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It’s official: May 12 is PGA HOPE Day in North Carolina!
Governor Stein has officially declared May 12, 2025, as PGA HOPE Day, recognizing the powerful impact this program has on Veterans and service members throughout our state.
Offered at no cost, PGA HOPE has served over 1,500 Veterans across 17 local programs in North Carolina — made possible by dedicated PGA Professionals, VA hospitals, and community partners. PGA HOPE Day is a celebration of resilience, recovery, and the unifying power of golf.
The celebration is happening all week long, with a series of events and raffles with the chance to win top-tier golf gear. All proceeds go directly to PGA HOPE Carolinas, supporting more Veterans on their journey through golf — always at no cost to them. Visit our website to learn more!
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🏆 🎰 ♠️ Congratulations to Chris Nieman and the rest of the team on winning the 2025 Las Vegas CPGA Pro-Am! They finished with an impressive -32 after three rounds! Thank you to Paiute Golf Club for hosting and to all who participated! #CPGA
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Join us in welcoming Mary Thomas, PGA and Andy Zachowicz, PGA to the Carolinas PGA Board of Directors! 🎉
Mary, Director of Golf at Bermuda Run Country Club, joins as the Piedmont Chapter Director, while Andy, Director of Golf at Statesville Country Club, will represent the Greater Charlotte Chapter.
Both bring a wealth of experience and a deep passion for growing the game. We’re excited to have their leadership and dedication shaping the future of the section!
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🏆 Congratulations to John Faidley, PGA for capturing the first Senior One Day at Cedarwood CC of 2025! Thank you to Adam Szoke and the rest of the staff at Cedarwood Golf Shop for hosting this event! #CPGA
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Counting down to golf’s biggest stage! ⛳️ Gary Williams hosts Johnny Harris and Derek Sprague at the 2025 PGA Championship Media Day at Quail Hollow Club. The excitement is building, and we’re just 76 days away from an unforgettable week of championship golf! #PGAChampionship #QuailHollow
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Last but certainly not least, congratulations to the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee, Mike Casto, PGA!
Mike Casto, PGA, is a distinguished golf professional with a four-decade career shaping the game and the Carolinas community. A West Virginia native, he began his career in 1982, earning PGA Membership in 1988. As Director of Golf and General Manager at Fort Jackson Golf Club (1990-2022), Casto transformed it into a premier military golf facility. He championed junior programs, PGA initiatives, and veteran support through PGA HOPE. A leader in the Carolinas PGA Section, he served as President (2012-2013) and chaired multiple committees. His contributions earned him a place in the Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in golf.
We are excited to honor Mike and all of our 2024 Special Award winners this Sunday, February 16!
Congratulations, Mike! Thank you for everything you have done for the Carolinas section!
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The 2024 Community Impact Award has been awarded to Kevin Reardon, PGA! Kevin currently serves as the Golf Director at Providence Country Club in Charlotte, NC.
Kevin is deeply committed not only to his golf facility but also to his community. In 2022, he and his wife founded the OliviaStrong Foundation to fight childhood cancer—a cause that is profoundly personal to him as a cancer dad. Through their efforts, they have raised nearly $450,000, supporting organizations such as St. Jude, Make-A-Wish, and Hemby Children’s Hospital in Charlotte. Kevin’s dedication has inspired many within the golf industry, including the McConnell Golf Family of Professionals, who have contributed through golf marathons and other fundraising initiatives to support childhood cancer awareness. Beyond fundraising, Kevin is passionate about educating the community on the realities of childhood cancer and advocating for better opportunities for those affected. His unwavering efforts continue to make a meaningful impact both on and off the golf course.
Congratulations, Kevin! Thank you for everything you do for the Carolinas section and the community!
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The 2024 Patriot Award has been awarded to Angel Diaz, PGA! Angel serves as the Director of Instruction at Project Golf in Myrtle Beach, SC.
As a U.S. Navy Veteran, Angel is dedicated to growing the game and removing barriers to golf through PGA HOPE. His work has had a profound impact on veterans, particularly in his Myrtle Beach community. Angel has led over 21 six-week PGA HOPE sessions, graduating more than 500 veterans, while training and managing a team of 17 instructors and 20 ambassadors. He also crafted the PGA HOPE curriculum and spearheaded the initiative to have May 9th declared PGA HOPE Day in South Carolina by the Lieutenant Governor. As a mentor, Angel shares his expertise with other PGA professionals looking to start their own programs. His dedication truly embodies the spirit of the PGA of America Patriot Award.
Congratulations, Angel! Thank you for everything you do for the Carolinas section and our country’s military!
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The 2024 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year has been awarded to Cynthia Graham, PGA! Cynthia currently serves as the Assistant Golf Professional at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
Cynthia joined The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in 1990, when few women were in the PGA of America. Over the years, she has taken on various roles, from managing merchandise to welcoming guests with a personal touch. Her long tenure has fostered lasting friendships with returning visitors. Beyond her club, Cynthia has been a trailblazer, serving as the first female on the CPGA Board of Directors and contributing to multiple committees. Passionate about growing the game, she leads junior and women’s clinics. She hopes her dedication inspires others to recognize the value of female professionals in the industry.
Congratulations, Cynthia! Thank you for everything you do for the Carolinas section!
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The 2024 Merchandiser of the Year - Public has been awarded to Casey Cook, PGA! Casey currently serves as the Director of Retail Operations at East Coast Golf Management.
Casey Cook believes in a two-fold philosophy, combining superior products and hiring high energy and professional staff trained by vendors, giving the ultimate golf experience placing the course at the forefront of the market. He is a dedicated retail professional with a passion for enhancing the golfing experience through strategic merchandising and exceptional customer service. Working alongside East Coast Golf Management, the team works together with a keen focus on offering a diverse selection of high-quality products. Casey ensures that the merchandise aligns with seasonal trends, customer needs, and the overall branding of the facility. By collaborating with top vendors and investing in high-energy staff, Casey ensures that team members receive professional training to effectively promote, display, and sell merchandise while adapting to seasonal and holiday sales trends. Through this philosophy of combining superior products with expert staff training, Casey continues to elevate the golf retail experience.
Congratulations, Casey! Thank you for everything you do for the Carolinas section!
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