The 4th Annual Secretary’s Cup was held on Monday, May 13th in conjunction with the 101st PGA Championship at Bethpage.  For the first time, the Western New York Section was invited to compete in the field against 11 other PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Chapters across the country.

FARMINGDALE, NY – May 13: A member of the Western New York team chips onto the green during the 2019 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup for the 101st PGA Championship held at Bethpage Black Golf Course on May 13, 2019 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/PGA of America)

The WNY team consisted of Penfield CC Head Professional Mike D’Agostino and four PGA HOPE WNY Veteran Graduates Edy Andino, Nick Martone, Scott Smalter and Guy Ward.  Format of the event was a 9-hole scramble contested on a mixture of the Red and Blue courses at Bethpage State Park.  Team WNY posted a 1-under par, 35, only 4 shots off the leaders from Charleston, NY who fired a 5 – under par.

Edy Andino served in the Army for four two years in the Vietnam War and ended his term as a Private. Nick Martone served for four years in the United States Marine Corps ending as a Lance Corporal.  Scott Smalter served in the United States Navy for two years ending as Lieutenant Junior Grade.  Guy Ward served four years in the United States Navy as E-4.  All four gentlemen have graduated from their respective PGA HOPE Chapters.

Photos from the event can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Sizzle highlight video can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.

More About PGA HOPE
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH WNY. PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. In 2017, there were 1,500 veterans impacted nationwide by this therapeutic program.
It is a fact that suicide is a major issue among military veterans, with recent statistical studies showing that 22 veterans a day commit suicide. PGA HOPE is working to change this statistic.
Led by local WNYPGA Professionals, PGA REACH WNY impacted the lives of over 60 veterans across Buffalo, Rochester and Erie, PA. These veterans were given 6-week clinics and access to multiple golf facilities at NO COST.

More About PGA Secretary’s Cup
The PGA Secretary’s Cup, named in honor of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, began following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership between the National Veteran’s Affairs office and the PGA of America. The partnership has enabled PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming to operate at no cost to Veterans who are referred to the program. Currently, 37 of 41 PGA Sections offer a combined 90 programs nationwide.