Since Inception in 2004, the NJGF has Raised more than $15 Million to Support Annual Programming for Youth, Military Veterans and individuals with Special Needs
BEDMINSTER, New Jersey – Established in 2004, the New Jersey Golf Foundation, the 501c3 charitable arm of the New Jersey Section, PGA of America, tees off the 2024 golf season celebrating 20 years of positively impacting lives and communities through the game of golf.
Since inception, the NJGF has raised more than $15 million to support annual golf programming with a focus on three core pillars: youth, military Veterans and individuals with special needs. To complement programming, the Foundation hosts signature fundraising events, and funds annual scholarships for deserving youth.
Under the guidance of New Jersey PGA Professionals, programming is designed to provide individuals from all backgrounds with an opportunity to experience the game of golf in a welcoming environment.
The NJGF’s line-up of dynamic golf programming is highlighted by PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) a rehabilitative golf program for military Veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI; Special Olympics New Jersey Golf; Els For Autism; PGA Junior League, Golf in Schools and more.
“Thanks to the generosity of our selfless partners, donors, PGA Professionals, volunteers and friends of the Foundation, the progress we’ve made in the past 20 years is remarkable,” said Chris Hunt, Executive Director, NJ Golf Foundation. “It’s truly rewarding to realize that we are fulfilling our mission and making a difference in so many lives.”
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a rehabilitative golf program for Veterans that enhances their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. After launching the program with one location serving 20 Veterans in 2015, the instructional golf program that helps America’s Heroes assimilate back into their communities, is now available at golf facilities in all 15 serving counties across New Jersey, positively impacting approximately 500 Veterans annually. To support this initiative, more than 80 New Jersey PGA Professionals have been specially trained to use adaptive equipment, while ensuring they are comfortable teaching Veterans battling physical and cognitive challenges.
PGA HOPE Ambassador and US Army Veteran Charlie Wilcox shares an anecdote on how the program is changing and saving the lives of America’s heroes each year: https://vimeo.com/879147966.
PGA Jr. League presented by RWJBarnabas Health is the flagship youth pillar program of the New Jersey Golf Foundation. Through this program, kids have a unique opportunity to stay active, while learning and enjoying the game of golf in a fun and social environment alongside their friends – under the direction of PGA and LPGA Professionals. Today in New Jersey, more than 1,200 boys and girls (13-and-under) participate, while competing on 80+ teams representing public facilities, municipal courses, private clubs and First Tee chapters. To complement the under 13 age group, the NJGF hosts a league for 17 and under boys and girls, with 100 more kids participating.
New Jersey is also home to one of the most prolific Golf In Schools programs in the country, and thanks to the NJGF, golf has been integrated into the physical education curriculum at more than 200 schools (K-8) across the state, impacting more than 120,000 kids each year. As part of this initiative, the NJGF provides each school with an allotment of equipment that allows golf to be learned and played in non-traditional venues, such as a school gymnasium and limited-space outdoor areas. NJPGA Golf Professionals support this initiative by training physical education teachers to effectively follow the golf curriculum.
Highlighting the Special Needs pillar, the NJGF is a longtime supporter of Special Olympics NJ golf programming, which includes hosting a series of skills challenges each year, and the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Program, as physical activities for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are proven to improve their quality of life.
In 2022, the NJGF opened the Inspiration Golf Range located on the Lyons Campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, in Bernards Township. The multi-purpose facility – which is open to the public – serves as the homesite for the NJGF’s line-up of dynamic golf programming. In 2023, PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America donated $250,000 to the Inspiration Golf Range as part of its Place to Play program. Thanks to the generous donation, the Inspiration Range is receiving a facelift highlighted by an expanded hitting area, and the construction of a roof over the teeing ground of the driving range, enabling protection from the elements.
“The donation from PGA REACH enables us to transform the Inspiration Golf Range into a facility that will ensure members of our community and individuals of all abilities have access to this game we all love,” said Hunt. “The positive impact experienced at this facility will pay dividends for years to come.”
For those interested in learning more about the New Jersey Golf Foundation, or supporting programs and special events, please visit www.njgolffoundation.org.
