Thursday, September 24, 2026 | Bedford Valley Golf Course
The Michigan PGA Section will conduct the fourth 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 2027, 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. If you’d like to donate to a specific team, click the link next to the team below 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 |
| Team Scott / Wilson | “Helping our fellow Veterans fall in love with the game and get better is always a good cause. When I joined PGA HOPE, I was heavy into the game of golf and looking for any way to improve my skill set. The new mindset I gained was the most rewarding skill.”
– John Scott, US Marine Corps PGA HOPE Battle Creek Graduate |
“Golf has always been a passion, so having a place that linked fellow Veterans together and allowed us to get better at the game of golf was a bonus! I believe in the PGA HOPE program and raising money to help it while playing is an easy choice. My favorite part was making new golf buddies, you can never have to many people to share a round with.”
– Brandon Wilson, US Marine Corps PGA HOPE Battle Creek Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Offringa | “Through PGA HOPE, I learned a lot of valuable skills and ways to improve my game. More than that, I learned to love the game of golf. As a disabled veteran, we often have injuries that prevent us from being able to do the things well that we once did. PGA HOPE has also given me the opportunity to meet other Veterans and share our experiences both on the course and the battle field. It’s important to raise funds for Veterans so they are given the same opportunities I have been given by PGA HOPE and provide another avenue of growth physically and mentally. Funds going to PGA HOPE help build bonds for a lifetime and without PGA HOPE, some Veterans may never be given the opportunity to find love in the game of golf that I have. As a Marine with PTSD, funds help provide Veterans with PTSD so many resources and opportunities that not even the VA has. PGA HOPE is truly an amazing organization and I’m so grateful for the instructors and staff that make these events possible.”
– Chris Offringa, U.S. Marine Corps PGA HOPE Grand Rapids Graduate |
“Before PGA HOPE I knew how to golf, but I didn’t have a group to always play with. I struggled sometimes with the mental aspect of the game and inconsistent shots. Since PGA HOPE, I have learned to focus more on the game and the aspect of the game rather than how well my shot was. I have gotten a lot better at the game and have met so many new friends through PGA HOPE that I get out with on a regular basis. I believe that competition between Veterans is healthy and brings us closer together. I feel this is a way for PGA HOPE to see the love the Veterans have for the game after instruction. It’s important to raise funds so that other Veterans are given the same opportunities I have been given through this organization. The money donated to PGA HOPE touches so many lives and in some cases saves them as well. Golf is more than a sport, it’s a way for soldiers to connect and feel free while enjoying a sport they love.”
– Josh Offringa, U.S. Marine Corps PGA HOPE Grand Rapids Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Langmeyer / Larkins | “PGA HOPE is a great program to get people involved and I believe golf is the ultimate social sport. I’ve played with 80+ year olds and hope to play with my children as long as possible. Beyond golf the best part was sharing stories and laughs with other Veterans about our experiences and hearing about what they are doing now. It’s always great to see fellow Veterans doing well. Your donation is the ultimate “Thank you for your service”, that allows Veterans to find a new hobby, increase their social network, and refine skills that will translate across many facets of life.”
– Luke Langmeyer, U.S Army PGA HOPE Taylor Graduate |
“In the military, you never leave anyone behind. Participating in the Hero Challenge is an extension of that mission. PGA HOPE gives Veterans a healthy challenge, a great outlet, and a strong support system. Supporting this event helps expand program locations across Michigan so more of our brothers and sisters in arms can benefit. When you support our team goal, you aren’t just donating to a golf event—you’re directly funding PGA HOPE Michigan. Every dollar raised ensures that military Veterans get 6 to 8 weeks of professional golf instruction, equipment, and access to a supportive community at zero cost to them. Any gift makes an immediate difference in putting a club in a Veteran’s hands.”
– Kennie Larkins, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Taylor Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Belongia / Seleski | “PGA HOPE has helped my mental health by improving my game and meeting new friends, sharing our military experiences, and getting me off the couch and out of the house to enjoy the great outdoors. Helping advocate for this program has been a joy. I have referred several Veterans and continue to get other Veterans involved. Through PGA HOPE I have met so many amazing people with things in common, and have golfed with many new friends as well as just hanging out.”
– Tom Belongia, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Harrison Graduate |
“PGA HOPE offered me the opportunity to get back into the game with lessons from two great golf instructors, and they gave me the tools to try to improve my game. It is important to be involved in this event to create new memories and reconnect with past brothers in arms and to make it possible for other veterans to learn the game of golf.”
– Norbert Seleski, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Harrison Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team George / Zimmer | “PGA Hope had not only helped me with improving my golf game but also given me an opportunity to hang out and golf with other Veterans. I think PGA HOPE is an awesome opportunity for a Veteran to not only learn golf. But also find a new connection with other Veterans. The best part was finding like minded people that have experienced similar situations which makes for good bonded friends.”
– Travis George, U.S. Navy PGA HOPE Harrison Graduate
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“PGA HOPE has been an awesome experience. I love connecting with others, and this is an awesome experience for all Veterans and money raised for PGA HOPE will help more Veterans in the future.”
– Dave Zimmer U.S. Marine Corps PGA HOPE Harrison Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Merice / Morrison | “PGA HOPE gave me a place to connect and reconnect with Veterans and enjoy the game of golf. A bad day on the golf course is better than any other day not on the course. The best part of the program was being around other Veterans and the camaraderie that is missed when no longer serving. PGA HOPE is an amazing program that introduces golf to military Veterans to support their mental and physical health.”
– David Merice PGA HOPE Battle Creek Graduate |
“After retiring in 2021, I was not doing much and needing something to get me out and moving more. PGA HOPE gave me that boost I needed to enjoy playing golf and meeting up with fellow Veterans. PGA HOPE is a great program that introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The impact of this program is incredible, but demand is high and local chapters frequently face waiting lists, which is why your donation is so important.”
– Bill Morrison, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Grand Haven Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Libby / Tijerina | “I think its important to show that the PGA HOPE program is helping Veterans and this is a way for me to be able to help bring back something to the PGA HOPE program. It also brings a nostalgic feeling and brings back some good feelings of past times being in the Military. Getting donations, telling people about PGA HOPE and getting other veterans to come and join is important.”
– Josh Libby, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Grand Haven Graduate |
“I was just starting to get back into trying golf. I never had been properly shown how to hit or any real technique. I have learned a lot about the game and playing with fellow veterans. Getting back to that feeling of comradery that I was lacking. Donations to PGA HOPE goes to a great cause and helps keep the program going for those veterans who really could use the program.”
– Jaime Tijerina, U.S. Marine Corps PGA HOPE Grand Haven Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Kile / Skinner | ” I enjoyed the training that I received through PGA HOPE, and the camaraderie with fellow comrades. By playing in this tournament and raising money, it helps to keep this PGA HOPE program going forward. Beyond golf, I really enjoyed hearing some of the other Veteran’s stories and thankful that I could be a part of this program. Please consider donating to this worthy program. It has helped many Veterans that have lasting effects from their war experiences.”
– Ed Kile, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Flint Graduate |
“Before PGA HOPE, I was a beginner at golf, but had a great instructor who helped me improve. It is important for me to play in this event to help support the cause of the PGA HOPE program and helping to raise money for it.”
– James Skinner, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Plymouth West – Fox Hills Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Dempsey / Shunkwiler | “I found PGA HOPE when I was struggling with my golf game, and the comradery made such an impact for me. Donating to PGA HOPE is important because it helps Veterans with mental health stability. This program has helped me find my mental health perspective.”
– Jim Dempsey, U.S. Airforce PGA HOPE Plymouth West – Fox Hills Graduate |
“I’m participating in the PGA HOPE Challenge again this year. PGA HOPE uses golf to help Veterans reconnect—with other Veterans, with their communities, and sometimes with parts of themselves they thought they’d lost. I’ve seen firsthand what this program can mean. Your donation isn’t really about golf. It helps give a Veteran a place to belong, something to look forward to, and a reason to get back in the game. I love being around fellow Veterans and meeting and playing golf with them. Combining golf with supporting this great program is is as amazing opportunity!”
– Kim Shunkwiler, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Livonia Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Alexander / Herrick | “When I started PGA HOPE I was a beginner golfer looking to improve and enjoy the game with a higher understanding. This program helped me to understand the game and start to play smarter golf. Outside of golf, the best part was sharing stories with other Veterans and finding similarities. This event is important for me to meet other Veterans and have an opportunity to give back to the PGA HOPE program.”
– Darin Alexander U.S. Army PGA HOPE Lansing Graduate |
“PGA HOPE is a premiere veteran support organization that should be supported. Before PGA HOPE I was a complete novice, but the program helped me to better understand my swing and how to apply that to the game. Through the program I was able to share experiences with fellow Veterans.”
– Shane Herrick, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Battle Creek Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Malone / Marshall | ” PGA HOPE has given me structure, connection, and purpose. It strengthened my confidence as a coach, expanded my network within the golf community, and helped me continue developing a healthier, more people‑centered leadership style. Most importantly, it reminded me that golf can be both a performance pursuit and a source of healing. PGA HOPE creates a place where you could connect, laugh, and support one another. Your donation helps Michigan Veterans access a program that build community, confidence, and support. It ensures others receive the same meaningful experience that has impacted me. PGA HOPE made a difference in my life, and helping raise funds ensures other veterans receive that same support and community.”
– Corey Malone, U.S. Marine Corps PGA HOPE Midland Graduate |
“PGA HOPE helped me love golf again. Beyond golf, the best part of this program was hearing stories and meeting fellow Veterans that enjoy golf. The most impactful lesson I learned is how to prioritize what’s important in golf.”
– Clinton Marshall U.S. Army PGA HOPE Midland Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Baclawski / Gilbert | “PGA HOPE improved my golfing and I met some new friends. Although I am not in any type of situation where I need help, there are some who do and this program helps my fellow Veterans. Beyond golf, my favorite part was the times when we were doing things that weren’t military and people would open up and discuss their problems.”
– Alex Baclawski, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Metro Detroit Graduate |
“Since starting with the PGA HOPE program I have met so many Veterans and found there are so many outings I have joined. This program helps veterans to open up and get involved with others in the military besides learn to golf better. Your donation is going to help a Veteran to learn a pastime that will help him or her to become more social. Beyond golf I enjoyed hearing all the stories and hearing excuses for bad shot based on military experiences… Lots of joking around.”
– Steve Gilbert, U.S. Army PGA Belmont Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Givens / Martin | “PGA HOPE gave me the opportunity to meet, interact, and gain new relationships with fellow Veterans all over. This is important to me to help raise funds for my brothers and sisters, no Veteran left behind! Donations are important because this program helps to bring awareness to the community and Veterans alike.”
– Cardell Givens III, U.S. Navy PGA HOPE Auburn Hills Graduate |
“Golf is a great way to focus on yourself and meet new people. Through PGA HOPE I was able to be around like minded individuals, that are there for the same reasons and to have a good time. By donating, you’re making it possible for someone else to fall in love with the game.”
– Eric Martin, U.S. Navy PGA HOPE Grand Haven Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Petz / Post | “When I began PGA HOPE, I was looking for understanding from others. I learned how to enjoy the game of golf, because we’re not pros, so just go out and have a good time with friends. The best part of the program was receiving help and getting to help other Veterans cope with service-related issues.”
– James Petz, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Battle Creek Graduate
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“I joined PGA HOPE when I moved, and it was a great was to meet other Veterans and create friendships in the area. This event is exciting because I will get to play with different people and have a golf partner even away from the program, and the PGA’s dedication to Veterans.”
– Bill Post, U.S. Air Force PGA HOPE Battle Creek Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Boase / VanKlingeren | “I joined PGA HOPE because I wanted to improve my golf game so I could enjoy the sport more. I have definitely noticed a great improvement in my game and the PGA professionals were very informative and were a blast to work with. The interaction with the other Veterans is the best part. The telling of stories and the ribbing between the branches is always a source or laughter and bonding. I feel it is important to raise money for the Veterans who can really use it and the benefits from the money.”
– Dan Boase, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Taylor Graduate
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“The PGA HOPE program is very important to help fellow Veterans of all levels of golf improve and bring fellowship. When I joined PGA HOPE, I was new to golf and the program helped and I was surprised at the level of attention each participant received. I have been out for over 30 years and that period in my life seems like a lifetime ago, but talking with others and sharing stories brought memories of my service and how this has formed who I am today.”
– Brian VanKlingeren, U.S. Air Force PGA HOPE Auburn Hills Graduate
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Donate Here |
| Team Lyons / Steve | |||
| Team Lindecker / Schipper | “When I began PGA HOPE, I had been retired for a year and was missing the camaraderie that I had while I was on active duty. Through this program I was able to connect with other Veterans with the same hobby. Beyond golf the best part of PGA HOPE is the laughter. When you get a group of Veterans together, even if they’ve never met, give it a few seconds and it’s like they have been friends for years, regardless of which branch they served in or what period in time. PGA HOPE has the power to provide a sense of belonging to those who may feel lost once they are separated from the service. The fundraising is important to be able to continue this program for the future Veterans exiting the military to find a sense of belonging and community.”
– Eric Lindecker, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Rochester Graduate
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“When I started my journey with PGA HOPE, I was mainly looking for a way to improve my golf game, and this program has given me more confidence in my game and something positive to look forward to. The best part was being around other Veterans who understood where I was coming from and shared some of the same experiences. It was great to connect with others, support each other, and build friendships while learning and enjoying the game of golf together. Playing in the Operation: Hero Challenge is important to me because PGA HOPE has made a positive difference in my life. I want to help make sure other Michigan Veterans have the same opportunity to connect with others, improve their golf game, and have something positive to look forward to. Raising funds helps keep this program available to Veterans who can benefit from it.”
– Bobby Schipper, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Grand Haven Graduate
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Donate Here |
| Teams Linton / Lortz | “I joined PGA HOPE to meet other Veterans in and around my area, and it has helped me become a lot more confident being around other people. It was helpful being around many other Veterans who were looking for the same thing I was, camaraderie. This is important to me because golf is really helping so many, and PGA HOPE gives Veterans like me hope and the opportunity to watch fellow Veterans succeed.”
– James Linton, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Plymouth Graduate
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“Through PGA HOPE I learned a lot more about golf and myself as a player, but I also had the opportunity to experience camaraderie with fellow Veterans. Giving back to this program is important to me because I am all about serving my fellow Veterans and helping with what they need in their life. Your support helps PGA HOPE continue serving Veterans in our community, who have given so much in service to our country.”
– Christopher Lortz, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Metro Detroit Graduate
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Donate Here |
| Team Darvin / McCain | “I joined PGA HOPE to try and figure out what I could do to keep improving my game, because it means a lot to me to be able to play and be consistent. This program helped me to not only become a better player but to feel better about myself. I enjoyed getting to know other Veterans and where they came from, and it was surprising to see how many other Veterans are out there with disabilities who still try to play the game. It is important to me to continue to share this opportunity with other Veterans who want to learn golf.”
– Rowena Darvin, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Mount Pleasant Graduate
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“Before PGA HOPE I didn’t know anything about golf, but now I’m obsessed with it. I have joined leagues and play 3x a week minimum! This is important to me because golf opens up the world in a way you wouldn’t imagine. I’ve made so many new connections and visited places I would’ve never gone to. And I believe that all Veterans deserve that sort of fulfillment. Through PGA HOPE, golf breathed a new breath into my life and seeing how much it has done for me has made me passionate about giving other Veterans the same.”
– Salliece McCain, U.S. Navy PGA HOPE Metro Detroit Graduate
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Donate Here |
| Team Meinke / Perkowski | “PGA HOPE opened my eyes to the struggles some veterans are going through. My class was at the VA Medical center in Battle Creek. Over half of the class consisted of veterans suffering PTSD or alcoholism and substance abuse Those Veterans were inpatient at the hospital and trying to get better. I witnessed first hand how the game of golf can take the struggle of their illness and replace it with the challenge of golf, giving them a break from treatment. The camaraderie of hanging around with other Veterans is very therapeutic. Playing in Operation: Hero Challenge is important to me because it provides me an opportunity to give back.”
– Michael Meinke, U.S. Navy PGA HOPE Battle Creek Graduate
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“I was not new to golf when joining the PGA HOPE program, but I find no matter how much I experience lessons, group sessions or individual training I always learn something and get something out of it! It is also always nice being around Veterans and golfers regardless of their skill level. Golf for me isn’t about how good you are skill level wise, it’s about how golf makes you a better person. This is important to me because I am a giver true and true, I love giving back to others. Helping Veterans and other people makes my heart happy!! This country needs more people who truly care about what’s right, who are thankful for all the men and women who died giving us this opportunity to do what we love. Your donation to PGA HOPE is saving Veterans one swing at a time!!!”
– Darrin Perkowski, U.S. Marine Corps PGA HOPE Grand Haven Graduate
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Donate Here |
| Team Allard / Hurd | |||
| Team Button / McMeekan | “PGA HOPE was fantastic I was a decent golfer before and it completely reshaped my swing and it was really great to become a part of a Veteran community from all walks of the military service that all genuinely care about each other. It was such a wonderful and inviting environment with nothing but positive intentions. As a 20-year Veteran, I deeply care about making sure we take care of the Veterans that have served and they deserve the opportunity to know that there’s always people out there that care about the ones who always took care of everyone else.”
– Brandon Button, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Belmont Graduate |
“PGA Hope has opened the door to so many new opportunities, and I have met so many more Veteran golfers. Aside from golf, the best part was getting to spend time with other warriors. This is another great opportunity to play with brothers and sisters that enjoy golf, and I hope to raise more funds to keep this great program growing. We should all try and give a little, to those who gave so much. This program has been so rewarding to me and those who I have met along the way.”
– Greg McMeekan, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Battle Creek Graduate |
Donate Here |
| Team Collins / Young | |||
| Team Alderink / Negrete | |||
| Team Neville / Zang | “When I first joined PGA HOPE, I was still adjusting to life after the military and working through the transition of finding new purpose, community, and connection outside of uniform. As a Marine Corps Veteran, I missed being part of a team and being surrounded by people who understood the Veteran experience without needing a long explanation. PGA HOPE gave me a place to feel connected again. It brought me around other Veterans in a positive, welcoming environment where we could learn, laugh, compete, and support each other through the game of golf. Since joining the program, I have grown not only in my golf game, but also in my appreciation for how powerful a strong Veteran community can be. Raising funds for PGA HOPE means helping remove barriers for Veterans who may need this program more than they realize. Supporting our team’s goal means helping future Veterans experience that same connection and support. Every donation helps keep this mission moving forward and gives more Veterans the chance to be part of the PGA HOPE community. If my participation can help keep this program free and accessible for future Veterans, then I am proud to be part of that mission.”
– Drew Zang, U.S. Marine Corps PGA HOPE Belmont Graduate |
“When participating in PGA HOPE, I was still a beginner with golf. Since PGA HOPE I’ve been able to hit my driver better, putt better and dropped my scores by at least 10 strokes. This is a great opportunity to give back to those who serve and their families. No better feeling than supporting those who served for you.”
– Nicholas Neville, U.S. Army PGA HOPE Pierson Graduate |
Donate Here |