Honorary President of the PGA to be Recognized at Annual Conference
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL, October 2, 2006 – The Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) has named M.G. Orender, the honorary president of the PGA of America, the recipient of its 2006 Leadership Award. He is being recognized for his passion for promoting golf to tomorrow’s players as reflected through his years of service to the game, The PGA and such far-reaching initiatives as Play Golf America. The first male recipient, Orender will receive his award at the EWGA Annual Conference being held at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on November 1 through 4,2006.
The EWGA bestows this annual recognition to individuals who have made longtime and outstanding contributions to women’s golf by paving the way for female golfers – whose dedication to the game has inspired others to follow in their footsteps. Past honorees have included Patty Berg, Peggy Kirk Bell, Judy Bell, Judy Dickinson, Michelle McGann, Alice Dye, Kathy Whitworth, Shirley Spork, Marlene Hagge, Renee Powell, Golf For Women Magazine, Linda Vollstedt and the 2005 recipients Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott.
"M.G. has been a true champion for promoting the growth of the game and women’s golf," says Pam Swensen, CEO of the EWGA, the nationwide women’s golf association which is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2006. "His long term volunteer leadership with the PGA of America and its continuing support of our organization demonstrate his commitment to making a difference and bringing more players into the game. We also are proud to recognize that M. G. has been a member of the EWGA for several years."
Orender is a founding partner and president of Hampton Golf in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. He began his golf career in 1974 as an assistant professional at Diamond Hill Golf Club in Dover, Fla. A PGA of America member since 1981, he was an officer for the North Florida PGA Section from 1983-1987. At the national level, he served on several PGA committees including the Junior Golf Committee from 1982-1995. He was elected to the board of directors in 1995 and was elected secretary of The PGA in 1998, vice president in 2000, and president in 2002. His term as PGA honorary president runs through the PGA of America’s annual meeting being held Nov. 16-18, 2006.
Since the EWGA started in 1991, more than 80,000 women have benefited from membership in the organization which is dedicated to providing opportunities to learn, play and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life. The 120 EWGA chapters throughout the United States offer a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for both new and experienced golfers.
The EWGA is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For more information about the association and membership visit www.ewga.com.
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Angie Niehoff
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