Philadelphia, PA – During PGA Championship week, 12 teams from across the country gathered at Chester Valley Golf Club for the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup — an annual celebration of camaraderie, resilience, and the life-changing impact of PGA HOPE.

For the Carolinas PGA, this year’s event carried special significance.

Representing the Carolinas Section was a historic all-Vietnam veteran team from the PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach program, selected as a national wildcard team to compete on one of golf’s biggest stages during PGA Championship week. Led by Vietnam-era PGA Professional Gary Schaal, the team represented a generation of veterans who returned home to a divided nation and are now experiencing a full-circle moment of healing and recognition through the game of golf.

Team Carolinas was represented by PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach and led by PGA Professional Gary Schaal. The team was made up of:

  • Gary Schaal, PGA – U.S. Air Force, 1966–1970, Past President of the PGA of America, Vietnam veteran
  • Thomas O. Boyd – U.S. Marine Corps, Triple Purple Heart recipient, Vietnam veteran
  • Russell Combs – U.S. Army, 1st Lieutenant and Infantry Platoon Leader, Vietnam veteran
  • Edward P. Courtney – U.S. Marine Corps Captain and Communications Officer, Vietnam veteran
  • Robert “Bobby” Pappas – U.S. Army Communications Sergeant, Vietnam veteran

The team embodies the heart of PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach, a program that has graduated more than 600 veterans and built a strong culture of mentorship and support throughout the Grand Strand.

The weekend began with a welcome dinner and an evening on the par-3 course at Chester Valley Golf Club, where teams had the chance to connect and enjoy friendly competition while kicking off the festivities.

The 12 participating teams included PGA HOPE Carolinas, Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, New England, New Jersey, Northern California, Northern Ohio, Northern Texas, Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, and Tennessee.

On Sunday, participants played practice rounds before taking in the sights of historic Philadelphia aboard a double-decker city tour bus. That evening, teams gathered at the National Constitution Center for a Taste of Philadelphia welcome dinner, where PGA of America Secretary Eric Eshleman and Philadelphia PGA Section President Bob Hennefer addressed those in attendance and celebrated the impact of PGA HOPE across the country.

One of the most memorable moments of the weekend came when Team Carolinas received a standing ovation from everyone in attendance — a powerful show of appreciation for their sacrifice, service, and journey through the trials and tribulations of being Vietnam veterans.

For many on the team, the recognition was deeply meaningful.

As Russell Combs shared before the event, “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.”

For Thomas Boyd, the weekend offered a similarly profound sense of belonging. Reflecting afterward, Boyd shared, “For the first time in a very long time, I truly felt welcome home.” A Triple Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam veteran, Boyd said the camaraderie throughout the weekend was especially meaningful, noting how powerful it was to spend time laughing and competing alongside fellow veterans as equals. The standing ovation Team Carolinas received was particularly emotional for him. “I became emotional because, in that moment, I finally felt seen, valued, and welcomed home.”

Monday marked the official Secretary’s Cup competition. Teams were welcomed with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from PGA of America Secretary Eric Eshleman, The Honorable Samuel B. Brown, Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs, a presentation of colors by Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars District 16, the National Anthem performed by U.S. Army Veteran Tiffany McKeaney, and a parachute demonstration by the All Veteran Group.

Team Carolinas arrived ready to compete, walking to the first tee to Louis Armstrong’s iconic “What a Wonderful World.”

The team delivered a steady and impressive performance, finishing at 1-over par with eight pars and just one bogey.

Standout moments came throughout the round, including Bobby’s clutch chips, Gary’s consistent putting, strong drives from Thomas and Ed, and Russell’s approach shots — including a couple of unforgettable driver-off-the-deck moments that energized both teammates and spectators.

Following play, all teams gathered for a dinner and awards ceremony celebrating not just competition, but the deeper mission of PGA HOPE. Team New England was honored with the Journey Award, while Team Michigan claimed the 2026 Secretary’s Cup title with an impressive 4-under-par finish.

While only one team could hoist the trophy, Team Carolinas represented something far bigger than golf.

These men are, as PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach Program Lead Angel Diaz says, “heroes twice over — once for their service in Vietnam, and again for their service to their fellow veterans today.”

The Carolinas PGA extends sincere gratitude to the Philadelphia PGA Section, Chester Valley Golf Club, the National Constitution Center, PGA REACH, and everyone who made the 2026 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup an unforgettable experience.

About PGA HOPE Carolinas
 PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, introducing golf to veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social, physical, and emotional well-being through a developmental curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. The Carolinas Section proudly hosts 31 PGA HOPE programs, serving hundreds of veterans annually across North and South Carolina at no cost to participants.

See the official 2026 Scoreboard HERE