Lincoln, RI – The New England PGA and PGA REACH New England proudly hosted their flagship fundraising event, The REACH Classic, on Monday, June 23 at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, RI. The annual tournament supports PGA REACH New England’s Military Veteran Pillar, bringing together professional, amateur, and veteran golfers who believe in our mission of positively impacting lives through the game of golf. The day was a huge success, raising over $42,000.

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FULL RESULTS

Despite the summer heat, Kirkbrae’s par-72 championship course offered a fun yet challenging 18-hole, best ball format round of golf. A total of 117 players registered to play, with each foursome helping fund the participation of three veterans in a local PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program. 

The day opened with a performance by Sgt. Daniel M. Clark, known as “The Singing Trooper.” A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and former Massachusetts State Trooper, Clark set the tone with patriotic enthusiasm.

Beyond the competition, players and guests enjoyed lunch, dinner, premium tee gifts, a silent auction, and both gross and net prizes. 

Among the standout stories of the day was Arthur Medeiros, a 105-year-old World War ll U.S. Army veteran who served as a heavy weapons operator. The recipient of a Bronze Star, two Silver Stars, and three Purple Hearts received a standing ovation during the awards ceremony. 

Fireside chat and the power of HOPE

During dinner, Michael Packard, PGA, Director of PGA REACH New England, led a fireside chat featuring PGA Professionals and HOPE program veterans Jason Howard, PGA, Michael Harris, and Carlos Barbeiro. Howard, Head Professional at Kirkbrae Country Club and active HOPE instructor, called attention to the critical need for more support. 

“There are a ton of veterans out there, knocking on the door. We need more bodies, we need more people to help. We have the ratio of instructor to veterans, and we only can do so much.”

U.S. Army Veteran Barbeiro led a team including PGA HOPE participants Teddy Beahm, Jason Mahoney, and Zachary Hammar. He spoke powerfully about the program’s life-saving impact.

“One thing that gets underplayed is the relationship with the VA,” Barbeiro said. “Having a counselor being able to prescribe PGA HOPE. If I’m dealing with emotional issues or stress going on in my life… for them to have the ability to say try PGA HOPE, to get me outside under the sun, with other veterans. It’s not just changing lives, it’s truly saving lives.”

Champions of the day

Congratulations to the winning foursome, Joel Jenkins, PGA, Chris Finneral, Phil Regan, and John McClay, who took home top honors at the 2025 REACH Classic. Jenkins, a PGA HOPE instructor at Mount Pleasant Golf Club in Lowell, MA, sponsored the driving range in honor of his son, Hunter Jenkins, USAF, Sr. Airman Kunsan AFB, South Korea. 

The 2025 REACH Classic was presented by Gorton & Company, P.C., led by Bob Gorton and his team. Our supporting partners included Tournament Solutions, represented by John Lawrence and his team; Sovereign Brands; and Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara LLC, each contributing to the success of the day. 

A special thank you to Jason Howard, PGA, Mike Bradshaw, PGA, Kirkbrae’s COO, and the entire Kirkbrae Country Club staff and membership for their exceptional hospitality and dedication to making this year’s REACH Classic unforgettable.