Jersey City, New Jersey —June 25, 2026 — As Americans gather to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, Golf Channel will broadcast the inaugural Liberty Cup from Liberty National Golf Club on July 4. Played in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, the championship honors military service while showcasing the camaraderie, competition and community fostered through the Veteran Golfers Association (VGA).
The two-hour Golf Channel special will air from 3-5 p.m. ET and feature coverage and storytelling from Golf Channel personalities Brandel Chamblee, Damon Hack and Jimmy Roberts. The broadcast will highlight the competition, the Veterans who earned their place in the championship field and the role the VGA plays in enriching the lives of Veterans and their families through golf.
Created through a partnership between Liberty National Golf Club and the VGA, the Liberty Cup recognizes the organization's most accomplished competitors through a match-play championship. The field features five service branch teams comprised of top VGA players from across the country, representing the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.
Beyond the competition, the Liberty Cup features military tributes and patriotic celebrations, including fireworks against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. The event also brings together Veterans, supporters and notable figures from the world of sports, including Urban Meyer, John Smoltz, Gary Sheffield, Josh Donaldson, Ron Harper and John Starks.
The Veteran Golfers Association is a competitive golf league serving more than 46,000 Veterans and family members nationwide. Through more than 2,500 local tournaments annually, along with regional events and national championships, the 501c3 nonprofit organization creates opportunities for connection, competition and community among Veterans of all eras and branches of service.
"The Liberty Cup is more than a golf tournament; it is a celebration of the men and women who have served our country and the bonds that continue long after military service ends," said Josh Peyton, VGA President and CEO. "At the Veteran Golfers Association, we believe golf creates opportunities for connection, purpose and belonging, helping Veterans build relationships and community. Sharing this event from Liberty National on Golf Channel during the Fourth of July holiday is a powerful reminder of the values that unite us as Americans. As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we are honored to recognize the service, sacrifice and enduring impact of our Veteran community."
Dan Fireman, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Liberty National Golf Club and Executive Chairman of the Liberty National Foundation, said support of the VGA and creation of the Liberty Cup reflect a longstanding commitment to honoring the nation's Veterans and military families — a cause that is deeply personal to the Fireman family.
"My father, Paul Fireman, served during the Vietnam War, and his experience helped shape our appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women who wear our nation's uniform. His experience gave our family a greater appreciation for military service and inspired a commitment that remains central to our club and the Liberty National Foundation.
"With the Statue of Liberty overlooking the course as our country celebrates its 250th anniversary, partnering with the VGA to launch the Liberty Cup is an incredible way to recognize their service, share their stories and highlight the impact the VGA has on Veterans and their families across the country."
NOTE: The Liberty Cup was contested May 4-6 at Liberty National Golf Club. Golf Channel's July 4 special features highlights from the competition as well as player stories, patriotic celebrations and the impact of the VGA. The special was produced by Big Swing Media and KO-MAR Productions for Golf Channel.
ABOUT VETERAN GOLFERS ASSOCIATION
The Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Veterans and their families through the game of golf. By providing opportunities for competition, camaraderie, and community engagement, the VGA helps Veterans build meaningful relationships and support networks across the country. Through more than 2,500 local tournaments each year, the VGA serves Veterans of all generations and branches of service. To learn more about joining the VGA, visit vgagolf.org and follow @vgagolf on all social media channels.
ABOUT LIBERTY NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
One of the world's most iconic golf locales, Liberty National Golf Club is located along the Hudson River in Jersey City, N.J., with striking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline. Liberty National fittingly opened on July 4, 2006, and is guided by the vision and leadership of former Reebok Founder, Chairman & CEO Paul Fireman and his son Dan Fireman, Founder & Executive Chairman of Windrose Advisors.
Designed by U.S. Open champion Tom Kite and renowned golf course architect Bob Cupp, Liberty National has hosted the 2017 Presidents Cup, four PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoff events and the first three editions of the LPGA Tour's Mizuho Americas Open. The PGA TOUR's BMW Championship will be contested at Liberty National in 2027 as part of the FedExCup Playoffs. For more information, visit libertynationalgc.com.
ABOUT LIBERTY NATIONAL FOUNDATION
Established in 2024 by Liberty National Golf Club co-founders Paul and Dan Fireman, alongside a group of like-minded club members, the Liberty National Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to supporting youth, Veterans, First Responders, and community initiatives.
Rooted in Liberty National’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy, the Foundation supports charitable organizations and programs that expand opportunity, improve lives, and strengthen communities on and off the course. At the heart of the Foundation is the Torch Lighters Club, a group of philanthropic leaders helping to advance the Foundation's mission and "shine the light" on organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve. For more information visit libertynationalfoundation.org or connect on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Joel Schuchmann, DKC Sports
joelschuchmann@scg-sports.com