2023 PGA REACH Michigan Impact Report

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IMPACT REPORT

04 CONTENTS Foundation Pillars 11 Youth 22 Military 28 Inclusion 32 2024 Goals

STATEMENT FROM OUR PRESIDENT, STEPHANIE JENNINGS, PGA

Greetings,

FormanyMichiganresidentsandvisitors,golfisawayoflife.Asthestatewiththemostpublicgolfcourses,Michiganprovides somanywonderfulopportunitiesforgolferstohonetheirskills,tobondwithfamilyandfriends,andtomakelastingmemories.The samecanbesaidabouttheimpactoftheMichiganPGAREACHFoundation.

Ourfoundationisinitsearlystagesofgrowthandwithafocusongolfprogrammingforjuniors,military,anddiversepopulations, aswellashavinggoalstoprovidegrantsandscholarships,ourfoundationissettotrulymakeameaningfulimpactthroughthe gameofgolf.In2023,wewitnessedthegreatestgrowthinourprogramssincetheirinceptions,andweanticipateevenmoregrowth in2024.

PGAJr.LeagueandDrive,Chip&PuttcontinuetobetheleadingjuniorgolfprogramsunderourREACHFoundationumbrella. With126activeprogramsin2023,PGAJr.Leaguegolfimpactedover1,800juniorgolfersfromtheagesof7-17andwasthefirst yearwehostedastatechampionshipwithtwodivisions–Championship&Celebration.Thankstoourwonderfulcoursepartner, BinderParkGolfCourseinBattleCreekledbyPGADirectorofGolfRonOsborne,wewereabletohost3013Uteamsandeight 17UteamsattheSectionChampionship.IntheDrive,Chip&Puttcompetitions,weexperiencednearlya5%increasein participationfrom2022andwewereabletohost18localqualifiersacrossthestate.Wealsoadvancedfourjuniorsfromthe2023 Drive,Chip&PuttRegionaltorepresentMichiganatAugustaNational.

UnderourREACHpillarofMilitarygolf,weareproudtosaythatourPGAHOPEprogrammingisestablishedandgrowing.In 2023,sixprogramsweresupportedbyover20PGAProfessionalswhowerecertifiedinadaptivegolftraining.Thosesixprograms served155veteransandwestillhadmanyonthewaitinglist. Fortunatelyfor2024,weareproudtosaythatourprogramminghas morethandoubledandwewillbeabletoserveover500veteransthroughPGAHOPE.

InadditiontoprogrammingforPGAHOPE,weareverypassionateaboutourPatriotClassicCharitableHockeyGame.Nowin itssecondyear,ourannualhockeygamefeaturesateamofMichiganPGAProfessionalsshowcasingtheirskillsontheiceagainst someofthebestretiredNHLplayerswhoaremembersoftheDetroitRedWingsAlumniteam.Throughdonationsand sponsorships,ourPGAteammembershavegenerated$35,000forPGAHOPEMichiganinthelasttwoyears. Thesewonderful donationshaveallowedourSectiontoexpandprogramming,toprovideadaptivegolftrainingforourprofessionals,andtoexpand ourstaffwhoprovideyear-roundadministrativesupport.

Finally,savingthebestforlast,PGAREACHMichiganisaproudsupporterofDetroit’sownMidnightGolfprogram.Foundedin 2001bysocialworkerandsinglemother,ReneeFlukerwhosawtheimpactthatgolfhadonherson,MidnightGolfprovidesover 250Detroit-areahighschoolseniorswiththeopportunitytoreceivecollege-prepmentoringandbasicgolfinstructionoverthecourse ofa30-weekprogram.ThegolfinstructionisdeliveredweeklybyourPGAProfessionalsandtheprogramculminateswithacollege campustourandon-courseexperienceinNorthCarolinaandGeorgia.In2023,ourfoundationwashappytodonate$10,000tohelp Reneeandherteamcontinuetheirsuccess.

TheleadersandstaffoftheMichiganPGASectionaresoproudoftheprogressofourREACHFoundation,yetweknowthereis moreworktobedone.GolfinMichigancanbeapowerfultooltoeducate,toheal,andtoentertain,andthroughtheeffortsofour hard-workingPGAProfessionals,weenvisionPGAREACHMichiganbeingadrivingforceinbringingthejoyofgolftoevenmorein ourGreatLakesstate.

StephanieJennings,PGA MichiganPGAPresident

PILLARS AT A GLANCE Youth PILLAR

Military PILLAR

Inclusion PILLAR

THE YOUTH PILLAR of PGA REACH Michigan will ensure no child is forgotten and left to pursue golf on their own. PGA REACH Michigan is committed to providing programs for youth across the Section to grow the next generation of golfers.

The pillar includes programming such as PGA Jr. League, Drive, Chip & Putt, our Junior PGA Championships, supporting Golf in Schools programs, and providing Player Development grants to our Michigan PGA Professionals to run their own programs at their facilities. Each program within this pillar is overseen by Michigan PGA Professionals who serve as positive role models and provide a fun and safe learning environment.

THE MILITARY PILLAR ofPGAREACH Michigan is representedby the PGA HOPE (HelpingOurPatriotsEverywhere)program. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans to enhancetheirphysical,mental,social,and emotional well-being through a6-week developmentalcurriculumtaughtbyPGA Professionals that have been trainedin adaptivegolfandmilitaryculturalcompetency.

Uponcompletingtheprogram, Veterans are considered Michigan PGAHOPE “Graduates”andwillremainengagedin post-programming events within the graduate community.Graduatesareinvitedtoparticipate in special post-programevents, visit localcoursesthatofferspecific Veteran discounts, and return to theirprogram location tovolunteerforthenextgroupofPGAHOPE Michigan graduates.

THE INCLUSION PILLAR isacorevalue of PGAREACHMichigan and we embrace thespiritofdifferences.Wearecommitted to ensuring inclusion resonates throughout ourorganization,theactivities, theprograms, and the business we conductwithin our Section.

ThePGAWORKSFellowshipfallsunder the Inclusion pillar as a strategic initiative designedtodiversifythegolfindustry’sworkforce by inspiring andengaging talent fromdiversebackgroundstopursuekeyemployment positions across the golf industry.Wealsoprovideaconnectionto the PGA Professional instructors who supporttheMidnightGolfprogram,aswell as contribute a financial donation. Lastly, wecontinuetoprovideAdultPlayerDevelopment grants to our Michigan PGA ProfessionalsandAssociatesinsupport of inclusive programs attheir facilities.

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PGA REACH Michigan is the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and philanthropic arm of the Michigan PGA Section, one of the 41 sections in the PGA of America. Our members from across the entire Michigan PGA Section are committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars- Youth, Military, and Inclusion.

YOUTH INCLUSION

PGA Jr. League

Drive, Chip & Putt

Junior PGA Championships

Golf in Schools

Youth Player Development Grants

MILITARY

PGA HOPE

Patriot Classic Hockey Game

Operation: Hero Challenge

PGA WORKS Fellowship

Midnight Golf Program

Adult Player Development Grants

GROWTH OF THE GAME COMMITTEE

Doug Temple, PGA REACH Committee Member Military Pillar Kevin McKinley, PGA REACH Committee Member Military Pillar Dean Marks, PGA REACH Committee Member Military Pillar Stephanie Jennings, PGA President Inclusion Pillar Glenn Pulice, PGA Joe Simpson, PGA REACH Committee Member Inclusion Pillar Kelly Plaisier, PGA REACH Committee Member Youth Pillar Scott Wilson, PGA REACH Committee Member Youth Pillar Bill Mory, PGA REACH Committee Member Youth Pillar Madison Maurier Player Development Coordinator & PGA REACH Michigan Activities Director Kelly Kuhlman, PGA Growth of the Game Committee Chair
Followus michiganpga.com TO STAY UPDATED @michiganpga Michigan PGA
11 2023 YOUTH PILLAR HIGHLIGHTS
PARTICIPANTS PROGRAMS PROGRAMS PROGRAMS 4 PROGRAMS PROGRAMS
PLAYER REGISTRATIONS 126 ACTIVE PROGRAMS 69 ENGAGED COACHES $11.5k IN SCHOLARSHIPS PARTICIPANTS 18 LOCAL QUALIFIERS 2 SUB REGIONALS 4 NATIONAL FINALISTS 40 JUNIOR GRANTS $31.9k AWARDED
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1,421 2,089

PGA JR. LEAGUE

PGA Jr. League is the flagship junior program of the PGA of America’s 501(c)(3) foundation, PGA REACH. It is a fun, social, and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls, ages 17 & under, to enjoy the game of golf. Like other recreational youth sports, participants wear numbered jerseys and play on teams with friends. Our Michigan PGA Professionals coach teams in a popular two-person scramble format which reinforces the team concept and creates a nurturing environment for learning the game of golf. More than 1,900 juniors across Michigan participate in this entry point to the game.

1,814

57 #GAMECHANGER MEMBERS Financial SCHOLARSHI

The PGA Jr. League Scholarship Fund exists to provide children everywhere with the opportunity to learn, play and love the game of golf. Together, we can remove barriers and open doors for families to create lifelong memories through experiences that transcend golf. Thank you to PGA REACH for the scholarship support!

288
Ps
participating
71
facilities
All-star Season Participants

Michigan PGA Jr. League

13u Section Champions

Flintstones Coached by Joe Simpson, PGA

Our PGA Jr. League Section Championship was held at Binder Park Golf Course on Thursday, August 10th- Saturday, August 12th in Battle Creek, MI. It was a threeday championship that started with six teams competing in the Section's first Celebration round on Thursday. This round was for teams to commemorate their end of the season. Using all three nines on

Friday, 13u teams (24) competed for the top six spots to advance to Saturday morning, along with 17u teams (eight) who competed for the top two spots in Saturday morning's final round.

The top six 13u teams from Friday competed in the morning two person scramble stroke play round to determine the top two teams advancing to the final round of match play scramble in the afternoon. The top two 17u teams from the qualifier round returned Saturday morning to play head-tohead in a two person scramble match play for the championship title and a Regional qualifying spot.

17u Section Champions

Great Lakes Bay Region 1 Coached by Doug Temple, PGA

All-Star Championship Season

Our 13u championship match on Saturday afternoon consisted of Joe Simpson's team from the Flintstones League, and Doug Temple's team from the Great Lakes Bay Region League. Both teams presented a morning score of 100 (-5) and went head-tohead in the afternoon with Flintstones coming out on top, winning 6½ points out of the possible 12. The match was even heading into the ninth hole. Under immense pressure and a sea of teammates, spectators, and coaches watching closely, Joe Simpson's team made their putt to win the ninth hole and earn the title of 13u Section Champions for the Michigan PGA Section in 2023.

Our 17u championship match consisted of each of Doug Temple's teams from the Great Lakes Bay Region League. Great Lakes Bay Region 1 finished the qualifying round on Friday with a score of 62 (-8), and Great Lakes Bay Region 2 finished at 67 (-3). Both teams showed tremendous grit and fought until the end of Saturday's Championship round, with Great Lakes Bay Region 1 coming out on top winning 8½ points out of the possible 9, to be named our 2023 17u Section Champions.

PGA JR. LEAGUE

Great Lakes Bay Takeover

Four teams from the Great Lakes Bay Region participated in the 2023 PGA Jr. League Section Championship, with three of the four advancing to the final matches for their divisions!

2023 #GAMECHANGER AWARD WINNERS

Michigan Award winner, Doug Temple at Currie Municipal Golf Course, with 166 Participants!

The #GameChanger Awards were created by the PGA of America’s Player Engagement team in 2019 to celebrate the efforts of PGA Jr. League Coaches who create more opportunities for more kids to learn and play the game. The awards honor the 25 largest PGA Jr. League programs in the country, as well as the largest programs in each of the 41 PGA of America Sections.

2023

Michigan PGA Player Engagement Award Winners

In 2022, a Player Engagement Award was added to celebrate Coaches who meet the following criteria: lead 24 or more active PGA Jr. League players; host multiple age divisions or seasons of PGA Jr. League; host a PGA Family Golf event; and are ADM (American Development Model) certified through the PGA Coach platform.

Kevin McKinley, PGA The Highlands at Harbor Springs - Ross Golf Center Kelly Kuhlman, PGA Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club Dean Marks, PGA Milham Park Golf Course Alex Parry, PGA Associate
of Auburn Hills
Fieldstone Golf Club

DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT

A joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America, Drive, Chip & Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf.

1,421 Participants in Michigan Drive, Chip & Putt Local Qualifiers in 2023

By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip & Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country.

Participants who advance through local, sub-regional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and is broadcast live by the Golf Channel.

THE ROAD TO AUGUSTA - 2023

Ava Gilbart (Girls 10-11) placed 4th FROM LOCAL GREENS TO NATIONAL SCENES: MICHIGAN JUNIOR GOLFERS AIM FOR VICTORY AT THE 2023 DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT NATIONAL FINALS AT AUGUSTA

Lyla Hampton (Girls 14-15) tied for 6th place

Paige Radebach (Girls 12-13) placed 10th

Robert Melendez (Boys 10-11) tied for 4th

JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIPS

This year’s Michigan Junior PGA Championship was held at Bedford Valley Golf Course on June 22-23. The course was in great condition and posed a challenge for the junior golfers. After 36 holes, Ryan O’Rourke came in at 141 (-3) to become the 2023 Boys Michigan Junior PGA Champion. Mason Sokolowski was runner up finishing at 143 (-1). In the Girls overall division, Macie Elzinga came in with a 68 (-4) on the second round, with an eagle on the #14 par four from 70 yards out. She finished with a two day total of 137 (-7) to become the 2023 Girls Michigan Junior PGA Champion. Lily Bargamian finished runner-up with a 141 (-3).

Michigan sent the Champion & Runner-Up to the National Junior PGA Championship hosted at Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on August 1-4, 2023 –Macie Elzinga, Lily Bargamian, Ryan O’Rourke and Mason Sokolowski!

2023 MILITARY PILLAR HIGHLIGHTS

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots

Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH Michigan, the charitable foundation of the Michigan PGA.

PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

PGA HOPE Michigan organizes structured golf programs, providing free golf instruction, clinics, and course access to Veterans, fostering a sense of community and support while focusing on the unique benefits golf offers for physical and mental rehabilitation. Through this program, Veterans are not only introduced to golf skills, but also experience camaraderie, improved confidence, and a pathway to better integrate back into civilian life.

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I love to support the men and women who give themselves to keep our country free. I believe golf can heal and be a connector to help our patriots live full and rewarding loves. PGA HOPE means community for me. It’s the opportunity for people who share a common bond to come together and enjoy the new path that golf will take them.

PGA HOPE MICHIGAN BY THE NUMBERS

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MICHIGAN PGA HOPE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS SESSIONS OF PGA HOPE IN MICHIGAN PROGRAM LOCATIONS IN MICHIGAN

2023 PROGRAM LOCATIONS

PGA HOPE BATTLE CREEK

Custer Greens Golf Course at the Battle Creek VA

PGA HOPE GRAND HAVEN

American Dunes Golf Club

PGA HOPE GRAND RAPIDS

Thornapple Pointe Golf Club

PGA HOPE MIDLAND

Currie Municipal Golf Course

PGA HOPE METRO DETROIT

Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center

PGA HOPE ROCHESTER

Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club

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12 VETERAN GRADUATES IN 2023

PGA HOPE AMBASSADOR: MARK HITCHCOCK

Mark Hitchcock served honorably in the US ArmyReserve for 10 yearswiththe980th QuartermasterCompany, based out of his hometown in Bay City, Michigan. During his service, Mark progressed to therank of Sergeantand took on several additional duties within his unit, most prominently servingashis unit’sDuty Appointed Retention NCO while also bearing responsibility for his squadand duties ofhisMOSasa Petroleum Supply Specialist.

During his service, Sgt. Hitchcock earned the Army Commendation Medal, 3ArmyAchievementMedals,3Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, IraqCampaignMedal, GlobalWaron Terrorism Service Medal, 2 Armed Forces ReserveMedals w/ M Device, Army Service Ribbon, Driver& Mechanic Badge / Driver-W, as well as several Certificates of Achievement. Forservice in Iraq,his unit wasalsoawardedthe Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptional service during OperationIraqiFreedom.

Mark learned about PGA HOPE from one of his volunteers while serving asanEvent Managerfor theAlzheimer’s Association who was aware of his prior service and love for golf. Itwasduringthis timethatMark realizedthegame of golf offered so much more than just the occasional outing or leaguenightmatch.During histimeinthe PGA HOPE Midland program, Mark, who never took a formal lesson prior to this program, not only learnedsomecritical skills that have improved his golf game, but alsohelped him connect with manyfellowVeterans andprovidea sense of focus and purpose he didn’t realize wasmissing in his life sinceleaving theservice,using thegameof golf as the catalyst.

Mark has continued serving his community in executive leadership roles withvarious governmentalandnonprofit organizations in the community recreation, chamberof commerce, community education,voluntaryhealth, preventative health, and public education sectors. Currently, Mark alsoservesas avolunteerleader withhislocal PGA HOPE program, the Michigan Military Golf Association, and the Veteran Golfers Association.

PATRIOT CLASSIC CHARITY HOCKEY GAME

The Michigan PGA and Detroit Red Wings Alumni partnership presented $60,000 to PGA HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere), Yellow Ribbon Fund and Folds of Honor.

DarrenMcCarty,DinoCiccarelli,Larry Murphy,JohnOgrodnick,EdMioandMickey RedmondwereamongtheformerDetroitRed Wingsstarswhosuitedupandentertained. VladimirKonstantinov,partofthefamous RussianFivethathelpedtheRedWingswin theStanleyCupin1997,droppedthepuckin theceremonialstarttothegame.

ThePGAplayersandtheircoachesinthe gameeachraisedfundsfortheveterans groups,andseveralsponsorswerebroughton board.GeorgeBowman,theheadPGAGolf ProfessionalatOakhurstGolf&CountryClub inClarkston,MI,isalsotheSecretaryforthe DRWAAalongwiththeMichiganSectionPGA President,DeanKolstad,aformerNHL hockeyplayer,ledthepartnershipeffortforthe game.KolstadistheDirectorofGolfatGull LakeViewGolfClub&Resortnear Kalamazoo.

“Itwasagreatevent.Golfandhockeyworked togetherreallywelltohelpthecommunityand ourVeterans,”KevinHelm,ExecutiveDirector oftheMichiganPGASectionsaid.

JohnLindert,thePresidentofthePGAof AmericaandtheDirectorofGolfatCountry ClubofLansing,servedasacoachforthe MichiganPGAteamalongwithHelmand DougBell,PGAGeneralManageratAmerican DunesGolfClubinGrandHaven,the celebratedgolfcoursebaseforFoldsof Honor.

OPERATION: HERO CHALLENGE

12 PGA HOPE Graduates and 12

Michigan

PGA Professionals were paired up to compete in the Operation: Hero Challenge. Throughout a 9-hole round, each team took on three skills competitions consisting of driving, chipping, and putting. Graduates were able to showcase the skills they learned throughout their PGA HOPE program and the Michigan PGA professionals enjoyed sharing their expertise with the Veterans.

Participants executed three shots at each skills competition to accumulate points based on the accuracy of each shot. We awarded three divisions- PGA Professional, PGA HOPE Graduate, and Team. Kevin Muir of Wyndgate Country Club edged out Dean Kolstad of Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort by one point to win the PGA Professional Division. Graduate, Stephen Labadie, from the PGA HOPE Grand Rapids program, won his division with a total of 125 points; a highlight of his day was being the only graduate to hole out a shot on the chip skill! His contributions, alongside his partner's, Casey Powers, Golf Director of Boyne Resorts, brought his team to victory as the first team champions of the Operation: Hero Challenge!

OVER $20,000 RAISED!

2023 INCLUSION PILLAR HIGHLIGHTS

246 Midnight Golf students completed the 30-week curriculum of mentoring and empowerment.

6 out of 7 Michigan PGA WORKS Fellows

continue to work within the golf industry following their fellowship.

The Midnight Golf Program announced over $220,000 in scholarships awarded to the Class of 2023 to support their pursuit of secondary education.

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MICHIGAN PGA WORKS FELLOWS

Madi Guilmette graduated in 2020 from Central Michigan University with degrees in Event Management and Marketing. Her love for the game of golf was inspired by her dad and was the reason she applied for the Fellowship position. As she approached the end of her time as the Fellow, she was presented with the opportunity to advance her career with the Michigan PGA Section team as the Communications Coordinator. She has continued to excel and provide new innovative ways to connect with Michigan PGA Professionals and the public.

The 2023-2024 PGA WORKS Fellow, Paige Kopczyk, completed her Undergraduate and Masters degrees at Central Michigan University. Coming into the Fellowship in May of 2023, Paige had limited golf experience. However, throughout the year, she furthered her knowledge in adaptive golf, inclusion, and nonprofit work. The fellowship provided her with the opportunity to network with Michigan PGA Professionals and others within the industry. The connections she made opened the door to her full time position following her Fellowship: Executive Director for the First Tee of Eastern Michigan.

2023-2024 Michigan PGA WORKS Fellow Paige Kopczyk 2022-2023 Michigan PGA WORKS Fellow Madi Guilmette

MIDNIGHT GOLF

TheMidnightGolfProgramwasstartedin2001andtheMichiganPGAhasbeeninvolvedfromtheveryfirst meeting.Theprogramteachesgolftohighschoolseniors,manyofwhomcomefromdifficulthome environmentsinneedofguidance,friendship,andmentorship.Inadditiontothegolfcomponent,allparticipants mustalsoattendlife-skillsclasseswhereabroadrangeoftopicsarecovered.Eachyear,theprogram interviewscloseto1,000potentialstudentstoidentifythe250thatwillbeselectedtoparticipateintheprogram. SomerecentMGPoutcomes–servedmorethan4,200studentssince2001,100%annualcollege acceptancerate,90%annualpersistencerate,and70%collegegraduationrate.MGPstudents graduatecollegeatfourtimestherateofDetroitstudentswithoutsupport.Crain’sDetroitBusinessnamed MidnightGolfthe2018Best-ManagedNonprofit,andReneeFluker,founder,andpresident,wasrecognizedby Crain’sDetroitBusinessasaNotableWomaninNonprofits.Theprogramisenteringanotherphaseinits developmentasithasbeengifteda30,000squarefootbuildingintheNewCenterareathatsitsablockortwo northofthehistoricFisherBuilding.Whencomplete,thebuildingwillhaveonefloordedicatedtothegolf

componentwithampleroomforfullswing,chipping, andputting,andwillalsoincludesimulatorsinan environmentsuitableforPGAProfessionalinstruction, outsidecorporateevents,clinics,etc.Thebuildingwill alsohousemultipleoffices,classrooms,andlarge groupmeetingareastoaccommodatethegroup dinnerprovidedateachsession.Theseareexciting timesfortheMidnightGolfProgramthatcontinuesto changethelivesofsomanyyoungmenandwomen fromDetroit.

Theprogramreceivedsomeveryexcitingnews recentlywhenPGAREACHannouncedthatMidnight GolfisbeingawardedaPlacestoPlaygrantinthe amountof$250,000!ThePGAandthePlacestoPlay committeeareimpressedwitheverythingaboutthe program,butthisgrantisspecificallytosupportthe newhomesiteandthelowerlevelofthebuildingwhich iscompletelydedicatedtogolf.Thefinishedbuilding willnotonlybeanamazinghomefortheprogram,but willalsoallowforPGAinstructorstoutilizethe simulatorsandotheramenitiestoteachprivate lessons,conductPGAJuniorLeagueandPGAHOPE programs,aswellashostcorporatefunctions.

2023 GRANT PROGRAMS

In 2023, PGA REACH Michigan provided $51,550 of grant funding to PGA Professionals and Associates to support a junior or adult golf program in their community.

2023 Junior Program of the Year Winner

Chase Kuyers, PGA

Chasin’ Birdies Golf Camp is a youth development program that encourages each kid’s growth using an “unplugged” approach throughout the camp and leads campers to return in later years as a camp counselor. In 2023, Chase hosted 6 camps, all of which sold out quickly, and served 250+ kids, even including some who were from the United Kingdom, and 40+ camp counselors. Aside from golf, the camp also focuses on using other outdoor activities, including fishing, soccer, and archery, to learn developmental character skills such as honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, and good old-fashioned hard work.

2023 Adult Program of the Year Winner

Raquel Bryant, PGA

Raquel offered a women’s clinic called Ladies Edge which introduced one full swing topic and one short game topic each week. The Spring session of Ladies’ Edge had 18 women and 67% of the ladies were nonmembers. For the Summer Ladies’ Edge session of 118 women, 78% were non-members. Members were more engaged and excited to make the most of their membership, while non-members did continue to patronize our facility, as well as became more aware of programs, merchandise, and restaurants that are available to non-members.

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STATEMENT FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KEVIN HELM

AstheExecutiveDirectoroftheMichiganPGA,itisvery rewardingtobeabletosharethissummaryofalloftheactivities andaccomplishmentswithinourPGAREACHMichigan Foundation.Thegameofgolfisanamazingsportandacatalyst forgood.Wegettoseeeverydayhowgolfimproveslivesand communities,andwearededicatedtocontinuingtogrowand expandourimpact.

Whilethisreporthashighlighted2023,Iwanttolookaheadto someofwhatwehaveplannedfor2024.Weplantocontinueto offerourgrantprogramtosupportgrassrootsprogramsthatour PGAProfessionalsareinvolvedinwithintheircommunities. Theseprogramsserveawiderangeofindividualsandalignwith thevisionandmissionofourfoundation.Wealsolooktoexpand participationandprogrammingineachofourthreepillars-junior golf,military,andinclusion.

JuniorGolf-whetheritbecompetitivegolfopportunitieslikeour MichiganJuniorPGAChampionship,ormoredevelopmental programminglikeDrive,Chip,&Putt,orPGAJr.League,wewill continuetoincreaseopportunitiesforalljuniorsthroughoutthe state.Wewillalsocontinuetogrowourgolfinschools’presence tointroducegolftoallchildrenwithinacommunity.

Military-wehaveandwillcontinuetosupportTheFoldsofHonor Foundation,anamazingfoundationprovidingcollege scholarshipstothechildrenoffallensoldiers.ThePGAof AmericahasalsocreatedthePGAHOPEprogram(HelpingOur PatriotsEverywhere),a6-weekprogramthatprovidesgolf,social interaction,andemotionalhealingforveterans.Manyofour nation’sheroessufferfromdepression,PTSD,andother conditionsthatchallengetheirabilitytore-enterandenjoycivilian life.PGAHOPEsaveslives,andweareproudthatwewillmore thandoublethenumberofprogramlocationsin2024andserve inexcessof500Veterans.

Inclusion-SethWaugh,CEOofthePGAofAmerica,hassaid wewantthegameofgolftolooklikeoursocietyandatthesame time,wehopethatoursocietycanlookandactlikethegameof golf.Greatstrideshavebeenmadewhenyoulookatthe demographicsofwhoplaysthegame,butcontinuedgrowthin thisareaischallengedunlessweareintentionalaboutensuring diversityamongthosewhoworkinandleadthegolfindustry.

ThePGAWORKSFellowshipprogramprovidespaidyear-long positionswithinPGASectionOfficeswiththegoalofprovidingan introductiontothegolfindustrytoindividualsfromdiverse backgrounds.WeareproudtohavehadsixPGAWORKS FellowsattheMichiganPGAandallbutoneofthemare currentlyworkingwithinthegolfindustry.Wehaverecentlyhired ourseventhPGAWORKSFellowwhowilljoinourstaffinMay.

Wearealsoextremelyproudofourlong-standingrelationship withtheMidnightGolfProgram.Sincethebeginningin2001,the MGPhasservedapproximately4,500highschoolseniorsinthe greaterDetroitarea,usinggolfasafoundationtopreparethem forcollegeandbeyond.

Theworkwedowouldnotbepossiblewithoutourstaff, volunteers,anddonors.Thankyoutoallwhohavecontributed time,money,orsomeothermeansofsupport.Weareactively lookingforindividuals,foundations,orcorporationswhomay shareourvisionandhavethedesiretosupportandallowusto growtheworkwithinourthreepillars.

Ifyouhaveaninterestinsupportingorbecomingapartnerwith theMichiganPGAREACHFoundation,pleasecontactustolearn more.

Goals

FOR 2024

Foundation Board

Improve member and community engagement by beginning the process of creating a PGA REACH Michigan Executive Board.

Partners

Ensure the financial sustainability of PGA REACH Michigan by expanding our network of foundation, corporate and individual partners.

Public Engagement

Continue to share PGA REACH

Michigan events with the public and connecting with different communities throughout our Section.

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L
Ahead
O O K I N G

Youth2024

16 Local Drive, Chip & Putt events and 2 Sub-Regionals will be hosted in Michigan.

1,900 Juniors involved in PGA JR. League throughout the state.

Increased field for the Junior PGA Championship for both the Boys and Girls divisons.

100+ PGA HOPE

Certified Michigan

PGA Professionals Military

34 Sessions of PGA

HOPE

Over 500 Veterans to be served.

2024

Inclusion2024

288 Students joining the 2024 class of Midnight Golf. The new PGA WORKS Fellow will join the Michigan PGA team in May.

TOGETHER TOGETHER TOGETHER

WE CAN SHAPE LIVES WE CAN CHANGE LIVES & WE CAN SAVE LIVES

PGA REACH Michigan’s mission is to positively impact people’s lives through the game of golf.

Your contributions have fueled our programs and allowed us to reach new heights in fostering growth, inclusion, and community engagement. The growth we have experienced in 2023 would not have been possible without your belief in our vision.

Through our three core pillars, Youth, Military, and Inclusion, PGA REACH Michigan will continue to provide impactful programs to serve those in our community.

If you are interested in making a donation to support our foundation, we ask that you make all checks payable to PGA REACH Michigan.

P.O. Box 4399, East Lansing, MI 48826

517-641-7421 michigan@pgahq.com MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 4399, East Lansing, MI 48826 PHYSICAL ADDRESS 15600 Chandler Rd Bath, MI 48808 PGA REACH MICHIGAN

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