W
ith Thanksgiving around the corner and the 2024 PGA Jr. League seasons coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to highlight some of our programs nationwide.
We asked our PGA Jr. League Coaches what they are thankful for in regard to their programs in 2024, and they recognized key staff members, parents, facilities, mentors and leaders who have helped pave the way for success. Without everyone’s support, guidance and encouragement, PGA Jr. League programs would not be where they are today.
• “Without hesitation, I’m grateful for the support and enthusiasm the Corning Country Club membership continues to show for our PGA Jr. League program. Too many members to count have approached me me to explain how happy it makes them to see the next generation of golfers learning the game at CCC.
“Up to four days a week, they see the players in their brightly colored uniforms utilizing the practice facilities, learning the game and, most of all, having fun! They recognize their importance to the health of the game, as well as the positive impact their presence makes to the long-term health of the club.
“PGA Jr. League has been transformative to me, too. I have been coaching sports since 1987 in many classifications and at many levels. I can see my PGA Jr. League players will carry these experiences well past season’s end and into adulthood.”
— Matt Moretti, PGA, Associate, Corning (New York) Country Club
• “The people who made the most impact on our PGA Jr. League program this year were the parents and coaches. Also, my fellow assistant professionals have done a great job to build relationships with the juniors and make golf fun. There were multiple parents who stepped up to help organize and instruct the juniors, and helped our program greatly. I am most grateful for watching these juniors learn golf while they are hanging out with their friends and having fun.
“This program has helped families bond and led to multiple new family memberships. I am proud to see this program have a positive impact on the local community and watch everyone excitedly looking forward to the next practice or match.”
—Michael Decker, PGA, McGregor Links Country Club, Wilton, New York
• “PGA Jr. League is a linchpin in my Player Development programs. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to introduce kids to playing golf on the golf course, instilling confidence in beginner golfers and watching experienced players break par, get birdies, persevere and have a great time with family and friends.”
—David Donnellan, PGA, Hyannis (Massachusetts) Golf Course
• “The PGA Jr. League program offers a unique opportunity to have our players compete in a team environment. Golf has developed into such an independent sport, but we love the idea of playing for more than just yourself. Our PGA Jr. League program has helped foster friendships that have lasted for years, and hopefully longer.
“As some of our players now have graduated into college programs, they say how it reminds them of their PGA Jr. League days. I am thankful that this program allows our golfers to bond together, win or lose.”
—Anders Mattson, PGA, Anders Mattson Golf, Saratoga Springs, New York
• “This year was an amazing story for both our 13u and 17u All-Star teams in our quest to make it to the respective National Championships. In the 10 years I’ve coached All-Star teams, I’ve never seen a group of boys and girls improve so much in a two-and-a-half-month window. I’ve also never seen a group of parents come together as they did. We created a true family environment, and it was remarkable and beautiful to see.
“The goal for us is to create a family environment around the game of golf. We succeeded as a program and the result is multiple families had a summer that they will never forget all thanks to PGA Jr. League.”
—John Dipollina, PGA, Golf Center at Lyman Orchards, Middlefield, Connecticut
• “I’d like to point out the immediate willingness and selflessness of Devin Savano to step in and fill the assistant coaching duties of the Redwood All-Star teams at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento. The father of an outstanding player and former integral member of multiple 17u Championship teams, Devin continues to give back whenever possible. He does so willingly, with the same character and professionalism he instills in the players. The Redwood Empire 17u league is fortunate to have Devin in our golf community.”
—Demian Reddy, PGA, Windsor (California) Golf Club
• “I would like to thank two moms, Leslie Labuguen and Danielle Taylor. They have been with me from the beginning, and their boys are respectful and a joy to be around. They have helped me with everything from shuttling the juniors on the course to scoring. Leslie and Danielle not only cheer on their boys but the rest of the group, encouraging everyone.
“I’m grateful for Coach Tommy and Coach Andrew, so we could have a Kauai PGA Jr. League. Without their help, we would have not been able to send our first-ever team to Oahu for the Section Championship.”
—Kellie Hines, PGA, Ocean Course at Hokuala, Lihue, Hawaii
• “As a coach at Hillcrest, managing our PGA Jr. League has been a truly gratifying experience. It has given me the opportunity to shape the lives of young players and watch them grow and develop. Seeing these juniors mature not just as golfers, but as individuals building confidence, discipline and learning how to be better as a team, is something I find to be so rewarding.
“I will always remember the relationships I’ve created with these juniors and their parents, who provide their kids with the opportunity to be part of such a great program. I am proud to be a small piece of our PGA Jr. Leaguers’ development and success.”
—Chris Jones, PGA, Hillcrest Country Club, Los Angeles, California