The PGA of America’s 2026 national award winners were recognized on Jan. 21 during the 73rd PGA Show in Orlando. They are pictured with PGA President Don Rea (second from left), Vice President Nathan Charnes (far right) and Secretary Eric Eshleman (far left). Turn to page 66 to read about each honoree.
The PGA of America, First Tee and Youth on Course are teaming up to back the Project Play 63X30 initiative with a mission to grow participation in youth sports to 63 percent over the next five years.
Only 54 percent of children ages 6-17 in the U.S. played on a team or took lessons in 2022, down from 58 percent in 2017, according to federal data. The three organizations will work together to elevate youth sports participation through golf by aligning with Project Play’s annual themes, including facility access in 2026; promote and uphold the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports amongst its stakeholders of coaches, golf facilities and donors; and coordinate to remove barriers that prevent access to the game.
“By joining forces with the First Tee and Youth on Course, we aspire to set a positive example within our industry and underscore the power that collaboration holds in increasing and sustaining the game,” says Steve Tanner, PGA of America Senior Director of Player Engagement. “We are also committed to tracking and reporting our progress toward these goals, providing valuable metrics to shape future decision making.”
Adds First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin, “While First Tee’s mission is to help young people build character through golf, development of the game of golf has always been an important by-product of our work.”
Quarter Century Championship
Jan. 7-8; Ryder, Wanamaker courses
Winners: Judd Gibb, Gary Robison, Wendell Coffee
Senior Stroke Play Championship
Jan. 11-13; Wanamaker, Ryder courses
Winners: Justin Hicks, Gary Robison
Senior-Junior Team Championship
Jan. 26-29; Wanamaker, Ryder, Dye courses
Winners: Bob Sowards, Ben Kern
Four-Ball Stableford Team Championship
Feb. 1-3; Wanamaker, Ryder courses
Note: All six events that comprise the PGA Winter Championships — including the Stroke Play Championship and Women’s Stroke Play Championship — will be reviewed in next month’s issue of PGA Magazine and on PGAmagazine.com.
