PGA WORKS Activation at 2024 PGA Championship

The trip consisted of varying activities, both on and off the golf course. On Saturday, May 11th, all twelve PGA HOPE teams arrived for the Secretary’s Cup. The first stop was the famous Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Partnering with Direct TV, a fantastic day was planned for everyone involved, including a welcome dinner, a Churchill Downs ground tour, and a special appearance of the Wanamaker Trophy from the PGA Championship for a great photo opportunity.

“I had not expected the welcome reception to be as grand as it was. I truly felt like I was part of something great,” said Mudie looking back at the experience. “It was also fun to see people dressed up in derby outfits!”

The second day of the activation was spent at the host site for the Secretary’s Cup, The University of Louisville Golf Club, a 19-minute drive from the 106th PGA Championship location Valhalla Golf Club. The day enabled the Veterans and PGA of America Members to prepare with their teams, get to know the other teams attending from different states, and allow the WORKS Fellows to spend time with the participants.

A portion of these celebrations included having all participating Veterans to dedicate their experience and round to a fallen service member. A board was then placed on the tee box of the 9th hole for all to see when passing by. It was an emotional experience for many Veterans to see the dedicated names. 

The official day of the Secretary’s Cup was on day three. The WORKS Fellows arrived at The University of Louisville Golf Club early in the morning where all 48 Veterans prepared for a skills challenge competition and interviews before teeing off. The 11 WORKS Fellows were each assigned as a standard bearer for a team for the 9-hole scramble competition. Alex Mudie was assigned to team Nebraska.

“It was a fantastic day on the golf course, and team Nebraska ended up four under for the day,” stated Mudie. “Part of what made Team Nebraska so special was that one of the team members is a WORKS Fellow herself!”

The final day of the activation was spent at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. The WORKS Fellows attended and assisted with PGA WORKS Beyond the Green. The idea behind these events is to increase youth participation and diversify the sport. The event was hosted at PGA Club within the PGA Championship grounds with about 60 students in attendance. The event featured activations, a live panel, and a lunch with fantastic leaders such as Krissi Florian, Vice President of Production Management at CBS Sports. The aim of this day was to inspire the next generation while educating them on opportunities available to them within the golf industry. Alex Mudie, together with the other WORKS Fellows were fortunate to receive complimentary tickets to the practice round and enjoyed the rest of the day at Valhalla.

This trip was Alex Mudie’s first experience with the PGA HOPE and gave her an insight into the impact the PGA REACH has on our nation’s Veterans and active duty service members. It was an unforgettable trip and a great way to allow the WORKS Fellows to see the dedication that goes into creating a safe space for all who have served and are currently serving.

“The trip opened my eyes to the lifelong effect golf can have, and I am grateful to be a part of such an incredible association.”