The opening round of the 2026 BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club featured a special salute to those who have served and continue to serve our country, with Gateway PGA HOPE Veterans proudly taking part in the moment.
At 10:49 a.m. Thursday morning, as the BMW Championship got underway, Gateway PGA HOPE Veterans stood alongside the West County EMS & Fire Color Guard to honor our nation’s armed forces during a military flyover.
The flyover featured aircraft from the 303rd Fighter Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, providing a powerful backdrop as spectators, players, volunteers and staff paused to recognize the men and women who have served our country.
The moment was part of the BMW Championship’s opening-round salute to the military, presented with support from Aggreko.
For the Gateway PGA HOPE Veterans participating, the moment carried an especially meaningful significance. PGA HOPE—Helping Our Patriots Everywhere—is the PGA of America’s flagship military program, using the game of golf to help Veterans improve their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
Through Gateway PGA HOPE, PGA Professionals provide Veterans with a welcoming environment where they can build relationships, learn the game and find a community among fellow Veterans.
Seeing Gateway PGA HOPE Veterans standing with the American flag at one of the biggest sporting events in St. Louis was a fitting representation of the program and the Veterans it serves.
As the aircraft passed overhead, the message was simple and powerful: a salute to those who serve and have served.
For the Gateway PGA, it was an honor to have PGA HOPE Veterans represent the program and the region during such a memorable moment at the BMW Championship.