Lincoln, NE – For PGA HOPE Nebraska graduates, the annual PGA HOPE Cup has become much more than a golf tournament. Often referred to as their “Super Bowl,” the event brings Veterans together for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie and a shared love for the game of golf.

PGA REACH Nebraska welcomed 104 PGA HOPE graduates to Hillcrest Country Club for the Seventh Annual PGA HOPE Cup, continuing one of the Foundation’s most meaningful traditions. Representing their respective branches of the U.S. military, Veterans came together to compete for bragging rights while reconnecting with familiar faces and building new friendships along the way.

While the competition adds excitement to the day, the true significance of the event extends well beyond the leaderboard. The event provides graduates from different PGA HOPE classes and locations an opportunity to connect through shared experiences and continue the relationships they’ve developed through the program.

“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 Hillcrest Country Club Director of Golf Mike Brown, PGA.

The event featured a unique team scramble format, with each military branch represented by teams of eight Veterans. Those teams were divided into two foursomes, with one group competing on the front nine and the other on the back nine. Their respective nine-hole scramble scores were then combined to determine an overall 18-hole team score.

The format creates a fun and competitive atmosphere, but it also emphasizes teamwork, something that resonates deeply with the men and women who have served our country.

History was made at this year’s event as Team Marines captured its first ever PGA HOPE Cup victory in the tournament’s seven-year history!

Representing the United States Marine Corps, the eight-man team turned in an impressive performance, posting nine-hole scramble scores of 35 and 31 for a combined 66 (6-under par) to claim the 2026 title.

Congratulations to our 2026 PGA HOPE Cup Champions:

  • Dave Rabideaux
  • Vince Cruickshank
  • Adam Kircher
  • David Ossian
  • Travis Rust
  • Nick Hansen
  • Cody Krier
  • Tod DeChristopher

While Team Marines walked away with the championship and bragging rights, all 104 Veterans contributed to what makes this event so meaningful. The competition brings out the best in everyone, but the friendships, laughter and camaraderie shared throughout the day are what truly define the day.

PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of PGA REACH, introduces Veterans to the game of golf as a form of therapy and provides an environment that encourages physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Led by PGA Professionals, the program goes far beyond teaching the fundamentals of golf, creating a supportive community that continues long after graduation.

Events like the PGA HOPE Cup are a perfect example of that lasting impact.

PGA REACH Nebraska would like to extend a special thank you to Director of Golf Mike Brown, PGA, Head Golf Professional Sonya Freese, PGA, and the entire staff at Hillcrest Country Club for once again opening their doors and helping make this event possible.

We would also like to recognize Michael Zadalis and Modern Woodmen of Nebraska for their generous $4,000 contribution, along with the PGA Professionals, volunteers and supporters who continue to make PGA HOPE Nebraska such a special program.

Most importantly, thank you to the 104 Veterans who joined us for this year’s Cup. Your service, camaraderie and enthusiasm are what make this one of the most rewarding days on the calendar!

To learn more about PGA HOPE Nebraska or how to get involved, visit nebraskapga.com/pgahope.

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.