“Healing on the Green, Victory on the Blue”
SFC’s New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 “Points-to-Dollars” pledge, a season-long charitable initiative supporting PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America.
Through this initiative, the Sea Birds will donate a combined $2.00 for every point scored during the 2026 SFC season. The pledge is made possible through a $1.00 contribution from Club owner Ethan Rigel and a $1.00 matching commitment from boat owner and operator Ken Hager of the Taylor Jean.
“As a lifelong golfer and fisherman, I’ve always found a unique sense of peace and clarity both on the fairway and out on the water,” said Ethan Rigel, owner of New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club. “My introduction to PGA HOPE at the 2025 Ryder Cup was a turning point for how I viewed our platform with the Sea Birds. After hosting their Ambassadors at the SFC AWARDS in December, we knew we wanted to fuel their mission.”
“On behalf of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the New Jersey Sea Birds for their support of PGA HOPE,” said PGA of America Secretary Eric Eshleman, PGA. “It is a tremendous honor, and we are deeply appreciative of the Sea Birds’ commitment to supporting our nation’s Veterans through this great game we all love. Their generosity and enthusiasm to join our efforts will help ensure Veterans have access to PGA HOPE programs everywhere, using the game of golf as a powerful tool for healing, connection and growth. We look forward to working together to make a meaningful difference.”
With The Flock building off a benchmark of 22,100 points from the 2025 season (SFC regular season placement and Zane Grey Championship Playoff scoring) the Sea Birds are targeting a total charitable impact exceeding $44,000 in 2026.
“When Ethan approached me about this partnership, there was no hesitation,” said Ken Hager, boat owner/operator. “Taylor Jean has always been about the team and the community we build out on the water. Matching the Sea Birds’ pledge to reach that $2-per-point mark is my way of ensuring our success in the SFC translates into real-world impact.”
A Season of Purpose and Impact
The campaign will officially launch on April 2, 2026, with several key elements driving awareness and engagement throughout the season:
Live Tracking: A dynamic “thermometer” graphic will be updated after every competition to showcase real-time donation progress
On-Site Engagement: PGA HOPE Ambassadors will maintain a physical presence at Sea Birds events throughout the year, connecting fans and participants directly to the mission.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
The partnership originated from Ethan Rigel’s introduction to PGA HOPE at the 2025 Ryder Cup, followed by hosting PGA HOPE Ambassadors at the SFC Awards in December 2025. Inspired by the program’s impact, the Sea Birds formalized a partnership that bridges the therapeutic benefits of both golf and sportfishing.
“By turning every point we score on the boat into a direct donation, we are bridging the two sports I love to support those who have served,” Rigel said. “I’m especially excited to have PGA HOPE Ambassadors joining us at events throughout the year; having their presence at our competitions will remind us exactly what we are fishing for.”
“Golf and fishing both offer a unique kind of camaraderie and healing, and we are proud to help PGA HOPE provide that,” Hager said. “We look forward to hosting PGA HOPE Veterans at our events this year, seeing the impact of this program firsthand is what truly makes this partnership special.”
PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces and teaches the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, led by PGA of America Golf Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy. Funded by the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.
About PGA HOPE
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAHOPE on Instagram, X and find us on Facebook.
About Sport Fishing Championship
Founded in 2021, Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) is a competitive sportfishing league of 16 professional angling clubs competing internationally across North America. SFC’s celebrity-driven ownership group includes accomplished athletes and entertainers such as Scottie Scheffler, Austin Dillon, Raheem Mostert, Talor Gooch, Harold Varner III, and Brian Kelley. SFC is committed to growing the sport through innovation, fan engagement, and building a strong outdoor community.
Media Contact:
Jesse Dodson, PGA – PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com
