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Inaugural Southern Texas PGA HOPE Cup a Resounding Success, Uniting Veterans Through Golf
Veterans Gather for an Unforgettable Day of Golf, Celebrating Resilience and Camaraderie!
SPRING, TX - The Southern Texas PGA (STPGA) proudly hosted the inaugural STPGA HOPE Cup on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the prestigious Clubs of Kingwood - Lake Course. This groundbreaking event celebrated PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Southern Texas graduates, offering a day of camaraderie, competition, and community for Veterans and their families. The tournament not only honored their military service but highlighted golf's remarkable role as a rehabilitative and therapeutic tool.
The event welcomed 35 Veterans, representing various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, all of whom participated in a nine-hole golf tournament. These PGA HOPE graduates were paired with PGA HOPE Leads, the PGA of America Members and Associates who have supported them throughout their journey. The event was a testament to the transformative power of golf in fostering healing, resilience, and connection among Veterans.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome,” said Ximena Davila, Foundation Coordinator for the Southern Texas PGA. “This event isn’t just about golf, but about the perseverance, dedication, and camaraderie our Veterans have developed. The sense of belonging and support that PGA HOPE creates is truly something special. We are honored to play a part in their ongoing journey.”
The STPGA HOPE Cup began with an opening ceremony, featuring the Kingwood High School NJROTC Cadets presenting the colors and leading the National Anthem. Following this patriotic tribute, teams were set off in a shotgun start.
The tournament’s unique team-based format paired PGA HOPE graduates with PGA HOPE Leads, creating an atmosphere of shared effort and collaboration. After an intense but friendly competition, it was Team Golf Club of Texas that triumphed, claiming victory and the title of the inaugural STPGA HOPE Cup champions. The team was led by Jamie Smith, PGA Director of Instruction, who praised the powerful sense of camaraderie on and off the course that fueled their success.
“This event has created one of my most cherished PGA HOPE memories,” said David Cano, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and member of the winning team. “Being part of a team and playing in this event has meant the world to me. PGA HOPE has been my sanctuary, a place where I’ve found peace amidst the chaos of the world and my own mind.”
The success of the inaugural STPGA HOPE Cup was made possible by the generous support of its Presenting Partners: Donut NV, J.L. Lewis, Raymond James, and Zedcor Security Solutions. A special thanks also to Ron Zaborowski, PGA Regional Director of Tournament Sales, and the dedicated staff and members of the Clubs of Kingwood, whose exceptional efforts ensured the event ran smoothly and memorably.
Looking ahead, the Southern Texas PGA is excited to continue this tradition, establishing the STPGA HOPE Cup as an annual celebration of Veterans, their resilience, and the healing power of golf.
Click Here to view the leaderboard.
Click Here to view pictures from the event.
Click Here to learn more about PGA HOPE Southern Texas.
Click Here to view our recap video.
