Winchester, MA – The final week of PGA HOPE Boston celebrated a grateful group of women Veterans from the Boston area.
This marks the fourth time Seul-Ki Hawley, PGA, Assistant Golf Professional at Winchester Country Club, has led the signature Veteran program for women. Jo-Anna Krupa, PGA, Director of Golf at the Fresh Pond Golf Course, has served as co-lead each season. They were joined by Mary Walsh, DPT, MSPT, CSCS, who has a background in physical therapy.
“This was the coolest group, you all meshed so well together so quickly,” Krupa said. “I hope you keep playing together and keep your relationship with us, because we want to help you in your golf career, but we also want all of you as part of our lives.”
One of approximately 10 PGA HOPE programs nationwide specifically designed for women Veterans, PGA HOPE Boston continues to grow as a unique offering under the PGA HOPE New England initiative.
“I’m grateful that PGA HOPE has now provided me with a set of golf clubs,” Lydia Garcia said. “I never thought I could own those. This is the first time I’ve actually sat down to have dinner with other female Veterans. This is such a powerful community.”
Hawley, who has served as the club’s Assistant Golf Professional since 2016, welcomed 18 Veterans to this year’s program.
“This gave us so much self-esteem to know that you care about what we’ve done for our country,” Janet Liddel said. “I can’t believe we had two PGA of America Professionals and a physical therapist to help us move through the game.”
Representatives from the New England PGA Foundation’s partner organizations, America’s Vet Dogs and Forward Financing joined the women for the final day of the program, celebrating their accomplishments and supporting their continued engagement with the sport. Their involvement reflects the importance of partnerships with organizations that share PGA HOPE’s mission to help veterans heal through the game.
“It’s part of our DNA to give back to the communities where we work and operate,” said Christina Sorrentino, Senior Marketing Manager at Forward Financing. “This really resonates with us, being able to bring women and Veterans together to grow and connect. I feel lucky to be part of this moment, and on behalf of everyone at Forwarding Financing, we’re proud to congratulate you on completing this program.”
Similar to a majority of PGA HOPE graduations, participants played a few holes in a scramble format and competed in a putting contest on 18th green to wrap up their on-course playing experience. They later gathered in the clubhouse for lunch and shared personal reflections on their experience with the PGA HOPE program.
“Golf is therapy to me, it helps my healing journey,” Nicole Lyon said. “It’s also like a military mission, so I feel comfortable in it. We have gear, uniforms, a place, a time, and cohort. I feel safe, I’m learning, and I’m facing challenges. There’s nothing more therapeutic than that to me.”
The New England PGA Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Winchester Country Club and its membership for hosting PGA HOPE during the 2025 season.