BY AAGD STAFF
(January 25, 2019) The award for PGA Merchandiser of the Year for Public Golf Courses by the Georgia Section of the PGA of America was presented to Jeffrey K. Dunovant, PGA. Dunovant is Head Golf Pro at the Charlie Yates Golf Course and the Assistant Director for The First Tee of East Lake.
Established 1978, The PGA of America and Sports Illustrated established the Merchandiser of the Year Award to recognize those PGA professionals who have excelled as businessmen/ merchandisers in the promotion of golf.
Dunovant, known as “Jeff” among his many colleagues and friends, is also a Play Golf of America Participant and involved with Welcome to Golf Month. Dunovant’s expertise and skill in merchandising at his course serves customers from all walks of life, and, is pivotal in the continued growth and success of its operations.
In 1993, Dunovant became a Professional Golfers Association (PGA) member, making him and his father (Harold Dunovant) the first and only African American father and son PGA members.
Harold Dunovant made history as the first black to graduate from the PGA’s Business School in 1960, and went on to found the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. There, Jeff continues to keep his father’s legacy alive, serving as Chairman and Executive Director of the organization which, for over 30-years, has recognized individuals with induction into its prestigious Hall of Fame.
In 2010, Jeff became The First Tee Recognized Coach and he has been a First Tee National Trainer since 2012. In 2012 Jeff was named the Georgia PGA Section and Chapter Junior Golf Leader of the Year. As a graduate of Fayetteville State University (NC) his athletic ability gained him the role of Captain of the golf team and MVP. He served on the Southwest Section PGA Board of Directors and has served on the Georgia Section PGA Board of Directors since 2005.
Dunovant’s work at The First Tee, an international youth development organization, introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people at his facility. His methods for instruction have been honed for over two decades, through his work in after-school programs, weekend adult learning sessions, and ongoing professional development.
The Georgia PGA honors professionals in three categories: public, private, and resort. View the full list of Georgia Section, PGA winners at https://www.georgiapga.com/awards
