champions, Team Carolinas.
The Secretary’s Cup was held on Monday, May 12 at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This annual event was named after the Secretary of Veteran Affairs in recognition of the Memorandum of Understanding between PGA REACH and the Department of Veteran Affairs. The annual tournament held the Monday before the PGA Championship celebrates our PGA HOPE Graduates from around the country.
12 teams made up of four PGA HOPE Graduates and one PGA Professional arrived in Charlotte ready to compete. The Carolinas team was represented by PGA HOPE Wescott, led by PGA Professional, Richard Sierzega, PGA. This was Richard Sierzega’s first time competing in the tournament and while not a veteran himself, the passion runs deep as his wife is an Air Force veteran. The rest of the team is composed of:
- Caleb Vanderhorst – Navy, E-6, 2017-Present
- Greg Miller – Army, E-9 Sergeant Major, 1984-2007
- H.P. Bordeaux – Air Force, E-7 Master Sergeant, 1992-2016
- Ryan White – Air Force, E-5, 2016-2024
The weekend of events started off on Saturday night with a welcome event for all the participants and PGA Professionals at Carmel Country Club. At the Club’s pool deck and short game area, everyone got the chance to get to know each other while enjoying delicious food, taking part in friendly competition at the short game area, and even making a custom hat at the custom hat bar! It was the perfect way to get the Secretary’s Cup started, and prepare for the practice rounds in the morning.
On the eve of the Secretary’s Cup, participants gathered at the iconic NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte for a memorable evening before the competition began. After a full day of practice rounds, attendees enjoyed dinner and had the opportunity to explore the historic venue.
Monday was competition day and it was also North Carolina PGA HOPE Day! The teams were up bright and early for competition on a rainy Monday morning, but were quickly woken up with the excitement of a police escort to Carmel Country Club! The opening ceremonies started off with a thank you to our veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country from PGA’s HOPE Military and Veteran Liaison, Chris Nowak and PGA President, Don Rea, PGA.
The competition began in style, with each team walking up to their chosen entrance music. The Carolinas team led the way, teeing off at 9 a.m. to the electrifying sound of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” setting the tone for the day.
While the rain was relentless, the teams showed even greater determination. The Carolinas team fought through the elements and recorded four birdies, finishing an impressive 4 under par.
A weekend of camaraderie, resilience, and respect wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding support of many. Sincere thanks go to Carmel Country Club and its dedicated staff for hosting the event, and to the NASCAR Hall of Fame for an unforgettable Sunday evening. Special appreciation also goes to PGA REACH for their invaluable support in making this event a reality.
The celebration continues all week long with opportunities for the public to engage and support the mission:
- PGA HOPE Tee-Off Concert – Friday, May 16 at Symphony Park
- A brand-new addition to Championship Week, the concert features headliner Sol Fusion and opener Simplified Trio from 6:00–11:00 PM. Tickets are $25 GA / $85 VIP (open bar), available now at etix.com. Proceeds benefit PGA HOPE programming across the country.
- PGA HOPE Carolinas Raffle – Open All Week
- Supporters can enter to win top prizes including an Original Cassy Tully Painting, ClicGear 4.0 Push Cart, Shokz Open-Ear Headphones, Vortex Rangefinder, and a Justin Thomas–signed 2017 PGA Championship pin flag. Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100. Proceeds benefit PGA HOPE programming across the Carolinas.
- Buy your ticket HERE
In the end, congratulations are in order for Team North Florida, who emerged victorious with a remarkable score of -7. Well done!
PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup Past Results
2016 – Team Long Island at Fiddlers Elbow Country Club | Bedminster, New Jersey
2017 – Team New Jersey at Charlotte Country Club | Charlotte, North Carolina
2018 – Team New Jersey at Whitmoor Country Club | Weldon Spring, Missouri
2019 – Team Charleston at Bethpage State Park | Farmingdale, New York
2020 – Cancelled due to COVID-19
2021 – Team Kiawah Island at Osprey Point Golf Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort | Kiawah Island, South Carolina
2022 – Team New Jersey at The Club at Indian Springs | Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
2023 – Team Northern Texas at Penfield Country Club | Penfield, New York
2024 – Team Parris Island at the University of Louisville Golf Club | Simpsonville, Kentucky
2025 – North Florida at Carmel Country Club | Charlotte, North Carolina
Click here to view the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup Leaderboard!
Password: PGASECCUP25
Click here to learn more about the 2025 Secretary’s Cup
About PGA HOPE Carolinas – PGA HOPE Carolinas (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is an adaptive golf program offered by our PGA Professionals as a rehabilitation tool to improve our Veterans’ quality of life by enhancing their mental, social, physical, and emotional well-being. There is NO COST to our Veterans. We serve our Veterans at twenty-six locations in North and South Carolina with an emphasis on helping those with physical and emotional disabilities that would most benefit from our initiatives.