Team Michigan is heading to Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, NC to compete in the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. The Secretary’s Cup is a flagship PGA HOPE event held during PGA Championship week. It brings together teams of Veterans and PGA Professionals from across the country for a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and competitive spirit.
After taking the title at the inaugural Michigan PGA HOPE Cup back in September, this group of Veterans from the PGA HOPE Midland program has secured a wildcard spot at the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. For Team Michigan, this tournament isn’t about trophies—it’s about showing what’s possible when you take a chance, find your people, and lean into the game that keeps giving back.
Meet the Team
The journey of these four Veterans is united under one powerful team theme: “Beyond the Battlefield”. It’s a reminder that while their military service shaped them, it doesn’t define them.
Ruben Rodea
A retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and former tank mechanic, Ruben is no stranger to challenges—or championships. During his two decades in service (and five deployments to Iraq and Kuwait), Ruben learned discipline, resilience, and focus… all of which translate surprisingly well to the golf course. A lifelong golfer and proud PGA HOPE participant, Ruben helped lead his team to first place at the inaugural PGA HOPE Cup in Frankenmuth. Now he’s ready to take that experience to Charlotte with Team Michigan.
“Beyond the game itself, PGA HOPE has provided me with a meaningful connection to fellow Veterans, allowing us to share experiences and support each other. It’s a fantastic program that gives back to the veteran community across the state, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
Chuck Bootz
Chuck served in the U.S. Army during the 1970s as an artillery surveyor. After a successful 40-year career in construction management, Chuck picked up golf in retirement and quickly discovered that the game had more to offer than just a good walk spoiled—it became a path to healing and connection. Thanks to PGA HOPE, Chuck found a new kind of mission, one built on community and the joy of learning something totally outside his comfort zone.
“The PGA HOPE experience was great and has afforded me the opportunity to meet and Help Other People Everywhere and be able to participate in activities I normally would not be exposed to, not to mention, learn.”
Rick Holbrook
Rick’s Army career came to an abrupt halt after a severe back injury during service in South Korea. The pain was chronic. The adjustment? Brutal. Golf seemed impossible—until he joined PGA HOPE. With coaching, encouragement, and camaraderie from fellow Veterans, Rick found his rhythm again. Today, he’s golfing smarter, not harder, and credits PGA HOPE with improving both his physical well-being and positive mentality. Rick is proof that you don’t have to look “injured” to be battling something—and that a strong community makes all the difference.
“I love golf, but found it frustrating to play at times due to my limited range of motion. When I was asked to join PGA HOPE, little did I know how it would change my life. PGA Professionals Doug Temple and Mitch Bos showed me how I could overcome my disability and improve my golf performance using their training. I’ve met other Veterans who also have disabilities, the camaraderie and socializing has improved my psychological well being, I’ve made life long friends. I also feel better physically, I’m no longer making my body do things it can’t, I work with my limitations.”
Pat Shannon
Pat’s military career spans over 21 years, with time spent in both the U.S. Air Force and Army Reserves. He’s repaired antennas in Greenland, underground missile cables in Montana, and now, thanks to PGA HOPE, his golf swing in Midland. Pat’s presence on Team Michigan is grounded in experience, steady leadership, and a great sense of humor. His approach to the game is simple: hit it straight, keep your cool, and make some new friends along the way. So far, mission accomplished.
“PGA HOPE was a very helpful and enjoyable time with the pros and other Veterans involved in the program. Mr. Doug Temple showed those of us that needed it the rights and wrongs of golf and helped me tweak the shots that I needed help with. Hopefully more Veterans can find out about this great program because it is a great way for Veterans to meet other Veterans and enjoy the day outside.”
The Leader Behind the Legends
Guiding the team is PGA Professional Doug Temple, a passionate advocate for Veterans and a key driver of the PGA HOPE program in Michigan. Doug’s commitment goes far beyond golf lessons—he’s helped establish statewide outreach programs, supported military families, and championed mental health initiatives for Veterans. Under his guidance, PGA HOPE Midland has become a community, not just a program. Doug’s mentorship has been instrumental in helping this team prepare for the Secretary’s Cup, both on and off the course.
“I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful to be given a platform to support our military through PGA HOPE, a program that has truly become the most fulfilling experience of my career. The participants in PGA HOPE are true heroes—individuals who have fought for our freedom—and it is a privilege to use my skills and time to help support their journey in the game of golf.”
Looking Ahead to Charlotte
As the 2025 Secretary’s Cup approaches, Team Michigan stands ready—not just to compete, but to represent the strength, growth, and camaraderie that defines PGA HOPE.
Their journey from service to the golf course is personal, powerful, and still unfolding. The Secretary’s Cup is an opportunity to highlight what’s possible when Veterans are given the space to connect, heal, and push forward—together.
Whether they come home with a trophy or just a few great stories, this team has already won where it matters most, and we will be cheering them on every step of the way!