2023 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PRESENTED BY :

Jonathan Patterson

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Fellow PGA Members and Associates, Thank you to each Professional for your dedication and work this past year leading your course, businesses, and the game of golf in our communities and representing the NFPGA On behalf of the Executive Board, thank you for your efforts to engage with your fellow PGA Professionals while learning, playing, and serving together.

Thank you to all our Professionals and your courses for hosting events (education, meetings, tournaments, PATs, DCP, PGA HOPE) and to our Partners for supporting the initiatives of the NFPGA Our sincere gratitude to all the NFPGA and PGA regional team members who support our PGA Professionals, Partners, and all constituents

Thank you to President Kevin Paschall, Honorary President John Hughes, District 13 Director Russ Libby, Tournament Chair Nick Frontero, Chapter Presidents Bryan Moran, Darin Hoff, Wes Tucker, Missy Williams, Trustee Chair Mike Lynch, and all the Chapter leaders and committee members that serve for the betterment of the NFPGA and PGA of America REACH Foundation of North Florida

In the Annual Report, you will read about our accomplishments over the last year. One of the most significant is PGA HOPE programs have grown from eleven locations (2023) to seventeen locations (2024) allowing us the opportunity to serve more Veterans. Thank you to our certified PGA HOPE Instructors for leading the way.

Congratulations to our PGA Professionals on their achievements and representing the NFPGA at the highest level The report includes recognition of our 2023 Rolex Players of the Year, 2023 NFPGA Section Champions, 2024 Award Winners, and Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Below are key highlights and milestones from the past 12 months.

Miles Russell (Jacksonville native) won the 47th Junior PGA Championship at Hot Springs CC and became a member of the U S Junior Ryder Cup Team played in Rome, Italy

Sandra Changkija won the 2023 NFPGA Section Championship for a back-to-back win, hosted at the Cypress Course at Evermore Orlando Resort.

Greg Koch earned an exemption into the PGA TOUR’s 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship and successfully made the cut.

Grace Hurley was honored at the 107th PGA of America Annual Meeting as the Merchandiser of the Year for Results

Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth became the first woman to win a PGA Tournament Series event in its 46-year history.

Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth won the 2023 Rolex Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth won the 2024 Women’s Stroke Play Championship at PGA Golf Club

Greg Koch earned an exemption and played in the PGA TOUR’s 2024 Valspar Championship.

Lily Watcher of Saint Augustine won the Girls 10-11 Year Division of Drive Chip & Putt at the April finals at Augusta National Golf Club.

Dalton Barret, Matt Borchert, Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth, Hays Farley, and John Somers made the 36hole cut at the PGA Professional Championship John Sommers ultimately finished 4th and earned a spot in the PGA Championship as a Corebridge Financial Team Member)

Jason Hrynkiw (alternate spot) and Rod Perry (special exemption) played in the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship (Corebridge Financial Team Members) at Harbor Shores. Congratulations to Rod on successfully making the cut.

Jennifer Borocz, Sandra Changkija, and Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth qualified for the upcoming 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee CC (Corebridge Financial Team Members)

Core Purpose: We (Section, Chapters, Leadership, Staff) exist to serve our Members and grow the game in North Florida. The mission of the NFPGA is to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry.

In the coming months, the Executive Board will discuss the path of the NFPGA for the next five years and beyond where we are going and how we can improve the organization to serve our purpose and mission

2029, the North Florida PGA will celebrate 50 years as a Section. As we have heard since the launch of the PGA of America campaign, “We Love this Game,” our goal is to elevate the NFPGA for our Members, Associates, and all constituents By collaborating and working together, we can accomplish more and elevate the NFPGA now and for the generations behind us

Every day, our Professionals are serving the purpose and mission of the NFPGA. Thank you for all that you do to enhance the game of golf in North Florida and beyond. With the Officers, Board, Staff, ALL PGA Members and Associates, and Partners, we look forward to the future challenges and opportunities ahead to LEAD the Game of Golf forward in North Florida and continue to tell the story of why “We Love this Game ”

ONE STOP SHOP!

CUSTOM TEES

Custom printed golf tees offer a costeffective and versatile way to promote your club or event!

STARTERS BOXES

Wood or Aluminum starters boxes available. Customize this box on the outside and inside lid. Creates a great presentation for your members & guests.

GRIPS

We stock all the major grip brands. Golf Pride, Winn, Super Stroke, Lamkin and more! All in stock and orders arrive in one day!

SUPPLIES

We carry all your shop, range, tournament and course supplies! Fast turnaround times and most competitive pricing.

Global Golf Sales has been a pround sponsor of the North Florida PGA Section for over 15 years. We carry all your golf course and shop supplies with the most competitive prices.

Ordering is easy, fast and our service is the best in the industry. Please feel free to call us with any specail request or products you’re looking for!

SHARED VALUES

The North Florida PGA celebrates our love for the game and is committed to an inclusive culture Everything we do – from growing the game to enriching careers- is intentional, so everyone feels authentically invited and welcome Our Shared Values are intended to drive peak performance for a culturally rich Team that showcases a deep commitment to embracing and practicing inclusion, equity, and diversity. These Shared Values and behavioral statements outline how we show up for each other daily in pursuit of the North Florida PGA’s core purpose and Strategic North Stars.

We are ONE

We are a cohesive team for the greater good

We operate as ONE organization for ONE membership

Have Each Other’s Backs

We collaborate in a way that strengthens us

We actively listen to encourage diverse perspectives

We always support each other, especially in challenging times

We assume good intentions

We support each other in balancing our lives

Practice Gratitude

We celebrate wins, small and large

We say “thank you ” frequently

We create a respectful environment

We put as much focus on how we work as what we get done

We exemplify a positive attitude

Get Better Every Day

We pursue excellence through continuous improvement

We develop each other

We own it by holding each other accountable

We take thoughtful risks to innovate through experimentation

We learn from ‘bogeys’ AND ‘birdies’

Start With Clarity

We ask each other, ‘Why?’

We check our assumptions by asking, “is that accurate?”

We take the time to understand needs deeply

We communicate decisions and reasoning appropriately

We optimize our work together through relentless prioritization

BUSINESS PLAN

Summary for BY2024

The North Florida PGA maintains an annual business plan that confirms its purpose and values and outlines its goals and strategies This is a summary of the current strategic business plan In the development of each goal and strategy, we ask ourselves:

Does the specific program or investment….

Serve the Member?

Grow the game?

Protect and enhance our brand?

Strengthen our financial position?

Would a reasonable NFPGA Member be okay with it, even if they aren’t personally impacted?

Our Core Purpose

We (Section, Chapters, Leadership, and Staff) exist to serve our Members and grow the game in North Florida Success occurs with the elevation of the North Florida PGA brand, enhancement of our Members’ economic well-being, and long-term vitality of the game.

Our Brand Vision

We inspire our Members to be the experts in the business of the game of golf while inviting and welcoming everyone to play the game we love When our branding is successful, our Members will know us for our service, and consumers will know us for the value our members bring to their communities

BUSINESS PLAN

Summary for BY2024

Our North Stars

We strategically focus on defined North Stars of Members, Game, Business, and People Moreover, our North Stars are intentionally aligned with those of the PGA of America Within each North Star, we have core business functions that strategically support our core purpose and strategic vision while driving our association forward consistently within our shared values

MEMBERS

Serve the NFPGA Members to meet their needs and maximize the value of their Membership. Career Services

Marketing-Communications (internal)

Education-Lifelong Learning

Mentoring

Tournaments

Goals

1 Achieve Member satisfaction score of 61 (up from 33)

2 Achieve Member engagement score of 56 (up from 40)

3. 84% of Members feel aware of news and information (up from 67%)

Member KPI’s (how we measure against our goals)

Leadership’s understanding of membership needs

Chapter Satisfaction

NPS for Education

NPS for Section Tournaments

NPS for Chapter Tournaments

GAME

Lead golf initiatives to inclusively engage players in the game while promoting the value of a PGA Member in their communities.

Community Coaching

Engagement

Marketing-Communications (external)

Goals

1 Enhance the awareness of the PGA Members in their communities

2. Achieve a youth engagement score of 75

3. 200 Members have PGA Coach Profiles (up from 177)

Game KPI’s

Participation in PGA Jr. League

Participation in PGA Jr Championship

PGA Coach Profiles

BUSINESS PLAN

BUSINESS

Sustain the Section through sound business practices and strategic partnerships

Finance

Governance

Chapter Assistance Program Partnerships

Goals

1 Achieve a Financial health score of 65

2 85% of Chapter Leaders are satisfied with the Chapter Assistance Program

3. Increase revenues by 40K through partnerships and new growth and ventures.

Business KPI’s

Actual to Budget Variance of Net Income

Cash Ratio

G&A % to Revenue

Total cash value of partnerships in thousands

PEOPLE

Create a united and performance-based culture rooted in our shared values.

Employees

Leadership

Goals

1. Achieve an Employee Satisfaction score of 80

2. Achieve a Leadership Satisfaction score of 75

People KPI’s

Employee provided annual review

Employee communication

Employee satisfaction

Leadership onboarding

Leadership Portal

Leadership satisfaction Summary for BY2024

Committees & Functions

C O M M I T T E E S

The Officer Committee, in partnership with the Executive Director, is responsible for determining the need for committees and task forces, as well as assigning them. The governance committees are listed in hierarchical order, while the core support committees are listed alphabetically.

Governance Committees (listed in hierarchy order)

Executive Board

Officer Committee

Chapter Board

Core Support Committees (listed in alphabetical order)

Awards

Coaching & Player Engagement

Employment-Career Services

Finance

Hall of Fame

Inclusion & Diversity

Professional

Development

Tournament

The following are the core purpose and

key

functions of each governance and core support committee.

E X E C U T I V E B O A R D ( G O V E R N A N C E )

Purpose: The Executive Board is responsible for overall Section management and has the authority to interpret governing documents and provide direction in cases not provided for

Key Functions

★ Develop and maintain an annual strategic business plan

★ Monitor the fiscal policies and budget and modify them as allowed under the policies

★ To monitor and interpret the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution/Bylaws

★ Establish and interpret the policies and procedures of the Section

O F F I C E R C O M M I T T E E ( G O V E R N A N C E )

Purpose: The Officer Committee manages the Section when the Executive Board is not in session

Key Functions

★ Provides direction to the Executive Director

★ Represent the Section at important National, Section, and outside activities.

★ Set/monitor the overall agenda, goals, and strategies.

★ Handles routine operations matters brought forward by the Executive Director.

★ Handles Board of Control issues not routinely handled by the Executive Director

★ Board on Inquiry on Membership matters

C H A P T E R B O A R D S ( G O V E R N A N C E )

Purpose: The Chapter Boards are responsible for carrying out the Section business plan at the Chapter level, which includes community engagement, member connection, professional development, and tournaments

Key Functions

★ Participate in the annual Leadership Planning Session

★ Collaborates with the Executive Director to conduct an annual chapter planning session

★ Monitor the Chapter’s financial statement reports

★ Maintain and enforce global, section, and chapter policies and procedures

★ Solicit chapter partners within the Section guidelines

★ Plan/conduct chapter meetings per Chapter Standards

★ Plan/conduct professional development per Chapter Standards

★ Plan/conduct Chapter tournaments per Chapter Standards

★ Select chapter award winners per the Section’s global policy

★ Host a PGA Give (community project) day

Committees & Functions.

A W A R D S ( S U P P O R T )

Purpose: The Awards Committee oversees the Section Awards program and recommends changes to the Board.

Key Functions

★ Annual review awards program

★ Select Section Award winners

★ Assist Section Award winners with enhancing their national nomination

Purpose: The Coaching & Player Engagement committee conducts coaching-teaching education and promotes player engagement.

Definition of Player Engagement

Player Engagement manages the golfer's journey to increase retention, activation (spending at the facility), and new golfer creation Good Player Engagement grows facility revenue by having golfers play longer, spend more, and create more golfers

Key Functions

★ Understand and support the Section’s overall player engagement strategy

★ Facilitate the planning of the coaching-engagement series

★ Promote the value of PGA coach

★ Promote PGA-branded player engagement products

Purpose: The Employment & Career Services Committee monitors employment in the Section and creates opportunities to help Members and Associates enhance their economic well-being and careers

Key Functions

★ Promote recruitment, retention, and engagement of PGA Professionals

★ Assist Career Consultants in identifying changes and potential employment

★ Promote compensation surveys as available

★ Promote participation to update job preference annually on PGA org

★ Promote mentoring and being a mentor

★ Promote Career Planning Services

Committees & Functions

F I N A N C E ( S U P P O R T )

Purpose: The Finance Committee provides financial oversight for the Section to ensure transparency to the membership and serves as leaders in this area, although the entire board carries fiduciary responsibility for the organization.

Key Functions

★ Monitor the financial condition of the Section

★ Review the monthly financial report

★ Develop and oversee internal policies and procedures

★ Annually review the investment policy and make suggested changes

★ Review and recommend the annual operating budget to the Executive Board

( S U P P O R T )

Purpose: The Hall of Fame Committee oversees the Hall of Fame program and makes recommendations to the Executive Board on changes.

Key Functions

★ Annually review the Hall of Fame program

★ Select Hall of Fame inductees

★ Make recommendations to the Executive Board on changes to Hall of Fame program

H A L L O F F A M E

Committees & Functions

I N C L U S I O N & D I V E R S I T Y ( S U P P O R

T )

Purpose: The Inclusion & Diversity Council is dedicated to promoting inclusion and diversity within the Section, both internally and externally.

Key Functions

★ Ensure Leadership understands the principles of Inclusion & Diversity, and how to champion it

★ Provide education to members on best practices for workforce diversity

★ Promote the game and business to diverse organizations

Section Inclusion Statement

The North Florida PGA celebrates our love for golf and is committed to an inclusive culture

Everything we do -- from how we grow the game to how we enrich careers is intentional, so everyone feels authentically invited and welcome.

P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T ( S U P P O R T )

Purpose: The Professional Development Committee plans and implements educational opportunities for North Florida PGA members to enhance their professional skills in executive management, golf operations, coachingteaching, and professional standards.

Key Functions

★ Ensure Chapters provide relevant education

★ Promote Lifelong Learning

★ Facilitate the selection of the keynote speaker for the annual meeting

★ Determine the professional development needs of the membership

T O U R N A M E N T ( S U P P O R T )

Purpose: The Tournament Committee oversees the Section tournament program to ensure quality playing opportunities for North Florida PGA Members and Associates.

Key Functions

★ Implement and monitor program's annual goals and strategies

★ Monitor the Policies and Procedures and make recommendations to the Executive Board for changes

★ Annually develop the competition schedule/sites to be approved by the Board

★ Support staff in securing venues for tournaments and qualifiers

★ Support staff in conducting the competitions through onsite assistance

★ Approve changes to the schedule after publicized

★ Arbitrate grievances the staff cannot resolve

FINANCE REPORT

The North Florida Section is one of 37 Sections participating in the Section Finance Program. The Section Finance Program provides accounting and tax services to Sections. Services include the national accounting software (Workday), a designated certified accountant, payroll management, AR/AP management, and tax preparation The North Florida PGA produces a Combined Financial Statements and Management Summary annually. In addition to the IRS 990, these reports are available to all members and summarized yearly at the NPGA Annual Meeting. If you want to review the full report, please contact Steve McMillen, Executive Director, to schedule an appointment

The Section Finance and Tax Departments of the PGA of America produce the Combined Financial Statements and IRS 990. The Executive Director prepares the Management Summary, which summarizes the Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, General Ledger account level variances, Cash Flow, Partnership Sales Report, and management commentary. Reports are reviewed by the Finance Committee and approved by the Executive Board monthly.

FINANCE REPORT

KEY INFORMATION

Section Finance Staff

Senior Director, Tax-Section Finance: Josh Millern

Director of Section Accounting: Jamie Mathine

Section Accountant: Sylvia Gotay

Fiscal Year

PGA of America: April 1 - March 31

North Florida Section: January 1 - December 31

Funding from PGA

PGA of America provides monetary and non-monetary support for the Section The non-monetary items include the following: the section loan program, the section insurance program, the collection of Member dues, accounting services, communication, and national sponsorships. The Section’s revenue includes direct monetary support from The PGA of America as follows:

ADP (funding to all Sections per service agreement) Jun (94,554), Oct (94,554)

Strategic Funding (funding provided for meeting objectives) Sep (26,737), Dec (19,500)

Cadilac (monies provided to Sections to lease GM Product) Mar (4,500)

Drive Chip & Putt (mgmt fee for conducting DCP) July (13,000), Nov (13,000)

Pepsi (royalties based on purchases of golf courses) Nov (TBA)

PGA Junior League (per person funding for the regular season) Dec (22,000)

PGA Junior League (per person funding for post-season) Jun (14,500 ), Sep (14,500)

PGA National Resort (royalty from PGA National Resort) Dec (1,500)

PGA WORKS Fellowship Quarterly (9,000)

PGA TOUR (funding from PGA TOUR for tournaments/education) Mar (59,385)

Rolex (sponsorship to all Sections for POY) Sep (12,500)

Technology (grant provided by PGA for upgrades) May (3,000)

Section Dues (individual member dues) Month after collected

PPC (funds from national sponsors, based on participation) 10 days post-event (21,030)

Assistants PPC (funds from national sponsors, based on participation) 10 days post-event (2,781)

FINANCE REPORT

Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation: The combined financial statements include the financial statements of The North Florida Section, Professional Golfers’ Association of America, Inc., (“The North Florida Section,” a 501(c)(6), non-profit, tax-exempt organization), and the North Florida PGA Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3), non-profit, taxexempt organization All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated

Affiliated Party: The North Florida Section is chartered by the PGA of America Under the PGA of America’s constitution, all PGA of America members must belong to the National Association and the local Section. The PGA of America is a separate 501(c)(6) organization. The PGA’s governance system is designed so that the 41 sections, including the North Florida Section, select the Board of Directors for the National Association.

Revenue Recognition: Revenue from tournaments is recognized when the event takes place Revenue from member dues is recognized ratably during the year to which it relates All other activities' revenue is recognized when goods or services are provided.

Leases: Capital leases are required to be accounted for by the lessee as an acquisition of an asset and an assumption of obligation The capitalized value of a depreciable asset under a capital lease is amortized over the period of expected use Lease payments under operating leases are included in the determination of net income over the lease term on a straight-line basis This differs from US GAAP (ASC 842), which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for both capital and operating Leases.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment is determined on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the asset

Deferred Revenue and Prepaid Expenses: Revenue received in advance of an event is deferred until the event takes place. Costs incurred relating to such events are similarly recorded as prepaid expenses and later recognized with the related revenues.

FINANCE REPORT

Income Taxes: The North Florida Section of the PGA and the North Florida PGA Foundation are exempt from federal and state income tax for activities related to their respective tax-exempt purposes Provision for unrelated business income tax, when applicable, is made for activities unrelated to the stated taxexempt purposes of the entities.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Key Deferred Revenue and Pre-Paid Expenses

Section Member Dues: Section Member dues are deposited and accrued as deferred revenue The funds are debited to deferred revenue and credited to dues revenue based on the number of months between the deposit and June 30 of the next fiscal year. As a result, dues are recognized in the Statement of Activities in two fiscal years.

ADP: ADP is deposited and accrued as referred revenue Funds are debited to deferred revenue and credited to ADP Revenue equally in the Section's current and next fiscal year

Strategic Funding: Strategic funding is deposited and accrued as deferred revenue. Funds are debited to deferred revenue and credited as ADP Revenue equally in the Section's current and next fiscal year.

Entry Fees: Entry fees are deposited and accrued as deferred revenue They are debited to deferred revenue and credited as entry fees in the month the event takes place

Insurance: Insurance premiums are accrued over twelve months as pre-paid expenses. Each month, insurance is debited to pre-paid expenses and credited as the appropriate insurance expense.

Event Expenses: Event expenses are accrued as pre-paid expenses They are debited to prepaid expenses and credited as the appropriate expense in the month the event takes place

FINANCE REPORT

Financial Position (as of December 31, 2023)

Cash and Cash Equivalents were 369,822 compared to 370,530 on December 31, 2022

Short Term Investments were 436,035

Accounts Receivables are 50,098 and include routine receivables and year-end accruals.

Intercompany Receivable/Payable, Net is 68,550 (Chapters are 80,892, and other affiliates are 12,341).

Accounts Payable & Accrued Expenses are 107,747, consisting of regular operational invoices, current purse checks, and year-end accruals

Deferred Revenues are 337,771 and comprise ADP funding, member dues, and year-end accruals

Other Liabilities are 37,446 (aged undeposited payments)

Statement of Activities (as of December 31, 2023, for Section activities only)

Net Income was 96,400, a favorable variance from the budget of 136,322. Revenues were 1,615,524, a favorable variance from the budget of 98,715 Expenses were 1,519,123 for a favorable variance to the budget of 37,608

Sponsorship

2023 contracted sponsorship for the Section was 214,975 (160,725 in cash and 54,250 in-kind).

2023 budgeted total sponsorship was 243,687 (161,250 is Section and 82,437 PGA Partnerships.)

2024 budgeted sponsorships are 265,707 (180,625 is Section and 85,082 PGA Partnerships )

Reserve Fund

The Reserve Fund was created in 2021. There are two accounts in the reserve fund: Cash Management and Investment. The primary purpose of the Cash Management account is to diversify funds from the Operations account. The Cash Management account has market exposure but follows a conservative investment strategy. The primary purpose of the Investment account is growth The Investment account has market exposure but is invested in buffer and exchanged traded funds to protect against large market fluctuations Tim Walla of Walla Street Wealth Management manages both funds under Ameritas Advisory Services The Finance Committee meets quarterly with Mr. Walla to review the accounts.

Investments are stated at fair market value, determined by quoted market prices.

As of December 31, 2023, the Reserve Fund Market Value was 457,706 (Cash Mgmt Acct was 102,558 75, and Investment Acct was 355,147 63)

As of April 30, 2024, the market value of the Reserve Fund was 620,183 03 (The Cash Mgmt Account was 255,204.73, and the Investment Account was 364,978.30).

The Cash Mgmt Acct total net Investment since inception is 249,000 for 2.43% growth. The current portfolio mix is bank deposits (4.7%) and U.S. treasury (95.3%)

The Investment Acct's total net investment since inception is 330,000 for a 9 58% growth The current portfolio mix is bank deposits (17 1%), equities (53 1%), fixed income (24 0%), and other (5 8%)

FINANCE REPORT

Cash Availability

On May 9, 2024, the available cash balance in the Operations Account was 208,064 55, compared with 409,560 82 on May 9, 2023 The variance is due to the cash transfer to the Reserve Fund Cash Flow is green and is forecasted to remain green with no interruptions to regular business operations.

2024 Budget

The budgeted net income for the 2024 fiscal year is 23,460. This is based on forecasted revenues of 1,737,254 and budgeted expenses of 1,713,793 Key priorities for the budget were: 1) continued investment in the compensation for non-executive staff to be competitive in the marketplace and provide a positive quality of life. 2) focus on the overall Member experience and commitment to new revenue sources through partnerships and fundraising. 3) focus on line item expense management. 4) create the surplus as required by the reserve fund strategic policy.

2024 Forecasted Revenues

REMEMBRANCE OF MEMBERS

Within the past year, we lost the following members:

Andy Bean

Bobby J. Dorsey

George R. Dovolis

James H. Meyers

Randy R. Mullen

Scott R. Ryals

Monte M. Sanders

Scott G. Trethewey

Rich Truehart

Ronald B. Walters

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

SECTION MAJOR CHAMPIONS

Bork,PGA HALL OF FAME

Todd Walter Smith,PGA

Who We Are

PGA of America REACH Foundation of North Florida Florida is the charitable foundation of the North Florida PGA. Following the simple principle of repairing your ball and one other, fixes things in life just as it does in golf. In doing so, we change the lives of youth and Veterans.

What We Do

We empower others to positively impact the lives of youth and Veterans by providing access to lifechanging opportunities through the game of golf.

How We Do It

We accomplish our core purpose through three primary programs: PGA HOPE, Youth on Course, and PGA WORKS.

PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The program is a 6-8 week curriculum, taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military and cultural competency The program's cost is free to those who have protected our freedom.

The North Florida PGA HOPE has a total of 17 Program Sites. Between all 17 program sites we plan to have 50 classes this year and serve 775 veterans all over the North Florida Section

PGA HOPE Program Sites and Golf Course Locations Listed Below:

Citrus County - Plantation on Crystal River and Citrus National Golf Club

Fleming Island - Fleming Island Golf Club

Hidden Hills - Hidden Hills Golf Club

Jax Beach - Jax Beach Golf Club

World Golf Village - The King & The Bear Golf Club and The Slammer & The Squire

Azario - Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch Golf Club

Ritz - Ritz Carlton Members Club Sarasota

Serenoa - Serenoa Golf Club

Melbourne - Duran Golf Club

Daytona - LPGA International

St Cloud - Royal St Cloud Golf Links

Winter Garden - Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge

Tallahassee - Seminole Legacy Golf Club

Carrollwood - Carrollwood Golf and Country Club

Cove Cay - Cove Cay Golf Club

Ken Juhn - Rogers Park Golf Course

MacDill Air Force Base - Bay Palms Golf Complex

Growth

The North Florida PGA HOPE Program has grown dramatically over the last two years. From starting with 7 program sites in 2022, to 11 program sites in 2023 to now 17 program sites in 2024.

Training

We have over 100 trained PGA HOPE Instructors in our section that are qualified to teach our local veterans how to golf through the PGA HOPE Program.

PGA HOPE Training is required to attend if you would like to be an Instructor for PGA HOPE.

PGA HOPE has a MOU with the VA for the PGA HOPE Program to work as a rehabilitation therapy program and therefore want the instructors to go through an all day class that informs them of the disabilities they could encounter while teaching the program and how to overcome some physical limitations through new teaching methods and outside the box thinking. PGA HOPE Training sessions are run by nationals and occur all throughout the United States. The

Fast Facts

Florida is #3 for Veteran Population & Golf Participation in the United States

North Florida PGA has 9 Military Bases within our Section.

Veteran suicide is a major issue in the Veteran community, and statistics show that 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. PGA HOPE is working to change this statistic by utilizing the game of golf as a form of therapy

6/10 (61%) Americans have an immediate family member who has served in the military.

There nearly 26 Million Americans living today that have served in the military.

“Thank you for a great opportunity. On a personal note, being around my brothers in arms was uplifting and something I missed but didn’t realize how much I missed. Keep up the great work you ’ re doing for veterans. We tend to fall through the cracks and opportunities like this give us a glimpse of the past. That experience translates into a future with purpose. In our world purpose is a life line at times. - Chris Reed, US Army, LTC-Retired, Participated in PGA HOPE Winter Garden”

What our Veterans think?

“I can't single out a certain moment to be my favorite. It was all around a great experience. It was an honor to share this opportunity with other veterans who have the same passion I do for golf. I would also like to add that the support of the instructors was in the fact that they really enjoyed sharing and teaching their skills to us. Doesn't get any better than that. Thank you. - Ian Sazenmeyer, Veteran at Melbourne PGA HOPE Program”

“Being able to connect with other veterans and learn about golf with amazing instructors I have golf as a way out of my house and not feel isolated. - Miguel Ortega, Veteran at Melbourne PGA HOPE Program”

“Meeting all the wonderful people associated with PGA HOPE and fellow veterans. I learned I really can play this game again after my 2017 Cancer diagnosis and treatments I had become a couch potato after Covid. I have had no upper body strength since my treatments and didn’t think I would ever be able to play golf again. Thank you all so much!! - Lou Abbott, Veteran at St. Cloud PGA HOPE Program”

Youth on Course provides youth ages 18 and under access to courses for $5 (or less) per round at nearly 2,000 participating courses. We subsidized the difference from the negotiated rate with our course partners.

Fast Facts

85% of YOC Members say their Youth on Course Membership makes it possible for their family to afford the cost of playing golf.

95% of YOC Members agree to play golf through Youth on Course gives them opportunities to interact with people who have different points of view from their own

“Elijah, Youth on Course Member since 2017 “Everything positive that has happened in my life in relation to golf wouldn’t have happened without Youth on Course. I can say that firmly.”

PGA WORKS provides relevant work experiences and career exploration to Veterans, youth, and young adults from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the golf industry.

North Florida PGA is 1 of 30 PGA Sections to employee a PGA WORKS Fellow.

100% of the NFPGA WORKS Fellows have obtained a job in the golf industry.

NFPGA WORKS Fellow Nic Mendez is managing the Drive Chip & Putt program and will be involved in the PGA Junior League Post Season as well as be at a number of Section events, including the Section Championship.

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