Monday, October 14, 2024 | Bedford Valley Golf Course
The Michigan PGA Section will conduct the second annual Operation: Hero Challenge aimed to benefit PGA HOPE Michigan. The goal of this event is to support our PGA HOPE programs and foster new locations as we continue expanding our effort of growing the game of golf and serving our Veteran population.
Two PGA HOPE Graduates will team up to compete in a two-man best ball scramble along with a skills competition during the round featuring the three fundamental skills utilized in golf: driving, chipping, and putting.
Participants are tasked with a fundraising goal of $1,000 per team in support of our PGA HOPE Michigan program. All funds raised from this event will be in contribution to directly support PGA HOPE efforts in Michigan in 2025, including session facility and instructor expenses, program training equipment, post-programming activities for our graduates, branding materials for PGA HOPE program locations, and more.
How to Donate
1. Click the link below next to the team you’d like to support or choose the general donation link
2. Click “Donate”
3. Choose a dollar amount
4. Under Donation Summary, click the dropdown and select “other” to avoid additional fees
5. Enter in payment information
If you would like to donate by check, please make it out to PGA REACH Michigan
Checks can be mailed to:
Michigan Section PGA
P.O. Box 4399
East Lansing, MI 48826
Teams
| Team Name | PGA HOPE Graduate | PGA HOPE Graduate | Team Donation Link |
| Anderson/Reynolds | Cain Anderson PGA HOPE Graduate, Rochester“It was a great opportunity to get assistance at my favorite pastime with a group of my peers. PGA HOPE gave me a chance at camaraderie with other Veterans.” |
Greg Reynolds PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“An opportunity to connect with my military community and grow & support our connected relationships.” |
Donate Here |
| Baclawski/Finwall | Alex Baclawski PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“It gives me the opportunity to get better at playing golf, while meeting other Veterans.” |
Dan Finwall PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“PGA HOPE provided great camaraderie and fun with fellow Veterans, while enjoying golf.” |
Donate Here |
| Berg/VandeKerkhoff | Josh Berg PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“PGA HOPE has brought hope to me. It has changed my golf game tremendously and something that I can look forward to improve on.” |
Adam VandeKerkhoff PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“PGA HOPE was a great way to meet other Veterans in my community and have something to look forward to every week.” |
Donate Here |
| Brightwell/Ryfiak | Joe Brightwell PGA HOPE Graduate, Pierson“PGA HOPE gave me the opportunity to meet new people through fellowship of Veterans coming together to become better golfers, and people!” |
Matt Ryfiak PGA HOPE Graduate, Pierson“PGA HOPE has been such a gift, and has made me want to get out and golf more, the benefits of getting out as a form of exercise, being out in nature, all while being on such beautiful courses, is so beneficial in many ways.” |
Donate Here |
| Bronnekant/Schipper | Jim Bronnekant PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“A chance to get out and enjoy the game with some like minded individuals, a lot of whom deal with a lot of the same struggles that I have.” |
Bobby Schipper PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“What PGA HOPE means to me is Community. A group of Veterans coming together to participate in a common love for golf, share stories and being part of a supporting community that understands the unique challenges we have faced together.” |
Donate Here |
| Brown/Dempsey | Shane Brown PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“PGA HOPE means a lot to me. After I got out of the military I shut my self away from other people and life in general. Out of pure curiosity I signed up for PGA HOPE and was excepted into the program. It was shocking how many people I was able to connect with through golf. I have never golfed before and being taught by great Instructors I was able to get a couple good hits and fell In love with the sport. Golf has gotten me out of the house and around like minded people, and I have PGA HOPE to thank for that. I now play golf regularly…. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive. PGA HOPE gave me a reason to keep going.” |
Jim Dempsey PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“I have received valuable instruction from PGA Professionals who have helped me improve skills in golf, as well as meeting new friends to play with. Participating in clinics and events has been especially beneficial to my health and well-being. I am more optimistic in my day to day activities due to the increased enjoyment of this sport.” |
Donate Here |
| Cadden/Cadden | Mike Cadden PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“I attended PGA HOPE with my son, who served five years in the Marines. It was a chance to bond as a family but also a chance to get involved with a great organization to support other Veterans.” |
Matt Cadden PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“The program helped me fix parts of my golf game so that I can get more enjoyment out of my rounds. It has also reaffirmed the fact that people care about and support military Veterans.” |
Donate Here |
| Carrero/Gielda | Ron Carrero PGA HOPE Graduate, Lansing“Because of serious spinal issues and reconstruction of my shoulder I did not feel that I could swing a club, but with the assistance of my PGA coaches not only was I able to do that but was able to do it well.” |
Daniel Gielda PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland“It’s important to recognize the Men and Women who have served our country. I enjoyed watching PGA HOPE members participate at their own level and enjoy the camaraderie.” |
Donate Here |
| Casey/White | Kelly Casey PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft“The golf lessons were very much appreciated but for me the most rewarding activity is to realize how much our service was appreciated even 40 or 50 years after the fact. I did not join the USAF for any other reason than to follow in my dad’s footsteps and serve my country. I was appreciated and brought joy, honor and a sense of pride to my dad in 1974 and I feel the same way when others will stop me and say, “Thanks for your service” today!” |
Chris White PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft“I have found a real love for a game that helps me focus mentally, get active physically, and become more social.” |
Donate Here |
| Clark/Scorzelli | Josh Clark PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“Comradery, healthy exercise and outdoor time. PGA HOPE has given me a way to stop isolating and meet new friends.” |
John Scorzelli PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“PGA HOPE has brought me joy and happiness through golf, mentorship and passion of the pros.” |
Donate Here |
| Coffie/Darvin | Jose B Coffie Jr PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“The PGA HOPE Program is an absolute great way to share with other Veterans and help each other in times of need. A great way to meet other Veterans that might be going through rough times and need other Veterans to talk to them.” |
Rowena Darvin PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“PGA HOPE has impacted me by getting me outside. Helping me feel more comfortable on the golf course. Due to their encouragement I feel more able to play without doubt.” |
Donate Here |
| DeBoer/Lopez | Josh DeBoer PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“It felt like family and it felt like I belonged which is usually true when you around other Veterans, but it was more than that. The instructors were fantastic, great personalities, patient, and extremely helpful. The other Veterans were also working through many of the same issues, both with golf and personally.” |
Ryan Lopez PGA HOPE Graduate, Rochester “PGA HOPE is a great way to get other Veterans into the game of golf and meet others through a common interest.” |
Donate Here |
| Edwards/VanKlingeren | Harry Edwards PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland“A chance to meet with fellow Veterans and get out of my own head for a while. It is a joy to get out on the golf course and forget everything. I really enjoyed the time spent with fellow Veterans on the golf course.” |
Brian VanKlingeren PGA HOPE Graduate, Auburn Hills“The PGA HOPE program was so much more than I would have expected. To meet with others that served brought my service back into memory that I have not thought about in many of years.” |
Donate Here |
| Fairbanks/Hart | Ralph Fairbanks PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“PGA HOPE gave me an excuse to restart golf. I haven’t played in 30 years and now I enjoy playing with my family.” |
James Hart PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids“PGA HOPE has given me the opportunity to participate and learn a sport I have always wanted to experience.” |
Donate Here |
| Gilbert/Mackey | Steven Gilbert PGA HOPE Graduate, Belmont“I have met so many Veterans through the PGA HOPE program, its been incredible. I have learned skills to make golfing easier. I am a disabled Veteran and learned how to play even with being disabled.” |
Charles Mackey PGA HOPE Graduate, Big Rapids“Thanks to the PGA HOPE program I now look forwards to getting out and meeting other Veterans. In the past I have been reluctant to get involved with events like this. The PGA HOPE program allowed me to experience an enjoyable time around fellow Veterans.” |
Donate Here |
| Glessner/Green | Ed Glessner PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft“PGA HOPE provides a unique opportunity to socialize while maintaining the common bond with fellow Veterans.” |
James Green PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft“PGA HOPE provided the opportunity to socialize with fellow Veterans and brought back fond memories of my years of service.” |
Donate Here |
| Glynn/Hall | Cecilia Glynn PGA HOPE Graduate, Pierson“PGA HOPE came at a time when I needed help to overcome my physical challenges, and improve my mental, and emotional state through the camaraderie of other Veterans. The program has led me to a more positive outlook in life.” |
Dan Hall PGA HOPE Graduate, Pierson“I chose to participate in the challenge because I appreciated my opportunity with PGA HOPE so much, that I want to help in some small way to allow other veterans the same opportunity. It’s also a great opportunity to meet more Veterans.” |
Donate Here |
| Grubbe/Todd | Andrew Grubbe PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids“An opportunity to develop golf skills while meeting Veterans and establishing new relationships. PGA HOPE gave a feeling of having camaraderie with other Veterans.” |
Bruce Todd PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids“It is an organization that services Veterans with a sense of community, fellowship, caring, and camaraderie. PGA HOPE gives a Veteran an opportunity to learn golf. With this social interaction as a Veteran, you feel seen and heard.” |
Donate Here |
| Hull/Reed | Dustin Hull PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids“The PGA Hope program has had a significant impact on my life. It has given me a new hobby to participate in, which is one that I can partake in for the rest of my life. Likewise, it’s something that I can use to not only connect with the veteran community, but also with friends, family, and my professional life as well; ultimately maximizing the beneficence of the program.” |
Robert Reed PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids“PGA HOPE is an outstanding program that truly welcomed me to the sport of golf! Reducing barriers to entry, professional education, and anxiety free participation all promoted the optimal learning experience. Combined with Veteran camaraderie, PGA HOPE is why I am now an active golf player and avid advocate of the program for other Veterans.” |
Donate Here |
| Miller/Sluyter | Dave Sluyter PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“PGA HOPE taught me the game of golf. I had never played golf before and seeing and spending time with other Veterans.” |
Eric Miller PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids“It brings me together with other Veterans! I get to play a game I love, and I got better. Also, networking with other Veterans and playing with the professionals.” |
Donate Here |
| Jipping/Silvis | Ken Jipping PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“It means connection. I had no idea what it was when I signed up but I sure am glad I did. Being able to connect and joke around with other Vets as only we know how, all while we are learning to better ourselves in the game of golf, wonderful. I only wish I had known about this program sooner.” |
Khristian Silvis PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“PGA HOPE has has been great in improving my confidence and giving me a sport to challenge myself and build relationships in the Veteran community. It wasn’t just the coaches that were uplifting but also the camaradarie of the fellow Veterans that is so familiar to our time in service. A bit of “branch rib rubbing” but mostly high fives and fist bumps.” |
Donate Here |
| Kelsey/Rizor
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John Kelsey PGA HOPE Graduate, Belmont“The PGA HOPE Program has been a wonderful experience for me, both on and off the golf course. I first learned about it through a VA newsletter, and it has since helped me improve my golf game by a few strokes. Beyond the game, the program has introduced me to new friends and given me the chance to participate in scrambles with some of them, which has been a lot of fun. The coaches have been incredible—friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. But for me, the best part is the peace and relaxation I find on the course. Golf has become a great outlet for stress relief, and the various events held through PGA HOPE are something I truly look forward to.” |
Al Rizor PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“PGA HOPE has provided me with a great opportunity to get out and golf with different people and get some helpful tips from the coaches to improve my game.” |
Donate Here |
| King/Mose | Michael King PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft“The program has impacted me by instilling the desire to improve my mental and physical approach to the game of golf. It provides me with an opportunity to experience the game of golf for military members, who wish to improve their game and bring other graduates together.” |
Eddie Mose PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft“The program gave me the opportunity to play golf with other patriots. The past seven or eight years, I have played with the same foursome.” |
Donate Here |
| Le/Wellman | Christopher Wellman PGA HOPE Graduate, Belmont“I found out about PGA HOPE randomly from a VA newsletter. I had not played in over 20 years and PGA HOPE came in at a clutch moment and greatly helped to restart my interest in the game.” |
John Le PGA HOPE Graduate, Belmont“PGA HOPE has impacted me because it has connected me to people that have similar experiences and that have served. PGA HOPE has led me to get to know a few Veterans while learning and receiving instruction in a hobby that we all can enjoy together.” |
Donate Here |
| Libby/Zang | Josh Libby PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“PGA HOPE has had a meaningful impact on me by providing a space where I can connect with fellow Veterans and experience the healing power of golf. It’s given me a sense of community, helping me build new friendships while offering a healthy way to manage stress and improve my overall well-being.” |
Drew Zang PGA HOPE Graduate, Belmont“Great way to connect Veterans in my community and bring people together with the game of golf.” |
Donate Here |
| Linton/McMeekan | James Linton PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth“It made me open up and be more outgoing and less afraid of being judged by my injuries. The opportunity, PGA HOPE gives us Veterans to meet up and talk about anything or nothing at all. Many Veterans feel like no one else can understand or feel the way they do but other Veterans do. PGA HOPE gives us that opportunity and support.” |
Greg McMeekan PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“PGA HOPE was a fun experience, learning a new hobby, and it helped me understand the game of golf better.” |
Donate Here |
| MacFadden/Rathbun | Gary MacFadden PGA HOPE Graduate, Big Rapids“PGA HOPE gave me the chance to be physically active again after years of health issues. It also provided an opportunity to connect with other Veterans.” |
Chuck Rathbun PGA HOPE Graduate, Big Rapids“PGA HOPE is an opportunity to connect with fellow Veterans and share the camaraderie unique to those who have served. While also improving my skills and game of golf.” |
Donate Here |
| Mann/Vollrath | Scott Mann PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“It showed me that just because I’m injured, I can still do stuff, I can still get out and enjoy life.” |
James Vollrath PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“PGA HOPE gave me the opportunity to connect with other Veterans and improve my performance.” |
Donate Here |
| March/Stauffer | Matthew March PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland“I really enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow golfers and now I have people to call and golf with in the future. It has helped me to connect with others and get out of my house.” |
Roger Stauffer PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland“It meant getting out of the house and involved with others. I enjoy golfing and socializing, it was an amazing experience.” |
Donate Here |
| Merice/Post | David Merice PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“PGA HOPE has helped me by giving me tips on my golf game and keeping in contact with other Veteran golfers. It has also given me the opportunity to show what skills I learned going thru the program with other friends, family and co-workers.” |
Bill Post PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“Gave me a chance to get a few golf tips and socializing with other veterans.” |
Donate Here |
| Pahl/Petz | Brian Pahl PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“It means that every single Veteran has an equal opportunity to learn to play a game that will last them for years. I have also made good relationships with my instructors.” |
James Petz PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek“I had stopped golfing for around 11 years and joining the PGA HOPE clinic brought me back to golf. It also brought me closer to fellow Veterans.” |
Donate Here |
| Price/Sova
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Dyllon Price PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft“PGA HOPE is simply amazing. It is one of the few programs around that gets veterans out, with others in the community that share a bond with them, letting them know they’re not alone. It also gets us local Veterans connected with a common interest, outside of the Military.” |
Joe Sova PGA HOPE Graduate, Big Rapids“My favorite part is that PGA professionals take the time out of their already busy schedules to teach veterans of all skill levels, the game of golf. The dedication that they have to the program speaks volumes.” |
Donate Here |
| Rodea/Shelson | Ruben Rodea PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland“PGA HOPE brings together Veterans from all backgrounds, regardless of how long you served and Veterans connecting with other Veterans, that live close by that have many things in common already. This program gives Veterans another way at dealing with many problems that they may face in everyday life, PTSD is real, and many of us struggle. Golf is a way to help with that!” |
Robert Shelson PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland“Helps me find a new challenge and a way of focusing on the game not what was behind me.” |
Donate Here |
| Schoenberg/Tijerina | Chris Schoenberg PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“Rekindling a Sense of Belonging: Through PGA HOPE, I’ve reconnected with other veterans who share similar experiences. This has helped rebuild a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that many Veterans miss after transitioning to civilian life.” |
Jaime Tijerina Jr. PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven“PGA HOPE to me was a way to reconnect with like minded people, Veterans, and learn how to improve at a sport that I have always loved. I never was properly shown how to golf so learning from professionals really helps.” |
Donate Here |