MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (March 26, 2026) – The Carolinas PGA (CPGA) is honored to announce that a historic team of five Vietnam-era veterans from the PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach program has been selected as a national “Wildcard” to represent the Carolinas Section at the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup.
The prestigious event will take place May 9-11th at Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern, Pennsylvania, held in conjunction with the 108th PGA Championship. This year’s team is particularly significant: it is an all-Vietnam veteran squad led by a Vietnam-era PGA Professional, representing a generation that returned to a divided nation and is now finding a “full circle” of healing through the game of golf.
A Cornerstone of the “Golf Capital of the World”
PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach has become a vital pillar of veteran support in the Grand Strand. Since its inception, the program has graduated over 600 veterans, with 100 remaining active as ambassadors and mentors.
“I remember driving home from my first solo-run program and I was so overwhelmed I called my wife and told her ‘I found my place and I feel like I hit the lottery.’ Because of that impact in those short 2 hours that I experienced, I will never forget that feeling,” says Angel Diaz, PGA, Director of Project Golf, 2024 CPGA Patriot Award winner, and Program Lead.
“It really shows the impact of this program when you have veterans that come back week after week, back from 2019, to help serve and mentor other veterans. It says a lot about this program and the Myrtle Beach community.”
Meet the Team: The “Heroes Twice Over”
Gary Schaal, PGA (U.S. Air Force): A U.S. Air Force veteran (1966-1970), Schaal is a titan in the golf world as a Past President of the PGA of America and a Hall of Fame member. His commitment to PGA HOPE is deeply personal, teaching with a heart that understands the unique challenges Vietnam veterans faced upon their return.
Thomas O. Boyd (U.S. Marine Corps): A triple Purple Heart recipient, Thomas served with the 1st Marine Division in 1966. Once isolated by PTSD, he is now the program’s most active recruiter, having personally referred over 30 veterans. “Helping others helps me,” says Boyd. “PGA HOPE has given me a life worth living.”
Russell Combs (U.S. Army): A former 1st Lieutenant and Infantry Platoon Leader, Russell joined the program during the height of COVID-19 isolation. For five years, he has been the “steady presence” at every session, quietly mentoring struggling golfers and ensuring no veteran ever feels alone on the course.
Edward P. Courtney (U.S. Marine Corps): A former Captain and Communications Officer with Top-Secret clearance at “The Rockpile” near the DMZ, Ed graduated in 2024 and immediately became a lead ambassador. His calm, commanding presence makes him the “go-to” mentor for veterans dealing with acute anxiety and PTSD.
Robert “Bobby” Pappas (U.S. Army): A Communications Sergeant in Long Binh, Bobby’s story was famously documented in the book and film The Greatest Beer Run Ever. After decades of hiding his service, Bobby found his voice through PGA HOPE. A 12-step sponsor and legendary jokester, he uses humor and honesty to help fellow veterans overcome addiction and shame.
A Journey of Validation
For these men, the Secretary’s Cup is more than a tournament; it is the national recognition many were denied in the late 1960s and 70s. Competing on a national stage during PGA Championship week validates their sacrifices and celebrates their ongoing service to the veteran community.
“The Vietnam War was very controversial, and when we came home, a lot of us weren’t accepted. We just went back to our jobs and didn’t mention our service. But now, you can wear a hat that says you’re a Vietnam Veteran and people recognize and appreciate what you did,” says Russell Combs.
Talking about the growth and mentorship of this team, Angel Diaz adds that “this team is so deserving of this spotlight and opportunity to compete for the simple fact of how much they have given back to the program and the community. These men are heroes twice over—once for their service in Vietnam, and again for their service to their fellow veterans today.”
Follow the Journey
The Carolinas PGA invites the community to support these local heroes as they prepare for Pennsylvania. Fans and supporters can follow their practice rounds, travel, and tournament highlights on social media:
- Instagram & Facebook: @REACHCarolinas
About PGA HOPE
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. It introduces golf to veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The Carolinas Section proudly hosts 31 PGA HOPE programs, serving hundreds of veterans annually across North and South Carolina.