Staff WriterThe Ryder Cup’s PGA HOPE initiative is about to take centre stage at Bethpage Black, where golf’s fiercest rivalry will pause to honour America’s heroes.
This year’s showdown won’t just be about birdies, bogeys, and bruised egos—it will also shine a spotlight on military Veterans, with fundraising, volunteer roles, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities inside the ropes.
In all, 35 PGA HOPE graduates—men and women who’ve traded uniforms for golf polos—will serve as volunteers across the event. From grandstand marshals to merchandise cashiers, they’ll be woven into the fabric of the Ryder Cup. And five Ambassadors will carry the standards inside the ropes alongside the world’s best golfers:
- Scott McAllister, U.S. Army, Connecticut PGA Section
- Nick Martone, U.S. Marine Corps, Western New York PGA Section
- Michael Slater, U.S. Army, Connecticut PGA Section
- Tamari “Tee” Watkins, U.S. Army, Metropolitan PGA Section
- Charlie Wilcox, U.S. Army, New Jersey PGA Section
“We are incredibly proud to honor our nation’s heroes through the 2025 Ryder Cup,” said PGA of America President Don Rea Jr. “PGA HOPE stands as a testament to the transformative power of golf and community for our Veterans and active duty military. It is our privilege to support these men and women during the Ryder Cup, as well as each and every day.”
How Fans Can Give Back
Ryder Cup fans won’t just be spectators—they’ll be part of the mission. At the Merchandise Shop, every round-up at checkout or purchase of co-branded gear will funnel money into PGA HOPE.
Each $330 raised provides one Veteran with free access to the program, giving them therapy through golf rather than a hospital waiting room.
The Ryder Cup Captain’s Challenge
If that isn’t enough star power, Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury will host the Ryder Cup Captain’s Challenge on Wednesday, September 24. The one-day fundraiser features six legendary captains—Dave Stockton, Lee Trevino, Ben Crenshaw, Corey Pavin, Tony Jacklin, and Bernard Gallacher—mixing it up with donors on par-3 holes before swapping scorecards for stories at a fireside chat.
The guest list adds even more local flavour, with ex-New York Islanders Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck, plus retired NBA forward and Knicks broadcaster Wally Szczerbiak. And thanks to Frank and Diane Murphy, every dollar raised at the event will be matched up to $500,000—a windfall that will directly impact Veterans and active service members.
Memorabilia Auction: History With a Purpose
Can’t make it to Long Island? You can still snag a piece of Ryder Cup lore. The 2025 Ryder Cup Memorabilia Auction will feature authenticated collectibles—hole flags, caddie bibs, even the odd bit of tournament-used kit.
Proceeds go straight to PGA HOPE, with authentication handled by The Realest and its TRuEST Verification Technology.
A Decade of PGA HOPE
Behind the spectacle is a program with serious staying power. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military initiative of the PGA of America’s REACH Foundation. With over a decade of impact, it has already touched more than 50,000 Veterans across 650 locations in all 50 states.
In New York alone, 31 program sites will serve more than 800 Veterans this year. The Department of Veterans Affairs even refers participants directly, recognising golf as a form of therapy that works.
Trained PGA Professionals adapt the game for those with physical or emotional scars, making sure no Veteran is left behind on the first tee.
Free Tickets for Military Service Members
To cap it all off, the Ryder Cup is offering complimentary daily grounds tickets for Tuesday through Thursday to verified military personnel—active duty, retirees, reserves, and National Guard—plus one guest.
Final Thoughts
The Ryder Cup is famous for pressure cookers, fist pumps, and the occasional meltdown worthy of YouTube immortality. But this year, the Ryder Cup PGA HOPE partnership ensures that amidst the roars of Bethpage Black, the loudest cheer might just be for the Veterans whose battles were fought far from the fairways.
For more on PGA HOPE, visit pgareach.org. For Ryder Cup details, head to RyderCup.com.
