VIEW RESULTS HERE

Duluth, GA – Former Howard University standout Gregory Odom Jr. (Memphis, Tenn.) won the 2024 Mastercard APGA Tour Championship, held at TPC Sugarloaf (par-72, 7,259 yards) in Duluth, Ga.

Odom topped the 48-player field with an incredible performance, firing 15-under par (129) during the 36-hole event. After shooting 6-under par (66) in round one, he closed out the tourney with a 9-under par (63) effort, including nine birdies in the final round.

Jarred Garcia finished runner up, registering 12-under par (132), followed by Willie Mack (133, -11).

Fellow Bison Everett Whiten Jr. (Chesapeake, Va.), the 2024 APGA Bridgestone Collegiate Invite Champion, tied for 12^th overall. The Virginia product shot 4-under par (140) in two rounds of play with seven birdies.

During the 2023-24 collegiate season, both Bison ranked among the top golfers, based on their World Amateur Golf Ranking Points Average. Odom and Whiten finished second and fourth, respectively, in the APGA Collegiate Ranking.

In their final season, both Bison earned All-NEC First Team honors while leading the program to its first Northeast Conference (NEC) title and berth to the NCAA Tournament.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com, the APGA Tour website at www.apgatour.com and/or the PGA Tour Pathway at www.pgatourhq.com.

Jim Beatty, founder and organizer of the African American Golf EXPO and Forum announced that  Make Golf Your Career representing the employment opportunities in the golf industry will be a featured exhibitor at the 4th Annual African American Golf EXPO & Forum, August 23-27, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

“We are thrilled to bring Make Golf Your Career to the 4th Annual African American Expo!  The golf industry is united in its vision for our workforce to reflect the demographics of America.  The expo will be a wonderful opportunity for golf industry leaders to connect with prospective talent and illuminate the pathways into the business of golf.” Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer for the PGA of America

Jim Beatty also stated, “I am pleased that Make Golf Your Career  will be joining the Expo. Having a job and career initiative  focused on opportunities in the golf industry  offers Expo attendees a great pathway to pursue possibilities. This will also serve to reinforce that a person does not have to be a golfer to work in the $102B golf industry which has 1.7 million jobs. One of every 200 jobs in America is impacted by the golf industry. I encourage job seekers to come and visit with the Make Golf Your Career representatives  and pursue the many job opportunities. There is no cost to attend their exhibit. The EXPO is excited and encouraged  to have their involvement”

About Make Golf Your Career

MAKE Golf Your Thing is a collaborative effort across the golf industry committed to making the sport more diverse, equitable and inclusive. This multi-faceted, multi-year movement is actively seeking individuals, organizations and businesses from all backgrounds, identities and abilities, to pick up the game, pursue a career in golf or promote their business within the industry.

ABOUT THE EXPO

The mission of this event is to make African Americans aware of the jobs, careers, and  business opportunities in the $102 Billion Golf  industry.

 African Americans represent less than 3% of the industry.

The EXPO started in 2021 and has been held in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC and Louisville, KY. Over 1500 people have attended with an economic impact approaching  $2M. The EXPO Founder and Organizer is Jim Beatty Golf Ventures.

The EXPO 2024 dates are Friday , August 23 -Tuesday, August 27, in Palm Beach, FL at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, 4000 RCA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL

There is a special inaugural EXPO  Community Service Project  being held  from  2pm  to 5 PM on Aug. 23 at the Riviera Beach Community Gardens located at 1010 West 10th Street
Riviera Beach, Florida in which the community is invited to attend and  volunteer

Website:  www.aagolfexpo.com/register-here Information is updated daily

The cost is  $99 to attend  all exhibits, nightly networking sessions and the Tuesday awards luncheon.  The EXPO is free for adults 18 and over for  those wanting to go to the exhibits only. 

Everyone must register. Non golfers and new  golfers of all ages  are welcome.

 There will be over 50 exhibitors.

Sponsors include  Golf  Digest, Make Golf Your Thing, American Junior Golf Association, PGA of America, The African American Golfer’s Digest, The PGA Tour Superstore, Sweet Home Alabama, The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Golf Pride ,Reed Exhibitions, The American Golf Industry Coalition, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, Palm Beach County Business Development Board, Invited Clubs ,NCS International, Minority Golf Magazine, Golf My Future My Game, National Golf Player Development Foundation, Lion’s Gate Security Solutions, Dunlop Sports Americas, Design Apparel, This is Good Water, Fore Golf Collections, Inner City Youth Golfers Inc. , African American Golfers Museum, Women In Golf Foundation, Women of Color Golf , the 10ALLIN Foundation and The Cognizant Classic In The Palm Beaches

Jim Beatty, founder and organizer of the African American Golf EXPO and Forum announced that  Make Golf Your Career representing the employment opportunities in the golf industry will be a featured exhibitor.

“We are thrilled to bring Make Golf Your Career to the 4th Annual African American Expo!  The golf industry is united in its vision for our workforce to reflect the demographics of America.  The expo will be a wonderful opportunity for golf industry leaders to connect with prospective talent and illuminate the pathways into the business of golf.” Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer for the PGA of America

Jim Beatty also stated, “I am pleased that Make Golf Your Career  will be joining the Expo. Having a job and career initiative  focused on opportunities in the golf industry  offers Expo attendees a great pathway to pursue possibilities. This will also serve to reinforce that a person does not have to be a golfer to work in the $102B golf industry which has 1.7 million jobs. One of every 200 jobs in America is impacted by the golf industry. I encourage job seekers to come and visit with the Make Golf Your Career representatives  and pursue the many job opportunities. There is no cost to attend their exhibit. The EXPO is excited and encouraged  to have their involvement”

About Make Golf Your Career

MAKE Golf Your Thing is a collaborative effort across the golf industry committed to making the sport more diverse, equitable and inclusive. This multi-faceted, multi-year movement is actively seeking individuals, organizations and businesses from all backgrounds, identities and abilities, to pick up the game, pursue a career in golf or promote their business within the industry.

ABOUT THE EXPO

The mission of this event is to make African Americans aware of the jobs, careers, and  business opportunities in the $102 Billion Golf  industry.

 African Americans represent less than 3% of the industry.

The EXPO started in 2021 and has been held in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC and Louisville, KY. Over 1500 people have attended with an economic impact approaching  $2M. The EXPO Founder and Organizer is Jim Beatty Golf Ventures.

The EXPO 2024 dates are Friday , August 23 -Tuesday, August 27, in Palm Beach, Fl at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, 4000 RCA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL

There is a special inaugural EXPO  Community Service Project  being held  from  2pm  to 5 PM on Aug. 23 at the Riviera Beach Community Gardens located at 1010 West 10th Street
Riviera Beach, Florida in which the community is invited to attend and  volunteer

Website:  www.aagolfexpo.com/register-here Information is updated daily

The cost is  $99 to attend  all exhibits, nightly networking sessions and the Tuesday awards luncheon.  The EXPO is free for adults 18 and over for  those wanting to go to the exhibits only. 

Everyone must register. Non golfers and new  golfers of all ages  are welcome.

 There will be over 50 exhibitors.

Sponsors include  Golf  Digest, Make Golf Your Thing, American Junior Golf Association, PGA of America, The African American Golfer’s Digest, The PGA Tour Superstore, Sweet Home Alabama, The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Golf Pride ,Reed Exhibitions, The American Golf Industry Coalition, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, Palm Beach County Business Development Board, Invited Clubs ,NCS International, Minority Golf Magazine, Golf My Future My Game, National Golf Player Development Foundation, Lion’s Gate Security Solutions, Dunlop Sports Americas, Design Apparel, This is Good Water, Fore Golf Collections, Inner City Youth Golfers Inc. , African American Golfers Museum, Women In Golf Foundation, Women of Color Golf , the 10ALLIN Foundation and The Cognizant Classic In The Palm Beaches.

Eastside Golf is offering a unique opportunity to win a spot in the 2nd Annual Eastside Golf Invitational, taking place at Liberty National Golf Club from September 15-16, 2024. Six lucky winners will enjoy an exclusive Eastside Golf Experience, including complimentary entry into the Invitational presented by Mercedes-Benz, a two-night stay at the Conrad Hotel, and transportation to key events provided by Mercedes-Benz. Winners can also bring a guest to the Sunday Pairings Party at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan and the Awards Dinner at Liberty National Golf Club.

To enter, participants must follow @eastsidegolf on Instagram, tag three friends in the comments of the Eastside Golf experience post, and complete a registration form. Entries are open from August 8th to August 29th, with winners announced on August 30th. More details, including official rules and eligibility, can be found on the Eastside Golf Experience website HERE.

Eastside Golf, known for its mission to inspire and promote diversity within the sport, is a lifestyle brand that aims to make golf accessible to youth and non-golfers alike. By combining the culture of golf with authenticity and a passion for the game, Eastside Golf continues to break down barriers and encourage new generations to take up the sport. This Invitational is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of diversity, culture, and the unique spirit of golf. This lifestyle brand dedicated to promoting diversity and raising awareness about golf among youth and non-golfers.

Top high school golfers from across the country to compete in North Carolina

FRISCO, Texas (August 6, 2024) — The PGA High School Golf National Invitational presented by Titleist and FootJoy will be contested at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina, for three consecutive years beginning in 2025.

Now entering its seventh year, the PGA High School Golf National Invitational takes place each July and was previously held at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club from 2020-22. This year, the Girl’s Invitational will be held July 14-16, 2025. The Boy’s Invitational will be held July 20-22, 2025.

The invitation-only field consists of the top high school golfers from small, large, public or private schools in nearly all 50 states who won their respective state high school championships as a team or as an individual.

Individual and team winners will be crowned following the three-day, 54-hole stroke-play event. Girls and boys medalists will receive exemptions into the same year’s Junior PGA Championships and North & South Junior Championship.

“Following back-to-back highly-successful editions of the PGA High School Golf National Invitational at PGA Frisco, we are ecstatic to take this great event back to another elite destination in Pinehurst,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing. “This Invitational continues to grow and showcase the talented young stars of our game. We look forward to seeing the action unfold in North Carolina over the next three years.”

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club first opened 130 years ago and now boasts 10 18-hole courses and regularly hosts numerous Championships, including the 2024 U.S. Open.

“As the home of American golf, we are steeped in history of hosting the best amateurs in the game,” said Matt Barksdale, Director of Golf at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. “We look forward to welcoming back the PGA High School National Invitational to Pinehurst Resort and Country Club to continue on with that legacy.”

At the 2024 PGA High School Golf National Invitational, held in Northern Texas, Georgia (RVA) captured its third-consecutive boys team title with a three-day team score of 12-under-par 852, a new tournament record. Josiah Hakala from New Hampshire (MSC) won medalist honors after finishing 14-under par 202.

California (SMC) cruised to victory in the Girls Invitational with a three-day team total score of 55-under-par 809. Leigh Chien from California (SMC) claimed individual medalist honors following a 4-hole playoff against Olivia Hung from Taiwan (IND) at Fields Ranch West at PGA Frisco. Chien and Hung finished the final round tied at 17-under 199.

Click here for more information on the PGA High School Golf National Invitational.

Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame golfer known for his entertaining flair on the course and his inspiring life story, passed away in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday, August 8, at the age of 88.

Rodriguez’s death was announced by Carmelo Javier Roost, a senator from his native Puerto Rico. While no cause of death was provided, Rodriguez had a history of heart issues. In October 1998, he was hospitalized after experiencing chest pains. Although initially reluctant to seek medical attention, Rodriguez later recounted in a 1999 interview with The Associated Press that he was told he had suffered a heart attack.

“It scared me for the first time,” Rodriguez said, recalling how his pilot, Jim Anderson, rushed him to the hospital where a team of doctors was ready to operate. “If I had waited another 10 minutes, the doctor said I would have needed a heart transplant.” Rodriguez survived what is often referred to as the “widow-maker” heart attack, which is fatal for about 50% of those who experience it. “So I beat the odds pretty good,” he reflected at the time.

Following his recovery, Rodriguez returned to professional golf for a few more years before gradually stepping away from competition. He then focused more on his philanthropic efforts, particularly the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, which he founded in 1979 in Clearwater, Florida. The foundation is dedicated to helping at-risk youth achieve academic, social, and economic success, embodying Rodriguez’s lifelong commitment to giving back to the community.

World Golf Hall of Fame member Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez was a remarkable figure both on and off the golf course. Known for his vibrant personality and signature “sword dance,” Rodriguez captivated audiences with his unique flair. His showmanship was matched by his philanthropy, as he devoted much of his life to helping at-risk youth through his Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Clearwater, Florida. This commitment to giving back was as integral to his legacy as his 30 career victories on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.

Born into humble beginnings in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez’s journey to becoming the greatest golfer his country ever produced was anything but easy. His father, a sugar cane cutter, earned just $18 a week, and by age seven, Rodriguez joined him in labor, working as a water carrier. His early years were marked by severe health challenges, including nearly dying from rickets and tropical sprue at age four. Yet, it was during these formative years that Rodriguez discovered the game of golf, a sport that would change his life forever.

Rodriguez’s introduction to golf was unconventional. After noticing that caddies were earning more money than he was on the plantation, he decided to become one himself. He fashioned a makeshift golf club from a guava tree branch and used hammered tin cans as balls. With no formal instruction, Rodriguez taught himself the game by observing others. His natural talent soon became evident, and after a two-year stint in the Army, he turned professional in 1960.

Rodriguez’s early years on the PGA TOUR were challenging, with middling success and no wins in his first three years. However, he broke through in 1963 with a victory at the Denver Open Invitational. This was followed by a pair of wins in 1964, including a memorable playoff triumph over Don January at the Lucky International Open and a narrow victory over Arnold Palmer at the Western Open. Despite these successes, Rodriguez’s career was hampered by health issues related to his childhood illnesses, which left his bones fragile and susceptible to injury. These challenges culminated in surgery in 1970, after which he lost his exempt status on the TOUR.

However, Rodriguez’s career took a significant turn in the 1970s when he refocused his efforts on the game. In 1972, he had his most successful financial year, finishing in the top 10 nine times and winning the Byron Nelson Golf Classic in a playoff against Billy Casper. His success continued with a win at the Greater Greensboro Open in 1973 and a selection to the U.S. Ryder Cup team. His final PGA TOUR victory came in 1979 at the Tallahassee Open.

Rodriguez’s career experienced a renaissance on the PGA TOUR Champions, where he won 22 times between 1986 and 1993. He set several records, including being the first player to win the same event three consecutive years and holding the record for the most consecutive birdies in a single tournament. His Champions Tour tenure included major victories at the Senior Tournament Players Championship in 1986 and the General Foods PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1987.

Beyond his golfing achievements, Rodriguez’s true legacy lies in his humanitarian efforts. His Youth Foundation annually supports 600 children from low-income families, providing them with opportunities to develop responsibility and work ethic. His philanthropic contributions were recognized with the USGA’s Bob Jones Award in 1989 and his induction into the World Humanitarian Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.

Chi Chi Rodriguez’s life story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and giving back. From the branches of a guava tree to the roots of his foundation, he achieved his goals and left an indelible mark on the world of golf and beyond. As he once said, “In life, you have to have goals, and I have conquered most of my goals. I didn’t become the greatest golfer in the world, but I became the greatest Puerto Rican golfer.”

The 4th Annual African American Golf Expo and Forum (AAGE) will host its first Adaptive Golf and Sports Panel, inviting various Adaptive Sports organizations, organizers, supporters, and participants. The panel discussion will provide an opportunity to engage and educate attendees on how adaptive sports programs can provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop confidence and leadership skills.

The session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27 at 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, 4000 RCA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. The panel will discuss the different adaptive sports programs available and how they can positively benefit disabled individuals’ mental and physical health.

This interactive session will also provide a platform for individuals with disabilities to share first-hand experiences and insights on the impacts of participation in adaptive sports. The AAG EXPO and Forum Adaptive Sports Panel is an initiative to raise awareness about the need for adaptive sports programs and promote diversity in golf and other adaptive sports by encouraging their participation.

Charlene Williams is the Chief of Staff for Jim Beatty Golf Ventures LLC and the President of C. T. Williams VETS Adaptive Sports & Beyond LLC. Charlene is a 26-year retired Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraq Freedom decorated Navy veteran presenting the Adaptive Sports and Golf Panel at the 4th Annual African American EXPO and Forum.

Charlene will proudly introduce five remarkable members of her Adaptive Sports Family:

• Kim J. Clark, a dedicated veteran advocate and founder of The DeMarco Project. As the mother of a Veteran who lost his life to suicide, Kim has a unique way of connecting and bonding with Veterans.
  
• Jay Ellis was retroactively honored by the Air Force as the first “wounded warrior” to graduate from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). He also holds an honors degree from the University of South Florida.  Jay advocates for “The Power of Sport” and has been competing in adaptive sports since being injured in Iraq.
  
• Kathleen A. Erickson, a pioneer in accessible golf through her Accessible Golf Community Foundation, is a visionary and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking work has transformed the landscape of adaptive sports.
  
• John Edward Heath, a Marine Corps veteran whose story showcases the power of perseverance, the importance of mental health awareness, and the transformative potential of adaptive sports. John Edward Heath has also become a prominent figure in adaptive athletics.
  
• Kari Miller Ortiz, a former U.S. Army Sergeant turned Paralympic gold medalist in sitting volleyball. Beyond sports, Kari has contributed significantly to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as the Director of People and Culture at Move United, leading efforts to serve better persons with disabilities, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

Learn more about the speakers below:

Kim J. Clark is the Executive Director and Founder of The DeMarco Project—a proud recipient of the Wayne County Commission In-Service to Veterans Certificate of Appreciation Award 2023. Kim also received a Veteran Volunteer Award from Amada Senior Care and is a columnist for The Detroit Native Sun, a local news publication. The title of her column is “The DeMarco Project Speaks. “As the mother of a Veteran who lost his life to suicide, she has a unique way of connecting and bonding with Veterans. They help her as much as she helps them. She has found significant healing in implementing wellness measures in her life. To that end, she implements self-care practices that include meditation, golf, and competitive ballroom dancing.

Jay Ellis, an Iraq War veteran, retired from the USAF due to severe injuries sustained from a roadside blast/IED while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a 2016 Invictus Games gold medalist and a 2023 National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) National Champion-Military Division. Jay is also a retired Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Officer.

Kathleen A. Erickson, fondly known as “Kathy,” is a visionary and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking work has transformed the landscape of adaptive sports. As the Founder and Chairman of the Accessible Golf Community Foundation (USAGCF), Kathy has dedicated her life to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including amputees, underserved communities, veterans, and youth, through the therapeutic and competitive game of golf.

Kari Miller Ortiz is a former U.S. Army Sergeant and a distinguished Paralympian who turned a personal tragedy into an inspiring journey of achievement. After losing both legs in a car accident caused by a drunk driver while on leave in 1999, Kari discovered sitting volleyball and quickly excelled, winning multiple medals, including a Silver Medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and a Gold Medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

John Edward Heath, a United States Marine Corps member (founder/CEO of the Adaptive Athletics Foundation of Maryland). In 2016, John-Edward underwent what was meant to be surgery to fix his leg, ending in a 13-surgery journey and a below-the-knee amputation. Amid an amputation, John Edward would lose his significant other to suicide. Two years post amputation, John-Edward became one of the faces of Adaptive CrossFit, trained and competed with the most prominent face of USA track & field, run Hood to Coast 2023 with an all-adaptive team, and changed legislation on prosthetics and insurance companies in the state of Maryland.

Learn more about registering and participating in the African American Golf EXPO & Forum HERE.

For the first time ever, the Mastercard APGA Tour Championship will be streamed live on GKLive.TV, brought to you by Mastercard! Tune in to watch your favorite players compete for a record-breaking $155,000 purse at the final event of the Cisco Cup Series. The live action from the final three holes will be available on August 12-13, starting at 1 PM EDT. Mastercard, a proud sponsor of the APGA Tour and the Mastercard APGA Tour Championship for four years, continues its support by also presenting the Mastercard APGA Player Achievement Award for the third consecutive year. This award offers development opportunities for up-and-coming golfers and includes an additional cash prize.

Both rounds of the championship, starting at 8:15 a.m. ET each day, will be streamed on GKLive.TV, with coverage focusing on the final three holes. Don’t miss the excitement on August 12 and 13 at 1 p.m. ET. “Mastercard has been an Official Partner of the APGA Tour since 2020, committed to fostering a shared vision of belonging within the sport of golf,” said Rustom Dastoor, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Americas, Mastercard. “Our partnership aims to broaden player access and opportunities, enhance fan experiences, and more. This year, we continue to celebrate our commitment to the next generation of fans and players by offering a livestream of the championship, a record purse, and development opportunities.”

Earlier this year, Cisco and the APGA Tour expanded their partnership, with Cisco becoming the Presenting Partner of the APGA Tour. Cisco’s support includes a significant increase in financial investment, more than tripling the total purse for the season-long performance race. Additionally, Cisco is creating opportunities for APGA Tour players to network with top business executives, industry partners, and others, providing insights, advice, and relationship-building opportunities to help further their careers.

“Cisco’s ongoing support of the APGA Tour reflects our continued commitment to expanding access to the sport of golf, aligning with our corporate purpose of powering an inclusive future for all,” said Rob McQueen, Vice President of Global Sponsorships at Cisco. “As we conclude the inaugural Cisco Cup Series, we are excited to continue supporting the exceptional APGA Tour players as they advance their careers both on and off the course.”

Before the Mastercard APGA Tour Championship, APGA Tour players will also engage with local youth, inspiring them to explore golf and its career pathways through a golf clinic sponsored by Farmers Insurance. The APGA Foundation Youth Clinic, a longstanding part of APGA Tour events, focuses on increasing diversity in golf by impacting young people from underserved communities. The clinic, held on August 10 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at First Tee – Metro Atlanta, will feature sessions on mental health and wellness, career development, and golf instruction from APGA Tour players. For more information on the APGA Tour and its mission, visit apgatour.org.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Professionals membership has selected the recipients of the annual section Teacher, Professional, Coach, and Junior Golf Leadership awards. Each of the six sections of the LPGA Professionals—Central, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Western, and International—winners are selected by the Section Officers and Section Nominating Committee Chair annually in each of the four categories.

Mackenzie Mack has been selected as the 2024 LPGA Western Section Professional of the Year. She also received the honor in 2023 and 2022. Mackenzie’s commitment to golf extends to the corporate world, where she completed Callaway Golf Company’s Leadership Rotational Program and now serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement. Her primary goal is to share the enriching experiences of golf with as many people as possible.

Mackenzie is a versatile figure in the golf community, excelling as a competitor, teacher, and student of the game. With an impressive junior career that includes participation in prestigious events and recognition as one of GolfWeek’s top 100 junior golfers, Mackenzie earned a full golf scholarship to Indiana State University. There, she made history as the first black woman on the Women’s Golf Team, graduating with honors in Marketing and minors in Finance and Spanish.

Beyond her academic achievements, Mackenzie obtained an MBA and co-founded the non-profit organization Tee it Up, Inc., which is dedicated to expanding golf’s reach to underserved communities. She also coached the ISU Women’s Golf Team and received a grant to teach golf in Germany.

As a teaching professional, Mackenzie holds certifications from LPGA Professionals, PGA of America, TPI, US Kids, and First Tee. She has made notable contributions as Senior Program Director for the First Tee of Tampa Bay and Associate Executive Director of The First Tee of Tennessee, while also directing a successful US Kids Local Tournament.

The LPGA Executive Committee will select the overall national award winner in each category from among the section award winners. The national winners will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2024 LPGA Professionals Section Of The Year Award winners are as follows:

Central Section

Teacher – Nicole Cavarra

Professional – Marci Bozarth

Coach – Stefanie Ferguson

Junior Leader – Courtney Mahon

Midwest Section

Teacher – Janean Murphy

Junior Leader – Lisa Grimes

Northeast Section

Teacher – Kelley Brooke

Professional – Debbie O’Connell

Coach – Patricia Frohna-Post

Junior Leader – Pam Boccaccio

Southeast Section

Teacher – Megan Johnston

Professional – Cathy Edelen

Coach – Lyndsey Bevill

Junior Leader – Ashaunta Epps

Western Section

Teacher – Gina Umeck

Professional – Mackenzie Mack

Coach – Erin Szekely

Junior Leader – Taronne Atley

International Section

Professional – Satomi Sugiyama

Coach – Jiyeun Seo

Junior Leader – Yoshie Koyama