PGA Secretary’s Cup Success

The 2025 PGA Secretary’s Cup marked the first time the Southwest PGA had been selected to this prestigious event. The event is conducted annually in conjunction with PGA Championship week, held this year in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carmel Country Club was the venue that celebrates the AMAZING PGA HOPE program of the PGA of America. The Southwest PGA Foundation as one of its distinguished pillars carries PGA HOPE proudly as its flagship Veteran program.
The selection process for this event began a few months ago with the submission of narratives, profiles, and compelling stories of Veterans within the community. Only 12 teams are selected to compete alongside a PGA professional. The team is composed of those who have completed the PGA HOPE program, and in this case these Veterans came from the PGA HOPE Sun City program.

PGA Professional and Southwest PGA Foundation Chairman Jamey Lewis headlined the team along with Army Veteran Matt Jackson, Air Force Veteran Tony Miller, Marine Corps Veteran John DuTemple and Navy Veteran Terry Braun, and PGA HOPE Southwest Ambassador Casey Dorrell.

The week began with a wonderful reception at the beautiful Carmel Country Club, a 36-hole private facility in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina. Throughout the week stories of inspiration, motivation, reflection, and appreciation resonated through the halls and fairways of Carmel. Each Veteran with their own unique story captivated those in attendance with speeches, and messages of appreciation for their service. 42-years of combined service of the Veteran team was on display throughout the Secretary’s Cup. Proudly serving their country and now back to compete in an event that celebrates that service! The pride from each Veteran spouse was on full display as well throughout the practice round and competitive event. Messages of support, cheering on the play, and just being there has been the hallmark of the Veteran spouse. And, as in this week, many serve as the driving force behind the recovery of each Veteran following military service.

The competitive tournament round was held under torrential rain the entire day, making conditions brutal. Many playing in this type of weather for the very first time was more than humbling. “When you see the best players in the world play, they make it look so easy”, said Terry Braun. These conditions make you appreciate the good weather days, and just how lucky we are to be at an event such as the Secretary’s Cup.”

With fans everywhere the Southwest PGA team played well under the conditions, finishing in the middle of the pack with a 1-under score. With downpours throughout the day and the accumulation of several inches of rain in a 24-hour time period, a 1-under score was pretty darn good. With a few ups and downs throughout the round the team stayed strong and persevered through the conditions. The team completed play with a greeting(s) only Veterans could receive. Hugs, smiles and congratulations abound from spectators, club members, staff, leadership and the entire PGA HOPE Southwest contingent. Special thanks to Cindy DuTemple, Yolanda Jackson, Mary Tygart, Jane Miller, and Pam Dorrell…the strength behind each Veteran this week. You ladies ROCK!

“PGA HOPE is an incredible program and one we are so very proud of. To have an impact on Veterans and the community is what we hope to continue to do for many years to come. Our PGA professionals are the backbone, our donors are the engine that drives this and other programs of the Southwest PGA Foundation. And, without the sacrifices our Veterans have made to keep us free, none of this would be possible” stated Southwest PGA Foundation Chairman, Jamey Lewis.

Well said, Mr. Chairman. Well said.