President's Message
On behalf of the NJGF and our Board of Directors I’d like to thank our partners, donors, volunteers, PGA Professionals and all friends of the Foundation. Your continued support allows us to make a meaningful impact in communities across the state, as we deliver programming for youth, military Veterans and individuals with special needs.
The year of Woman’s Golf in New Jersey was incredible, with four LPGA tournaments, led by the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship where the best golfers in the world teed it up at famed Baltusrol GC. It was a privilege for the NJGF to play a small role in the success of the events, and we are so appreciative to have received a Places to Play Grant from the PGA of America. Thanks to those funds, construction at the Inspiration Golf Range and Activity Center is underway, and I can’t wait to showcase the new look facility in 2024.
Our line-up of programming continues to impact the lives of youth, military Veterans and those with special needs. PGA HOPE is proven to help military Veterans transition to civilian life, and we continue to expand the program for America's Heroes. Led by Special Olympics Golf and Els for Autism, our special needs pillar is thriving, and the adaptive gym program at Clifton High School is one of the most popular activities for kids with special needs. Through Golf in Schools and PGA Junior League, golf continues to positively impact more than 100,000 kids across New Jersey each year.
To my fellow PGA Members, thank you for volunteering your time to teach and host events in support of the NJGF. We appreciate your continued support. If you would like to get involved in 2024, please contact the NJGF’s Executive Director, Chris Hunt at chunt@pgahq.com or (732) 465-1212.
Happy Holidays!
Mike Attara, President, NJGF
Golf Program Helps Veterans Transition to Civilian Life
Award winning multimedia journalist Andre Malok captures the impact of PGA HOPE…
Boys & Girls from Paterson Enjoy After School Golf Program
The popular after-school Player Development Program at Father English Community Center was back in session during the fall season. Led by NJPGA Professional David Plarre, a group of boys and girls from Paterson - that excel in the classroom – were selected to participate in the 6-week instructional program.
Each year more than 20,000 boys & girls (K-8) in Paterson are introduced to the game of golf in physical education class thanks to the NJGF’s Golf in Schools program. The Father English after school program serves as an extension of Golf In Schools, while delivering another opportunity for kids to continue their golf development with hopes of sparking greater interest in the game.
It’s a terrific extra-curricular program that rewards kids for their academic performance.
USGA Museum Tour & Q&A with Mike Whan
Thanks to the United States Golf Association (USGA) and CEO, Mike Whan for hosting the NJGF for an exclusive tour of the USGA museum followed by a luncheon and Q&A session on Wednesday, Dec 13th.
After experiencing a memorable walk-through history encompassing the most comprehensive exhibit in golf history, the group of 30+ guests enjoyed a fascinating Q&A session where USGA CEO, Mike Whan joined NJGF President, Mike Attara for an update on the latest news from the USGA, golf industry trends, the importance of supporting philanthropic initiatives and what’s on the horizon in 2024.
Special Thanks to Meg Whan for embracing her role as a New Jersey Golf Foundation Board Member.
Click here for photos from the day
Camaraderie on the Golf Course: Veterans Day Pro-Am
Veterans Day served as the 7th Annual PGA National Day of HOPE. This nationwide Veterans celebration has two goals: Commemorate our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom; and raise awareness and support for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the signature military program for PGA REACH and the NJGF.
To celebrate Veterans Day and our local heroes, the NJGF hosted a Veterans Day Pro-am at Fiddler’s Elbow CC on Friday, November 10th.
Click here to view a Jersey Proud segment done by News 12 NJ that highlights the program
60 military Veterans living with physical or cognitive challenges such as TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), were joined by 20 NJPGA Professionals for a round of golf, and camaraderie on the golf course.
For photos from the day click here
Golf Shines as Part of Clifton High School Adaptive PE Program
The NJGF operates one of the nation’s most prolific Golf In Schools programs, introducing the game to more than 120,000 children (K-8th grade) at more than 200 schools in New Jersey each year.
To complement this initiative, and as part of the NJGF’s special needs pillar, the Clifton High School Adaptive PE program offers golf programming throughout the month of December. Led by PE teacher Chris Tuosto, who was specially trained to support this initiative, kids enjoy golf programming utilizing snag equipment, perfect for a high school gymnasium.
Generous Donations Support NJGF Programming
A huge thank you to Green Brook Country Club, Colonia Country Club, Ridgewood Country Club, Plainfield Country Club, Cherry Valley Country Club, Roxiticus Golf Club and Essex Falls Country Club for your generous donations and continued support of the NJGF!
Save the Date!
NJGF Hosts Princeton University Student Military Veterans Golf Series at Springdale Golf Club
Inspired by the PGA HOPE program, and in an effort to support student military Veterans as they transition into civilian life, the NJGF hosted a Student Military Veterans Golf Program at Springdale Golf Club during the fall semester.
15 Princeton University student Veterans received expert golf instruction (driving, chipping, putting) from a team of PGA Professionals, along with important networking skills designed to enhance their career prospects after graduation.
Andrew Gordon, PGA Head Golf Professional at Springdale Golf Club served as the lead instructor for the program, and he was supported by a team of PGA Professionals, as the program helps Veterans assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction the game of golf provides.
“The social aspects of the game are immeasurable, and this program provides the camaraderie Veterans experienced while in the military, as well as important networking and career development skills that will help shape their future,” said Chris Hunt, Executive Director, NJGF.
Spotlight: Harrington Construction
It’s our privilege to highlight one of the newest NJGF partners, Harrington Construction. Harrington Construction, a platinum partner of the NJGF Annual Golf Classic, recently started a renovations/expansion project at the Inspiration Golf Range & Activity Center, and the new look facility will be ready to go for the 2024 golf season. They are well known across the state and have completed a ton of work at local clubs within the NJPGA Section! Check out the list below to see the kind of work they do…
Fiddler's Elbow Country Club: club house and cart barn expansions, kitchen renovation, academy building construction, parking lot renovation and paving, tee and green construction, pump house replacements, new pool complex construction, pond dredging, asphalt and tar & chip cart path paving, blue stone patios, paddle tennis and tennis construction, bunkers, putting green construction
Roxiticus Golf Club: clubhouse expansion, parking lot renovation and paving, tee and green construction, pond construction and dredging, cart path paving, misc masonry repairs
Somerset Hills Country Club: retention basin dam replacement, parking area expansion and paving, tar and chip cart paths, belgium block curbing, pickleball courts
Canoe Brook Country Club: asphalt cart paths, pickleball courts, paver walkways and patios, drainage repairs, parking area renovations
Hamilton Farm Golf Club: tee box installation, asphalt cart paths, tee box renovations
Montclair Country Club: retention basin renovation and land clearing, asphalt cart paths, parking area paving, pave walkways and curbing, landscaping, misc. masonry repairs, misc. golf course repairs, dredging
Morris County Country Club: maintenance facility renovation, halfway house site work, tee box renovations, drainage, fairway reshape and clearing, parking area and cart path paving
Springbrook Country Club: parking area expansion and paving, new pool complex, locker room renovation, new maintenance building construction, asphalt cart paths
Echo Lake Country Club: club house site work, parking area renovation and paving, landscaping, seasonal plantings
Mendham Golf & Tennis: parking area work, asphalt cart path replacement
Trump National, Bedminster: emergency repairs to pump station, asphalt cart path paving
Black Oak Golf Club: parking area paving, curbing
Fairmount Country Club: pool and paddle house construction, drainage
Sunset Valley Golf Club: tee box renovations and asphalt cart paths
Berkshire Valley Golf Club: fairway repairs, drainage
Inspiration Golf Range: tree removal, asphalt walkways, practice chipping green installation, tee line, drainage
Soup to Nuts: 5 Foods to Keep You Healthy This Winter
Healthy foods are healthy all year long, but winter tends to be harder on our bodies and on our immune systems than more temperate seasons, so it’s important to make every protein, fat and carbohydrate calorie count. Here are five healthy foods to help sustain you until spring.
1. Oatmeal - There really is something to the idea of starting the day with a hot, wholesome breakfast—especially on a frosty morning. Oatmeal (preferably not the instant kind, which is highly processed) is a great choice. According to Registered Dietitian Deanna Schweighardt, RDN, CDCES, “It’s high in soluble fiber, which is good for heart health; it has a low glycemic index unless you load it with sugary toppings, so it won’t spike your blood sugar; and it has many nutrients, including zinc, which is important for immune function.”
2. Nuts and Seeds - These nutrition powerhouses have it all. Besides being delicious, they’re a great source of protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals. Eating nuts and seeds regularly is associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. They can also reduce inflammation and may help improve cholesterol. Among the healthiest nuts are walnuts, pistachios and almonds. Healthy (and fun-to-eat) seeds include pumpkin and sunflower seeds. One caveat: They’re all calorie-dense, so watch your portions.
3. Root Vegetables - These vegetables that grow under the ground are generally nutritious, delicious, low in fat, high in fiber, rich in complex carbs and packed with vitamins like A, B and C as well as minerals such as potassium, iron and manganese. Root vegetables include onions, garlic, shallots, carrots, turnips, beets and sweet potatoes.
4. Citrus Fruits - Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C, an important antioxidant that can help boost your immunity. Studies show it may also help lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease. “One navel orange contains 82 milligrams of vitamin C,” says Schweighardt. “The recommended daily allowance for men is 90 milligrams a day; 75 milligrams for women.” It’s best to get vitamin C from whole foods.
5. Chicken Soup - It’s not a myth: Chicken soup really does help when you’re under the weather. Why wouldn’t it? It’s got lean protein, healthy vegetables and clear broth which can relieve nasal congestion and help you stay hydrated, too. Plus, it just tastes good and warms you up inside.
For more information on healthy eating click here
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.