President's Message
It’s been a terrific summer of golf across New Jersey, and I am so appreciative of our partners & donors who truly enable us to make a difference and a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
The NJGF Golf Classic, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, was a spectacular day at Baltusrol GC, and we had the opportunity to recognize Chris Baldwin and the entire Baldwin family for their longtime commitment to NJGF programs.
With a line-up of golf, fishing, pickleball and more, Mixed Stix has become a must attend event on the annual calendar, and a special thanks to the Donovan family and Fiddler’s Elbow CC for your continued support of the NJGF.
As PGA HOPE continues to grow across New Jersey, we could NOT do it without the support from so many, and I’d like to extend my appreciation to all the facilities that hosted fundraisers (in support of PGA HOPE) over Labor Day weekend. This rehabilitative golf program is making a difference while changing and saving the lives of our Veteran community.
PGA Jr. League is such a refreshing junior program, where kids from all backgrounds can play alongside their friends, while competing with pride, passion and sportsmanship in a scramble format. We had more than 1,400 junior golfers competing on more than 90 teams this season, just incredible numbers. Shout out to all the junior golfers, coaches and families that braved the inclement weather conditions, and had smiles on their faces during the New Jersey PGA Jr. League Section Championship - congrats to Fiddler's Elbow CC (13U) and Haworth CC (17U) for capturing section titles.
As always, we appreciate the commitment from our partners & donors, as your continued support allows us to make a more meaningful impact in communities across the state. If you are looking to get involved, please contact the NJGF’s Executive Director, Chris Hunt at chunt@pgahq.com or (732) 465-1212 and follow us on twitter @NJGF for updates throughout the season.
Mike Attara, President, NJGF
N.J. Golf Foundation celebrates 20 years of community impact
This article was featured on NJ.com
The New Jersey Golf Foundation is marking a significant milestone this year.
Established in 2004 as the charitable arm of the New Jersey Section of the PGA of America, the NJGF is celebrating 20 years of making a positive impact on lives and communities through the game of golf.
“Thanks to the generosity of our selfless partners, donors, PGA Professionals, volunteers and friends of the foundation, the progress we’ve made in the past 20 years is remarkable,” said Chris Hunt, executive director of the NJ Golf Foundation. “It’s truly rewarding to realize that we are fulfilling our mission and making a difference in so many lives.”
The foundation conducted its flagship fundraising event, the New Jersey Golf Foundation Golf Classic earlier this week at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield.
“The famed club is such a huge draw for our donors and corporate partners,” Hunt said. “Their staff knows how to put on a wonderful show for everyone in attendance.”
Golfers like Bobby Moesch, who made the six-hour drive from his hometown of Buffalo, NY, took advantage of the opportunity to play the historic course with a major championship pedigree.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (to play at Baltusrol),” Moesch said. “And it’s really cool knowing we’re supporting such a great cause.”
The NJGF expects to raise over $200,000 from this year’s event. It’s raised over $15 million the past two decades to support its annual golf programming.
The foundation focuses on three core pillars: youth, military veterans, and individuals with special needs. Under the guidance of New Jersey PGA Professionals, these programs aim to provide individuals from all backgrounds with opportunities to experience golf in a welcoming environment.
In 2014, the NJGF added the military pillar, with PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a rehabilitative golf program for military veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. What began in the Garden State as a pilot program for the PGA of America, PGA HOPE is now available nationwide, in all 50 states.
After launching PGA HOPE with one N.J. location, the instructional golf program that helps veterans assimilate back into their communities, is now available at golf facilities in all 15 of the counties that are a part of the NJPGA, impacting approximately 500 Veterans annually.
The NJGF operates Inspiration Golf Range on the campus of the Lyons VA Medical Center in Bernards, where it employs veterans and uses the facility as the home for its flagship PGA HOPE program and training site for Special Olympics NJ Golf and Els for Autism golf series.
Introducing golf to younger students was a priority from the start, when its Golf In Schools program began in just four schools. It’s now in over 200 elementary and middle schools, impacting more than 120,000 kids throughout the state.
“I am very proud of the space our PGA Members & Associates have taken with regards to teaching golf to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities,” Hunt said. “Many of our Golf in Schools programs have found that their Adaptive Students enjoy the game more than they ever thought. We now have over 100 NJPGA Members and Associates engaged with our programs.”
“One in five NJPGA Golf Professionals are engaged in their community through the NJ Golf Foundation. My goal is to get that percentage up to 50% by the time Baltusrol Golf Club hosts the PGA Championship in 2029.”
New Jersey Golf Foundation’s Annual Golf Classic Raises $275,000 to Support Golf Programming for Youth, Military Veterans and Special Needs
Chris Baldwin, Managing Partner, CVC Capital Honored as 2024 Chairman’s Award Recipient
The 18th Annual NJGF Golf Classic hosted at Baltusrol Golf Club on Monday, August 19th, raised $275,000 to support golf programming for youth, military Veterans and individuals with special needs.
As the NJGF celebrates 20 years of impacting lives and communities through the game of golf in 2024, the NJGF Golf Classic remains the signature fundraising event on the Foundation’s annual calendar. The event also served as an opportunity to honor Chris Baldwin as the 2024 Chairman’s Award recipient. The Chairman’s Award is given annually to an individual who works tirelessly behind the scenes to support NJGF programs and initiatives. Baldwin currently serves as Managing Partner at CVC Capital. As part of his role, Chris is executive board Chair at Constellation Brands and is a non-executive board member at several CVC owned companies. Chris and the entire Baldwin family have been passionate advocates for the NJGF and continue to work diligently to support the Foundation’s diverse line-up of programming.
The NJGF was created in 2004 to positively impact lives and communities through the game of golf, with a focus on 3 core pillars: youth, military, and special needs. Led by PGA of America Golf Professionals, programming is designed to provide individuals from all backgrounds with an opportunity to experience the game of golf in a welcoming environment. Through a wide range of programming, the NJGF champions a commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) with the goal of evolving the composition of the game of golf to better reflect the broad array of differences in our society at large.
“As the NJGF celebrates 20 years of positively impacting lives through the game of golf, we appreciate the continued support from our partners and donors, enabling us to make a more meaningful contribution in communities across the state,” said Chris Hunt, Executive Director, NJ Golf Foundation. “The opportunity to play Baltusrol Golf Club is a special treat for so many, and it was a privilege to once again host our annual event at this historic venue. It was equally exciting to recognize Chris Baldwin for his selfless efforts in support of the NJGF and our high-impact golf programming.”
Proceeds from the NJGF Golf Classic support the Foundation’s line-up of dynamic golf programming highlighted by PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) a rehabilitative golf program for military Veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI; Special Olympics New Jersey Golf; Els For Autism; PGA Junior League, Golf in Schools and more.
Photos available here.
Mixed Stix Raises $60,000 to Support NJGF Programming
The 7th annual Mixed Stix charitable event, hosted by Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club served to benefit the R&C Donovan Family Foundation and the New Jersey Golf Foundation.
Northeast Lock served as the title sponsor of the event, which featured an exciting line-up of outdoor activities including a golf pro-am, a golf shamble for amateurs only, fly fishing and a pickleball exhibition.
Tyler Hall captured the individual title with Brent Paladino and his squad winning the team title.
Thanks to the generosity of the Donovan Family Foundation, the 2024 event raised $60,000 in support of NJGF programming.
Click Here for photos from the Day
NJ Golf Foundation Supports Golf Program for Individuals with Down Syndrome
In summer 2024, PALS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a mission to create inclusive camp experiences for people with and without Down syndrome hosted an immersive golf experience for nearly 200 participants.
In addition to offering a line-up of programs for individuals with special needs, the NJGF is a proud supporter of the PALS Golf program. Led by PGA of America Golf Professional David Plarre, the intro to golf program is designed to change attitudes, transform lives, and inspire inclusiveness.
“It was very rewarding to work with the kids,” said Plarre. “Seeing their excitement when they got a ball to stick on the target was amazing, and I’m so appreciative the New Jersey Golf Foundation continues to support this event.”
The New Jersey PGA Jr. League Section Championship
New Jersey’s PGA Jr. League Golf presented by RWJBarnabas Health enjoyed a terrific season as more than 1,400 junior golfers competed on 90+ teams representing public facilities, municipal courses, private clubs and First Tee chapters.
The New Jersey PGA Jr. League Section Championship was held at Coakley-Russo Memorial Golf Course on August 8th with 153 junior golfers braving the elements and competing with pride and passion in rainy conditions.
Daniel Edelman, the 21-year-old New York Red Bulls midfielder, and member of the NJGF Advisory Council stopped by to watch the kids tee off and take photos with the junior golfers. Additionally, RWJBarnabas Health was on-site supporting the participants, while Rita’s had their mobile unit handing out complimentary ices to the kids.
On the golf course, the 13u division came down to the wire with Fiddler's Elbow Country Club, coached by Jeremy Eccles, defeating Mark Thornewell's team from Haworth Country Club by one stroke.
Haworth Country Club captured the 17u division title with a three-stroke victory over the Plainfield West Nine team led by coaches Bill Castner and Pete Aloisio.
There was some consolation for the runners up in both divisions as Haworth and West Nine qualified for the Regional Championship at Maple Dale Golf and Country Club in Dover, DE by way of the Regional Play Day Leaderboard.
All four teams represented the NJPGA Section well at the Regional Championship, but none were able to move on to their respective National Championships.
Photos available here.
Labor Day Fundraisers Support PGA HOPE
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the signature military pillar program of the NJGF. The rehabilitative golf program for Veterans is changing and saving lives, and thanks to the generosity of partners and donors, the NJGF offers PGA HOPE programming in all 15 serving counties, positively impacting nearly 500 Veterans annually.
Special Thank You to the following facilities for hosting fundraisers over Labor Day Weekend in support of PGA HOPE NJ. Just an incredible weekend with more than $65,000 raised to help fund our golf programming for Veterans dealing with physical/cognitive challenges.
- Bedens Brook Club
- Clearbrook Golf Club
- Colonia Country Club
- Forest Hill Field Club
- Greenbrook Country Club
- Manasquan River Golf Club
- North Jersey Country Club
- Plainfield Country Club
- Ridgewood Country Club
- Roxiticus Golf Club
New Jersey PGA Section Names Aron Gianchandani as PGA WORKS Fellow
Gianchandani will support New Jersey Golf Foundation Programs for Youth, Military Veterans and Special Needs
The New Jersey PGA Section (NJPGA) and its charitable arm, the New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJGF)—in conjunction with PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America—has named Aron Gianchandani (Watchung, NJ) as a PGA WORKS Fellow. The PGA WORKS Fellowship, established in 2017, provides the opportunity for a one-year, paid immersion in a PGA Section’s Foundation operations.
Gianchandani, who previously experienced summer internships with the NJPGA, will have an expanded role for the NJGF and NJPGA as the PGA WORKS Fellow. Gianchandani’s primary responsibilities will be to support the NJGF’s full lineup of programs headlined by PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) the flagship military program of the NJGF, which introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being; PGA Jr. League and Special Olympics Golf. Gianchandani will support all programs and events at the Inspiration Range, while providing operations assistance for NJPGA tournaments and special events.
“Golf is a passion of mine, and after spending three summers working with the New Jersey PGA Section, I knew I wanted to explore career opportunities in the golf industry,” said Gianchandani. “The NJGF offers a line-up of programs that make the game of golf accessible to anyone who wants to learn and play in New Jersey, especially young people, Veterans, and those with special needs, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the team."
Gianchandani attended Muhlenberg College, where he was a member of the golf team, while serving as captain his junior and senior year. He earned a Bachelor of Administration Degree in Marketing in May 2024.
Gianchandani has been around the game since his youth, working at Watchung Valley Golf Club and Montclair Golf Club as a caddie and outdoor operations manager from 2016-2020. Following that role, Gianchandani managed tournament reception for players, oversaw rules and playing time, and registered final scoring with players, posting scores online at U.S. Kids Golf. In 2021, Gianchandani started his journey with the NJPGA where he served as an intern, followed by the Assistant Summer Tournament Manager, where he was responsible for managing NJPGA tournament operations.
“The PGA Works Fellowship is a terrific immersion into the golf industry, and I’m thrilled that Aron will gain more valuable experience in his new role, while supporting core programs and special events for the NJ Section and NJ Golf Foundation,” said New Jersey Golf Foundation Executive Director Chris Hunt.
PGA Sections oversee the 41 regions of the PGA of America across the United States and help create the network of communication and community for PGA of America Golf Professionals and amateur golfers nationwide. The PGA WORKS Fellowship is one of the most valuable, entry-level opportunities for individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry. The Fellowship gives recent college, and university graduates a first-hand look at everything that a career in the $102 billion golf industry can provide.
Gianchandani is the seventh PGA WORKS Fellow for the New Jersey Section.
Sports Nutrition for Athletic Performance
What is the difference between a sports dietitian and a registered dietitian (RD)?
A sports dietitian is a registered dietitian that has focused knowledge, skills and experience to understand and assist in the needs of the athlete.
Why work with a sports dietitian?
To follow are the top 5 reasons to work with a Sports RD:
- Sports RDs are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team that offer a holistic approach to the nutritional needs of the athlete. They work together with athletic trainers, strength coaches, psychologists, physicians, and chefs.
- Sports RDs can impact performance by educating and supporting the athlete in event fueling and post-event recovery.
- Sports RDs assess and monitor task-specific body composition, growth, and weight history for athletes in an attainable, safe manner helping to prevent body image issues or eating disorders.
- Sports RDs are qualified to assess supplements and fortified foods for safety, quality, and efficacy to protect an athlete’s health and support performance.
- Sports RDs can teach athletes real-life skills through cooking demonstrations, learning how to build performance plates, grocery store tours, and meal planning.
What do I need to know about my performance plate?
Nutrition for athletes plays an important role in performance and requires individualization and nutrient periodization to support each athlete, the event, and their sport. There are many different nutrition support strategies based on training or competition schedule, as well as performance and body composition goals.
- Appropriate energy (caloric) intake is important for athletes' overall health and performance as it supports optimal body function and performance.
- Nutrient requirements for sports include carbohydrates, protein, fat, and micronutrients such as iron, vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants. Insufficient nutrient intake may result in an increased risk of fatigue, lost muscle mass, injury, illness, and prolonged recovery.
- The timing of nutrients is critical in optimizing training, performance, and recovery. Carbohydrates provide energy pre-workout, while a combination of carbohydrates and protein are required post-workout to support recovery and repletion of stored energy called glycogen.
A Sports RD can help athletes learn how to build various Performance Plates which use performance nutrition strategies to support specific activities based on the athlete, their sport, and goals. Performance Plates require different portions.
You can schedule an individualized sports nutrition consult and to improve your performance plate, using our website or by calling the Nutrition Counseling Services at 973-322-7913.
Special Thank you to our Corporate Partners
Your support of the NJGF allows us to make a more meaningful impact throughtout the communities we serve.