Kiawah Island, SC – November 11, 2024

PGA REACH Carolinas successfully hosted its 7th Annual PGA REACH Carolinas HOPE Cup presented by TD Bank on Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11th, at the picturesque Cougar Point Golf Course at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. This celebrated annual event highlighted the transformative PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program, honoring the achievements of Veteran graduates and fostering camaraderie between military members, Veterans, and PGA professionals. The event was fittingly held on Veterans Day, which added to the joy and celebration of the day. 

Nineteen PGA HOPE programs composed of a dedicated PGA HOPE PGA Professional and four PGA HOPE Veterans competed. With teams representing diverse locations across the Carolinas, such as Buies Creek, Charleston, Fayetteville, and Myrtle Beach, the event exemplified PGA HOPE’s mission to enhance the lives of Veterans through golf.

The day before competition, practice rounds were held followed by a reception to kick off the HOPE Cup. Participants were given the opportunity to socialize and meet fellow PGA HOPE Graduates and teaching professionals. During the reception, World Long Drive Champion Jeff Crittenden, PGA performed and added to the excitement of the weekend. 

On competition day, teams arrived for the 9am shot gun start, and received a commemorative tee gift package, including items from TD Bank & Total Packaging Company. The HOPE Cup followed a 5-man scramble format.. The teams were split off into a front & back division with the top teams from each division participating in a playoff on the 18th hole. 

PGA HOPE Wescott in the back nine division posted a score of -9, while PGA HOPE Parris Island in the front nine division came in at -8, setting up a head-to-head 150 yard playoff on the 18th hole. Both teams birdied, sending the playoff into a chip-off. In the end, PGA HOPE Wescott clinched the win with their chip landing closest to the pin! PGA HOPE Wescott was led by Richard Sierzega, PGA, and Veterans Caleb Vanderhorst (Navy), Greg Miller (Army), Ryan White (Air Force), and H.P. Bordeaux (Air Force). They will go on to represent the Carolinas PGA at the prestigious 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup, held alongside the 2025 PGA Championship in Charlotte, NC next May.

During the awards ceremony, participants and PGA Professionals enjoyed lunch and closing regards on the back lawn of Cougar Point. Carolinas PGA CEO & Executive Director Jeff Abbot led the presentation, followed by remarks from Carolinas PGA President and Cougar Point Head PGA Professional Josh Wagaman. Lieutenant Colonel Retired John Brooker from UNC Veterans Law Clinic offered his services to the Veterans, and PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation Trustee, Linda McGuigan, Senior Vice President of Retail Banking at TD Bank, gave her thanks for their service to our country. The awards ceremony then crowned PGA HOPE Wescott as the 2024 PGA HOPE Cup champion, naming them the Carolinas representative for the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup

This day would not have been possible without the support of many organizations and individuals. The Carolinas PGA wants to thank the presenting partner of the event, TD Bank, for their support and willingness to serve Carolinas PGA HOPE Graduates. Generous gifts were provided by SoundGear, Local Patriot Roasting Company, Duke Cannon Supply Co., Oars + Alps, Gatorade, Golf Energy Bar’s 1st Tee bars, and thoughtful thank-you cards from 2nd through 4th graders from White Knoll Elementary in Columbia, SC. And finally, a tremendous thank you to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort President Roger Warren, PGA, Director of Golf Brian Gerard, PGA, Head Professional, Josh Wagaman, PGA and the entire KIGR staff.

Stay tuned for more news on the 2025 Secretary’s Cup and the journey of PGA HOPE Wescott!