More than 60 veterans from Pennsylvania and New Jersey gathered on Aug. 25 at Riverton Country Club in Cinnaminson for the third annual PGA HOPE Cup.
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a military program of the PGA of America, intended as a form of therapy and rehabilitation through free golf instruction led by PGA professionals. The program aims to help participants improve their physical health, build confidence and find camaraderie with others who have served.
Courtney Curcio emceed the pre-competition ceremony. She is director of the nonprofit PGA Reach Philadelphia Foundation, which seeks to grow golf through its three pillars of youth, military and diversity.
An Air Force color guard presented the colors and delivered an American flag to Curcio.
John Carpineta, an 84-year-old Army veteran, PGA professional and coach at Bensalem Township Country Club known as “Johnny C,” sang the national anthem.
Participants posed with the Wanamaker Trophy, given each year to the PGA Championship winner.
The veterans represented 17 of the 20 PGA HOPE chapters across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. There were four veterans on each team, with each foursome joined by a PGA professional. The title sponsor was MedEast Post-Op & Surgical.
In the end, the winner was from Five Ponds Golf Club. The team will advance to the Secretary’s Cup during the 2026 PGA Championship week, which will take place next May at Aronimink Golf Club in Delaware County.
The Secretary’s Cup will feature 12 teams from across the country and take place next May 11 at Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern. ••
