PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America—in conjunction with the Middle Atlantic PGA Section—has selected Johnathan Johnson, of Fort Washington, Maryland, to serve as the second PGA WORKS Fellow for the Section. Through the Fellowship, the Middle Atlantic PGA Section continues to be aligned with the PGA of America’s dedicated effort to diversify the golf industry workforce.
The PGA WORKS Fellowship program aspires to be the most valuable entry-level opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry. In his role as a PGA WORKS Fellow, Johnson will support the Middle Atlantic PGA Section’s foundational activities, including the PGA HOPE program, assisting Junior Golf Director Will Martindale in managing PGA Jr. League, coordinating Junior Section tournaments and developing PGA REACH programming and fundraising initiatives.
“All career paths start with awareness and opportunity—and providing individuals from diverse backgrounds entry into the golf industry is a priority for PGA REACH,” said Ryan Cannon, Senior Director of PGA REACH. “PGA WORKS is an important initiative, and we’re thrilled to create new possibilities through the PGA WORKS Fellowship to pursue the dream of a career in golf.”
Johnathan earned a Bachelor’s degree in sports, event and entertainment management, with a concentration in golf operations from Johnson & Wales University in 2018. Prior to joining PGA REACH, he held an internship at the Charlotte Marriott City Center, where he worked with sales, budgeting and staffing development. In addition, he has volunteered over the last nine years for the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, U.S. Open, AT&T National (now Quicken Loans National) and Melwood Prince George’s County Open.
“As we continue to grow the PGA WORKS Fellowship program, we appreciate the ambition and drive of new Fellows like Johnathan,” said Jon Guhl, Middle Atlantic PGA Section Executive Director. “Along with PGA REACH, the Middle Atlantic PGA Section strives to generate awareness and increase opportunities for involvement among those interested in the golf industry.”
RELATED ARTICLE: “Talk Birdie to Me” Podcast with Cheyenne Woods and Shasta Averyhardt
Launched in 2017, the PGA WORKS Fellowship now hosts 12 Fellows across the country in the following PGA Sections: Carolinas, Connecticut, Gateway, Metropolitan, Michigan, Middle Atlantic, New Jersey, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio, Western New York, Indiana and South Florida. The goal is to have Fellows in all 41 PGA Sections.
“Working for the Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America is a life dream that is more than I could possibly have imagined,” said Johnson. “Through the Section’s Foundation, I am excited to further its mission of improving lives through the community of golf.”
The PGA of America recognizes that it will be defined by how its commitment to diversity and inclusion resonates throughout its programs and practices. This commitment is mission critical to the health and relevance of the business and the game overall.
For more information on PGA REACH, visit www.pgareach.org.
