Instructors & Ambassadors

Certified PGA and LPGA Professionals trained in military culture and golf instruction techniques, paired with dedicated Military Ambassadors who champion HOPE across our communities.

PGA HOPE Certified Instructors

Our clinics are led by local PGA and LPGA professionals specifically trained to deliver safe, dignified, and transformative golf instruction.

Horton Smith Golf Course
Springfield, MO
  • Garrett Holt, PGA
  • Mike Miguel
  • Sean Saunders, PGA
National Golf Club of KC
Kansas City / Parkville, MO
  • Charles Gibson, PGA
  • Matt Stock, PGA
  • Alex Diaz, PGA
The Nicklaus GC at Lionsgate
Overland Park, KS
  • Sally Krystyn, PGA
  • Courtney Mahon, LPGA
  • Shannon Kneisner, LPGA
Drumm Farm Golf Club
Independence, MO
  • Paul Hooser, PGA
  • Evan Scobie, PGA
  • Rick Schultz, PGA
Heritage Park Golf Course
Olathe, KS
  • Paul Hooser, PGA
  • John Richman, PGA
  • Randy Towner, PGA
  • Kelby Titus
Stagg Hill Golf Course
Ft. Riley / Manhattan, KS
  • Chad Myers, PGA
  • Lane Prewit
Firekeeper Golf Course
Mayetta, KS
  • Scott Wempe, PGA (Midwest PGA President)
  • Tarell Ramsey
  • Brent Cahwee
Rivercut Golf Course
Springfield, MO
  • Rick Grayson, PGA
  • Larry Ray, PGA
Loch Lloyd Country Club
Kansas City / Village of Loch Lloyd, MO
  • Matt Wood, PGA
  • Matt Jowers
Lake Shawnee Golf Course
Topeka, KS
  • Patrick Shaw, PGA
  • Brandon Cox
  • Jane Yi
Big Cedar Resort at Ozark National
Branson, MO
  • Megan Johnston
  • Clayton Larsen
  • Sam Watson

Meet Our PGA HOPE Midwest Ambassadors

If you are in the Military, Active-Duty, or a Reservist and would like personal insight or guidance about participating in PGA HOPE, please feel free to reach out to one of our dedicated Ambassadors.

Randy Halsey, PGA HOPE Midwest Ambassador

Randy Halsey

PGA HOPE Midwest Ambassador
2019 Graduate • Shoal Creek 2022 Congressional CC Wellness Week
Email Randy
Military Service

As a draftee, served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman, 1969 – 1970. Assigned to the First Cavalry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. Our area of operations was the central highland jungles of III Corps.

2022 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week “My military service left me with a difficult to diagnosis and treat form of PTSD. Golf, through the HOPE program, provided me the therapy I needed in an environment that I deemed safe, largely because it was shared with those whom I feel a common bond. My military service changed me profoundly, and I sense, when interacting with other HOPE participants, that it did them as well. I used to feel apprehensive and wary about being outside and 'exposed.' Golf, and particularly the HOPE program, encouraged me to feel safe outdoors again.”
PGA HOPE Perspective “The game of golf, no matter how well we play it, can heal old wounds and provide an avenue for the future. PGA HOPE is a great program, administered by people who genuinely care, and I'd like to convey that message to any Veteran who might need it.”
Troy Abel, PGA HOPE Midwest Ambassador

Troy Abel

PGA HOPE Midwest Ambassador
2024 Graduate • Firekeeper 1 2025 Congressional CC Wellness Week
Email Troy
Military Service

Kansas Air National Guard 1992 – 2020. Enlisted in the 190th Air Refueling Wing serving as crew chief (2000 – 2014 full-time Crew Chief). Deployed to Turkey, Qatar, Japan, Guam, Germany, Egypt, and many other locations CONUS and OCONUS. In 2014 was assigned to the Inspector General's office and helped develop the Wing Inspection Program. Retired as Chief Master Sergeant / E9 in 2020.

Golf Journey “Golf has been a part of my life for over forty years. Retirement has been an opportunity for me to enjoy more time around the game, meet new people, and spend more time with friends and family.”
PGA HOPE Mission “PGA HOPE brings together two of my passions: Golf and Supporting Veterans. It almost seems too good to be true! I have seen firsthand the positive effects that golf can have on Veterans no matter their situation. As an Ambassador I hope to use my love and knowledge of the game of golf, along with my years of experience as a Military Member and Veterans' Advocate to support PGA HOPE.”
David Curry, PGA HOPE Midwest KCK Chapter Ambassador

David Curry

PGA HOPE Midwest KCK Chapter Ambassador
2024 Graduate • St. Andrews 2
Email David
Military Service

Kansas Army National Guard 2004 – 2020; 2-137 Infantry 155th Brigade Combat Team. Deployments include: Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Spartan Shield.

Golf Journey “Golf has filled an absence that the military once filled. It has provided me with newfound camaraderie while I work towards a journey of focus, dedication and strategy while enjoying the outdoors.”
PGA HOPE Mission “To promote and raise awareness of the PGA HOPE program and help establish longstanding relationships between our graduates afterward that keep them connected and involved in golf. My goal is to see HOPE participation grow year over year and ensure the Veteran Community is aware of this amazing program and regularly participates.”
Max Caylor, PGA HOPE Midwest KCM Chapter Ambassador

Max Caylor

PGA HOPE Midwest KCM Chapter Ambassador
2024 Graduate • Loch Lloyd 1
Email Max
Military Service

A 21-year Army Field Artillery Officer. Served in the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, US European Command, and Joint Forces Command Brunssum (NATO). Deployments include: Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Korea.

Golf Journey “Golf has welcomed me into a wonderful community, built a network, and an outlet to enjoy the outdoors while transitioning back into civilian life. Through golf competitions and on-course camaraderie, I’ve found a therapeutic space to decompress and practice mindfulness, which has been vital for my mental well-being post-service. Ultimately, golf serves as both a physical challenge and a social bridge, helping me navigate my new chapter with confidence and a clear mind.”
PGA HOPE Mission “As a PGA HOPE ambassador, my goal is to advance veteran camaraderie and healing through the game of golf. I am passionate about bridging the gap between military and civilian life, using the golf course as a sanctuary where veterans can rediscover their purpose and build lasting support networks. Ultimately, I want to ensure that no veteran walks their path alone when they could be finding strength and community on the fairway.”

Ready to Experience PGA HOPE?

Explore upcoming session dates, locations, and register for a 6-week series near you.

View Series Schedule → Support Our Mission