Brookline, Mass. – PGA HOPE Brookline officially kicked off its 2025 season on Monday, June 16, welcoming a new class of collegiate veterans to the program.
One of only a few programs nationwide specifically designed for student veterans, PGA HOPE Brookline continues to grow as a unique offering under the PGA HOPE initiative.
Justin Lawson, PGA, General Manager and Director of Golf at Brookline Country Club, has been leading the collegiate veterans program since 2024. The 2025 opening session was attended by students from Babson College, Boston College, Boston University, Curry College, Harvard, MIT, Northeastern University, Simmons University, Suffolk University, Tufts University, University of Massachusetts Boston, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Liam Gale is returning for his second year as Captain of the PGA HOPE Brookline program. Gale also serves as program administrator for the Office of Student Veteran Success at MIT. In his role, he helps coordinate the program and supports participating students throughout the season.
“By creating a military affiliated student focused HOPE program, we are able to bring veterans and military service members from multiple academic institutions together not only to learn the game, but build connections outside of the often isolated walls of their school,” Gale said.
Also present at the event were several notable NEPGA professionals and supporters, including Brendan Walsh, PGA, Director of Golf at The Country Club; Nicholas Kenis, PGA, Assistant Golf Professional at Brookline Golf Club; Jimmy Norris, PGA, Past President of the New England PGA; Alex Socinski, PGA, Assistant Golf Professional at Black Rock Country Club; and Jack Neville, PGA, also Past President of the New England PGA.
The Brookline Golf Course staff and host PGA Professionals are looking forward to a successful program and impactful 2025 program.
“Relationships are being built, the community is getting stronger, the larger HOPE program has been gaining more interest with military affiliated students,” Gale said. “For a few days out of the year, students can focus on something other than coursework when so much focus is on finding a job and a successful transition to civilian life.”
PGA REACH New England extends its sincere thanks to Brookline Country Club and its patronage for their continued support of PGA HOPE during the 2025 season.
PGA HOPE Brookline is currently full for 2025. Veterans interested in future participation are encouraged to join the 2025 Waiting List.