LOUISVILLE, KY (May 4, 2021) – The Kentucky PGA will be represented in this year’s PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup, scheduled to take place Monday, May 17. This celebratory event that salutes the positive relationship forged between PGA Member Professionals and military veterans through PGA HOPE was first played in 2016 in conjunction with the PGA Championship, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forced the PGA of America to get creative with this year’s edition.

The various factors surrounding the pandemic have created what will be an unprecedented tournament, with each team competing from local venues of theirs across the country in a “virtual” tournament. Valhalla Golf Club, site of the 2008 Ryder Cup, three previous PGA Championships, and the future venue of the 2024 PGA Championship, will be the host venue for Kentucky’s team. All teams will play nine-hole rounds in a scramble format, which means the Kentucky team will be playing Valhalla’s back-nine in the competition. Their team score will be matched up against the scores of the other competing teams, with each team playing from similar yardages at each golf course to create as fair of a competition as possible. Other teams participating will represent the Carolinas, Metropolitan, New Jersey, Northern California, South Central, and Western New York Sections.

The golfers representing Kentucky are the following:

• Matt O'Keefe, PGA – O’Keefe is the owner of Matt O’Keefe Golf and a veteran himself. Ever since PGA HOPE’s introduction in Kentucky, O’Keefe has been a consistent presence as an instructor at Quail Chase Golf Club’s PGA HOPE program, helping veterans find enjoyment through golf.
• Steven Fuller - Retired E5 Sergeant, U.S. Army
• Gregory C. Mack, Jr. - Retired Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
• Ted Palmer - Retired E7 Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
• Colonel Don Wolfe - Retired U.S. Army, Special Forces

The five golfers will begin the tournament at 10:45 a.m. EDT on May 17 which will be preceded by an opening ceremony and followed by a virtual closing ceremony including each of the participating teams nationwide.

“PGA HOPE is such a wonderful program that gives back to those who have served and given so much for our country,” Keith Reese, PGA General Manager at Valhalla Golf Club said. “We are so excited to host the Kentucky team and wish them the best of luck!”

The Kentucky PGA looks forward to being apart of this unique event and is thrilled to be represented by O’Keefe, Fuller, Mack, Palmer, and Wolfe. The Section also extends its thanks towards Valhalla Golf Club for hosting the five players and for their assistance in what promises to be a memorable day.

Click here for more information about PGA HOPE in Kentucky

Click here for more information about the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup