Lincoln, NE – Described as their ‘Super Bowl’, 104 PGA HOPE Nebraska graduates gathered at Hillcrest Country Club for the sixth annual PGA HOPE Nebraska Cup. One of the most special days of the year, the current and former military personnel were divided into teams based on the military branch they represent for a competitive scramble. In addition to the competition, the day allows for the PGA HOPE graduates to meet other individuals from different classes and the camaraderie through shared experiences makes it that much more important of an event.

“For both our staff and our Members, this is an event we look forward to hosting each and every year. It’s a small way for us to give back to the people that have given so much to us”, said Director of Golf Mike Brown, PGA of Hillcrest Country Club.

Vena Alesio performed the national anthem and the American Legion Post 3 presented our nation’s colors before play began. The shotgun start kicked off at 10am and the annual event was underway.

Teams of 8 were divided up into teams of 4, with one half of the team playing the front nine and the other playing the back nine. They combined their 9-hole scramble scores for a complete 18-hole team score. Every branch of the military was represented, including the U.S. Space Force for the first time. For the second straight year, the U.S. Army captured the title with an impressive score of 67 (5-under).

“The golf course was beautiful and the day was a special one to be apart of. When I signed up for PGA HOPE, I didn’t realize the experience would continue after the original program. Being able to stay engaged through events like today’s HOPE Cup is awesome”, said Army Veteran Chris Jensen.

“This entire experience has been incredible. At the end of the day, golf and PGA HOPE gives us a chance to turn off life for a few hours and allows us to focus on something we enjoy. I can’t thank all of the PGA Professionals enough that donate their time to this program. You’re all making a real difference”, said Army Veteran Jay Bottorff.

The competition is fun, but the true point of the day is to connect Veterans and military personnel with one another and that’s exactly what the PGA HOPE Nebraska cup has done and continues to do.

To date, the program as a whole now has welcomed more than 800 graduates to their family in a seven year span with more than 200 graduating in 2025. The mission of PGA REACH Nebraska is to positively impact lives through the game of golf and that’s the best way to sum up PGA HOPE and what the program is doing across Nebraska.

PGA HOPE Nebraska has more momentum than ever and the program is only going to keep growing. If you are a Veteran or know someone that would benefit from this program, click HERE to learn more.

We want to thank Director of Golf Mike Brown, PGA, Head Golf Professional Sonya Freese, PGA and the entire staff at Hillcrest Country Club for once again hosting a tremendous event. We look forward to our next engagement activity with our TopTracer Range Day next one deck for our PGA HOPE graduates in an effort to celebrate Veterans Day!

ABOUT PGA REACH NEBRASKA

PGA REACH Nebraska is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and the charitable arm of the Nebraska Section PGA. PGA REACH Nebraska is program-based and supported by the Nebraska Section PGA Golf Professionals. PGA REACH Nebraska’s mission is to positively impact lives through the game of golf. The Foundation has 3 core pillars of focus: Military, Youth and Inclusion. Each pillar is supported by programs that are executed to carry out our mission.

ABOUT PGA HOPE

PGA HOPE is a 6-week program that provides military veterans with free golf experiences taught by PGA Professionals. Upon completing the program, Veterans are considered “graduates” and will remain engaged every year through other PGA HOPE activities and events provided by PGA REACH Nebraska. Learning and playing the game of golf is a proven activity that has positively impacted thousands of veterans nationwide. PGA HOPE is a program that is truly making a difference, as golf has become a therapeutic part of the rehabilitation process for many veterans with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.

ABOUT THE NEBRASKA SECTION PGA

The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of over 340 PGA Members and PGA Associates who strive to promote the enjoyment and growth of the game of golf.  The Nebraska Section PGA encompasses the entire State of Nebraska, western fifth of Iowa and a small portion of South Dakota including Dakota Dunes and Yankton.  The Section office is located in Lincoln, NE and acts as a resource for local and national golf information for the golf professional and amateur player alike.  Our members are often referred to as “Club Professionals”, not to be mistaken as PGA Tour Professionals.