Franklin, TENN –

Purpose, Passion, and the Power of Golf: Tennessee PGA’s New PGA HOPE Platoon Leaders

The Tennessee PGA Section is proud to welcome three remarkable individuals—Angela Hamontree, Daniel Ferrere, Sr., and Casey Willett—as our newest PGA HOPE Platoon Leaders. Each brings a unique background, a deep passion for service, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting fellow veterans through the game of golf.

PGA HOPE Platoon Leaders serve as key ambassadors within the program, helping expand its reach and amplify its impact. Often the first point of contact for veterans interested in PGA HOPE, these leaders offer guidance, encouragement, and support throughout a veteran’s journey in the program. Angela, Daniel, and Casey will take on essential leadership responsibilities including attending HOPE graduations, supporting PGA Professionals, and contributing to the planning and execution of local program events. 

Meet the Leaders

Daniel Ferrere, Sr., a 2023 PGA HOPE graduate, has quickly become one of the most active and supportive alumni in the Chattanooga region. He has served as a guest speaker at multiple PGA HOPE graduations, participated in numerous playdays and Tennessee Golf Foundation (TGF) outings, and recently joined the First Tee of Chattanooga as a coach. Lamar Mills, TGF Chattanooga Regional Director and TNPGA Honorary President, praises Daniel as a standout leader among alumni. He hopes that his love for life and the game rubs off on others…having fun whether it’s a birdie, par, or bogey. Daniel lives by the belief that “it only takes one person to make a difference in a veteran’s life,” and he’s proud to raise awareness of PGA HOPE and its lasting impact on the veteran community.

Angela Hamontree, also a 2023 graduate of the Chattanooga PGA HOPE program, made history as its first female graduate. Prior to PGA HOPE, Angela rarely left her home. She mentioned that she was a “true beginner and wanted to gain the basics from HOPE and then improve”. The HOPE instructors instilled a “want to do more, get better, and love the process”. Through the program, she found new purpose, built meaningful friendships, and discovered a renewed outlook on life. She wante to be a Platoon Leader to give back to the program and help out. Now, she serves as a First Tee coach in Hamilton County and actively volunteers throughout her community. Angela is dedicated to reaching other veterans—especially women—who may not yet know about the powerful impact of PGA HOPE.

Casey Willett, another 2023 PGA HOPE graduate, grew up with golf as a central part of his life, having spent his childhood on a golf course run by his parents. After sustaining military-related injuries, he became frustrated by his inability to play the game he once loved. He views PGA HOPE as “not just about golf, it is about community and family”. PGA HOPE helped him reconnect with the sport, and he now shares his experience and the program’s impact every chance he gets. He notes that “being a PGA HOPE Platoon Leader helps [him] find a purpose bigger than [himself].” Casey volunteers across the Chattanooga area in HOPE playdays, TGF events, and Drive, Chip & Putt competitions. He also serves as a Patient Advocate at the local VA clinic, maintaining strong relationships with veterans in his community. He’s deeply committed to the PGA HOPE mission and believes in the healing power of golf to change lives.

In addition to fostering relationships and supporting new participants, Platoon Leaders like Angela, Daniel, and Casey are instrumental in ensuring the long-term growth of the program. From helping secure grants and fundraising support to connecting graduates with meaningful post-program opportunities—like tournaments, clinics, play days, employment, and volunteer work—their leadership ensures the PGA HOPE experience continues well beyond graduation.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Angela Hamontree, Daniel Ferrere, Sr., and Casey Willett. We are thrilled to have them step into these important roles and are excited to witness the lasting impact they will make on our PGA HOPE family and the greater veteran community across Tennessee.

Kelsey Ludwigsen, Communications Manager