APEX, N.C. and FRISCO, Texas (June 17, 2024) – Golf Business Network (GBN) and PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) announce a new partnership to provide a philanthropic component at the annual GBN Bob Ford Pro-Pro Championship. The event welcomes GBN Members who are PGA of America Golf Professionals for 36 holes of competition on September 23-24, 2024, at Hidden Creek Golf Club in New Jersey.

This landmark event, which honors Bob Ford, Golf Business Network Founding Partner & Advisor, and PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee, showcases the synergistic power of networking and competitive golf.

Ford, the longtime PGA Head Golf Professional at Oakmont Country Club and Seminole Golf Club, exemplifies how professionals in the golf industry can extend their reach by giving back to both peers and philanthropic organizations that perpetuate the game.

“PGA HOPE is all about getting military personnel to play golf to save their lives and have them experience what great fun golf is. It’s spectacular,” said Ford, “We can't do enough for those that have given everything so that we have the freedom that we have in this country, and it means the world.”

PGA HOPE and GBN aim to amplify their collective impact on Veterans and active duty military through the transformative power of golf. PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization of the Association. Led by more than 3,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals across all fifty states, PGA HOPE introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

Matt Marciniak, Chief Operating Officer of Golf Business Network and a Veteran, communicated his enthusiasm for the inception of this partnership, saying, "GBN is privileged to contribute to PGA HOPE, which exhibits core values that closely align with our Network’s dedication to supporting causes that benefit Veterans. The Bob Ford Pro-Pro Championship has become a marquee event for our membership and we look forward to weaving another layer of impact into this meaningful time together.”

"It’s an honor for PGA HOPE to partner with the Golf Business Network Bob Ford Pro-Pro Championship," said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). "Bob is a shining example of the impact a PGA of America Golf Professional can make through this game. This event underscores our commitment to providing Veterans with access to the healing, rehabilitative and even life-saving aspects that golf provides through PGA HOPE."

This annual championship brings together professionals from across the country to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. But beyond the competition lies a deeper purpose: to honor and support those who have served our country as they adjust back to civilian life.

Through sponsorships, donations and participation, individuals and organizations involved in the Championship can contribute to PGA HOPE’s mission of helping Veterans thrive through the game of golf.

Click here for more information on how to donate.

About Golf Business Network Vendor Offerings
Golf Business Network (GBN) is a premier platform connecting golf industry professionals, businesses, and suppliers. Through its Vendor Partner Program, GBN aims to provide its members access to high-quality products and services, fostering collaboration and excellence within the golf community. Click here to learn more about becoming a Vendor Partner for the Bob Ford Pro-Pro Championship.

About PGA HOPE

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAHOPE on Instagram, X, formerly known as Twitter, and find us on Facebook.Media Contacts

Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com

Joe Negri, Golf Business Network, jnegri@golfbusinessnetwork.com