President's Message
What a terrific kick off to golf season as Rory McIlroy captivated the golfing world and had us on the edge of our seats as he traversed Augusta National - showing us every emotion possible - on his way to winning his first green jacket and capturing the career grand slam.
On behalf of the New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJGF) and our Board of Directors, welcome to the 2025 golf season in New Jersey. The NJGF is committed to positively impacting lives and communities through the game of golf with a focus on 3 core pillars: youth, military and special needs. This year we have an incredible line-up of programs and special events, along with an exciting addition to our events calendar.
On April 14th the NJ Heroes Tour debuted at Royce Brook Golf Club and it is truly rewarding to host a full schedule of tournaments specifically for active military, Veterans and first responders of all playing levels. With 80 members signed up today, I’m optimistic we can spread the word and hit triple digits in the coming weeks.
Please mark your calendars for the NJGF’s signature fundraising events: the Peter Famiano Memorial Pro-Am on June 12th at Trump National Bedminster and the NJGF Golf Classic on August 18th at Baltusrol Golf Club.
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. For those that would like to support the NJGF in 2025, please contact Executive Director, Chris Hunt at chunt@pgahq.com or (732) 465-1212 and follow us on social media throughout the year.
Mike Attara
President, NJGF
New Jersey Heroes Golf Tour Debuts
Golf Tournament Series for Active Military, Veterans, and First Responders, - Including Firefighters, Law Enforcement and EMS
The New Jersey Heroes Tour teed off its first event on Monday, April 14th at Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough.
This marks a milestone moment, as the new golf tournament series for active military members, Veterans, and first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, paramedics, and EMS is now off and running.
Luis Delossantos, a United States Navy Veteran and a retired police detective captured the net division while NJ Police Officer Doug Kearns was the overall winner.
Proceeds from the tour will help NJGF programs, including PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a rehabilitative golf program for Veterans and active-duty military. Led by more than 100 PGA of America professionals trained in adaptive golf techniques, PGA HOPE provides free instructional clinics and playing opportunities for more than 500 Veterans annually across all 15 counties served by the NJPGA.
The New Jersey Heroes Tour is supported by founding partners including Snow Partners, Braven Health (an affiliate of Horizon BCBSNJ), Elite Fundraising Solutions, Golf Max and RWJBarnabas Health.
The tour is just getting started with nearly 100 members already signed up, and new members joining each week. For those interested in joining, and/or supporting the tour please visit www.njheroestour.com.
For photos from the day click here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/njpga/albums/72177720325110359/
Aspiring High School Golfers Back at Work - Brick Memorial High School JV Program
The NJGF High School JV program continues making an impact across the state. This program is designed for high school students that are interested in the sport, but, may not have the golf experience or skill set necessary to compete at the high school level, at this time.
Thanks to a network of local PGA of America Golf Professionals, students now have an opportunity for advanced instruction to help them improve and prepare for the upcoming season. Rylee Plitz, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Eagle Ridge Golf Club is leading the spring program for students at Brick Memorial HS, who aspire to play on the high school golf team.
Special Invite to Attend ShopRite LPGA Classic for Military, Veterans and First Responders
Join us this summer at the ShopRite LPGA Classic! All military, first responders, and family members are invited to visit the Hero Outpost presented by SERVPRO and Braven Health.
As a thank you, all military (active, retired, reserve and Veteran), first responders (police, fire, EMS) and accompanying family (4 tickets maximum) will receive complimentary admission to the three days of competition at the 2025 ShopRite LPGA Classic (June 6-8), courtesy of SERVPRO. Complimentary tournament tickets are available at www.ShopRiteLPGAClassic.com/tickets.
In addition, they will receive admission into a special hospitality area – the Hero Outpost presented by SERVPRO and Braven Health.
All military and first responders must show proper identification at the main gate and at the Hero Outpost to gain entry.
Volunteer Opportunities at ShopRite LPGA Classic
Volunteers are crucial to the success of the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer. Being a Volunteer at an LPGA Tour event gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a professional golf event. The tournament has numerous committees with varying responsibilities, appealing to all different types of interests.
All volunteers are asked to work a minimum of 3 shifts (4-6 hours, depending on committee). We have over 20 committees, with a wide variety of committee types. Some of our most popular committees are Marshals, Standard Bearers, Hospitality, Walking Scorers, and Transportation.
Volunteer Package is $65 and the benefits include the following:
• Official tournament polo
• Official tournament headwear
• Volunteer credential: will serve as admittance into the Tournament + parking pass
• Two (2) Good Any One Day grounds tickets
• Volunteer pin
• Parking pass
• Food and beverage on days worked
• One round at Seaview’s Bay Course (not including $25 cart fee)
• An invitation to the Volunteer Appreciation Event.
Register now at shopritelpgaclassic.com/volunteer.
The Power of PGA HOPE
Brian Mackey, PGA Director of Golf Instruction at North Jersey CC sits down with United States Army Veteran Krystal Cordero, a PGA HOPE graduate who shares a powerful message... "I honestly think PGA HOPE saved my life!"
A longtime supporter of military programming and PGA HOPE, Mackey is a multi-NJPGA Patriot Award Winner. The Patriot Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
Manasquan River Golf Club Named 2024 NJGF Club of The Year
Congratulations to Manasquan River Golf Club (MRGC), the NJGF’s 2024 Club of The Year.
With a fully committed staff led by PGA Head Professional Chris Dymek and a philanthropic membership, MRGC held a 4th of July raffle that raised over $20,000 in support of PGA HOPE and NJGF programming. Kudos, and thank you for your continued support!
The Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes
Sports Injury Prevention and Management
The Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes (Morahan Center) at RWJBarnabas Health provides education, assessment, and management of sports injuries and sports-related cardiac and concussion screening.
Working with top sports medicine providers from the Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Institute, The Morahan Center delivers expert, multidisciplinary care for sports injuries from start to finish. Using preventive medicine and screening, as well as innovative sports injury evaluation and management, The Morahan Center assists in navigating an athlete safely back to the field.
The Morahan Center proudly partners with schools and programs across the state, providing physician oversight, screening and injury management services to many of New Jersey’s top athletic programs, including Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, and the New Jersey Devils. RWJBarnabas Health is also a proud supporter of the Athletic Trainer Society of New Jersey.
RWJBarnabas Health Is Taking the Lead on Acute Concussion
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 300,000 concussions occur as a result of sports-related injury annually. The Morahan Center’s concussion screening program furthers RWJBarnabas Health’s long-standing commitment to the health and well-being of children and young adults. Offering one of the most comprehensive pre-season screening and concussion management centers in New Jersey, The Morahan Center has provided over 50,000 screenings to youth sports athletes since 2010.
At the Morahan Center, a multidisciplinary approach using top experts in their field provides athletes with the best approach to a safe recovery. The programs concussion center has recently been accepted into publication at the largest concussion center in the world, The International Conference on Concussion and Sport. The concussion program has also been recognized for its trademarked approach to care, the MORAHAN CAARPTM (Comprehensive Academic Active Recovery Plan). Under MORAHAN CAARPTM, we regularly organize and conduct classes, seminars, conferences, and workshops for medical treatment protocols and advanced care planning in the field of acute concussion recovery.
Personalize Your Sport Injury Care: Athletic Concierge Program
Treat Your Sports Injury Like a Pro
If you or your family member has sustained a sports injury, we are here to help. To request an appointment, use our online form or call 973-322-7913.
With our athletic concierge program, you will receive:
• Coordinated Care from Sport Medicine Experts
• Appointment Navigation
• Expedited Appointment, Results, and Imaging
• Fast Diagnosis
https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/athlete-screenings/
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.