Indiana Professional Golf Association
FRANKLIN, IN (September 21) — On September 21st, the Indiana PGA HOPE community gathered at The Legends Golf Club in Franklin for a special occasion—the inaugural PGA HOPE Cup. This first-of-its-kind event brought together 39 Veterans and 13 PGA Professionals in a fun-filled 9-hole team scramble. With teams composed of three Veterans and one PGA Professional, the tournament fostered a unique blend of camaraderie, teamwork, and competitive spirit.
More than just a day on the course, the PGA HOPE Cup provided an opportunity for Veterans to strengthen bonds, build lasting friendships, and share their stories in an environment that celebrates community. Veterans from different backgrounds came together, united by their love for golf and the support provided by PGA HOPE.
Paul Fletcher, a U.S. Navy Veteran, reflected on the day: “It’s great, I’m playing golf with two people I’ve never met before, we’re all telling veteran stories, we’re sharing… It’s fun spending time with veterans.”
Katryna Novelozo, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served from 2007 to 2020, added, “Since I left the military, it has been great to reconnect with other veterans that are doing something outside and competing together.”
The event also featured 2024 PGA Player Development Award winner Crystal Morse, Head Professional at The Legends, who was thrilled to be part of the day. “This was a day they could enjoy with their peers on the golf course, and just have a good time,” Morse shared.
At the end of the scramble, two teams were in a tie for first place. A putting competition was used to determine the winning team. Keeping all of their players in the game, Kenton Hobbs, Greg Garber, Adam Leedy and Travis McGovern became the event’s first championship team! 
The PGA HOPE program has seen significant growth in Indiana. It started with six locations and 11 programs and has now expanded to 12 locations and 23 programs. The program’s continued success highlights the transformative impact of golf in the lives of Veterans, providing them with an outlet for socializing, connecting, and building community.
PGA HOPE has become a vital resource across the country. In 2024, the program is projected to impact over 17,000 Veterans and Active Duty Military personnel nationwide, with more than 3,000 PGA Professionals leading the charge. The inaugural Indiana PGA HOPE Cup was a shining example of the program’s mission—enhancing the well-being of Veterans through the game of golf and offering them a new sense of purpose.
2024 PGA HOPE Cup Event Album
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. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.
PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy.
About the Indiana PGA Section The Indiana PGA Section is one of the 41 geographic sections of The PGA of America. Established in 1924, the Indiana PGA is dedicated to promoting the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contributing to its growth by providing services to PGA professionals and the golf industry. The section serves nearly 600 PGA members and associates in Indiana, providing educational programs, tournaments, and opportunities to grow the game. For more information, visit indianagolf.org.