PISCATAWAY, N.J., April 10, 2013…The New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJGF), the charitable arm of the New Jersey Section, PGA of America (NJPGA), which was created to positively impact lives and communities through the game of golf, today announced that former NJPGA Executive Director Scott Kmiec and Brian Dobbie, the 2012 NJPGA Teacher of the Year, have been named to the NJGF Board of Directors.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Kmiec, the longtime Executive Director for the NJPGA who recently accepted the position as Senior Director, PGA Foundation, at The PGA of America’s Corporate Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., will remain actively involved with NJGF initiatives. Dobbie, a PGA member since 1994, is currently PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Montclair Golf Club. In addition to being recognized as the 2012 NJPGA Teacher of the Year, Dobbie also received the 2010 NJPGA Junior Golf Leader Award and is highly regarded for creating programs that provide access to junior golfers from all backgrounds.
The NJGF broadly impacts youth, special needs programs, military personnel and women throughout the Garden State, via the Foundation’s focused programming, highlighted by the “Golf In Schools” program, which positively impacts more than 105,000 boys and girls (K-8) in New Jersey. “Golf In Schools” is an initiative designed to introduce the game of golf to children by incorporating the sport into the physical education curriculum at elementary and middle schools, under the guidance of PGA Professionals. To support this initiative, the NJGF provides each school with an allotment of SNAG (‘Starting New At Golf’) golf equipment, developmentally appropriate equipment that allows golf to be learned and played in non-traditional venues, such as a school gymnasium. “Golf In Schools” is funded by the NJGF and offered at no cost to school districts.
“Both Scott and Brian are accomplished and experienced individuals whose talent, passion and enthusiasm will help the New Jersey Golf Foundation’s mission to positively impact lives and communities through the game of golf,” said Gregg Angelillo, President, New Jersey Golf Foundation.
In addition to the “Golf In Schools” program, beneficiaries of the NJGF include Special Olympics Golf, NJGF scholarships, First Tee initiatives, and a breadth of Player development programs in conjunction with Golf 2.0 — the golf industry’s strategic plan to increase the number of golfers and rounds played over the next decade. The NJGF is committed to creating and offering programs where individuals from all backgrounds have an opportunity to access and experience the game of golf.
For more information, please visit www.njgolffoundation.com.
About The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, The PGA brand represents the very best in golf. The New Jersey Section is one of 41 geographic sections throughout the country and has been in operation since 1925.
About The New Jersey Golf Foundation
The New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJGF) was created by the NJPGA in 2004 to support programs to grow the game of golf in New Jersey. Programming is designed to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to the game of golf. The NJGF “Golf In Schools” Program is run annually at more than 190 schools, impacting more than 105,000 boys and girls (K-8) throughout New Jersey. For more information, visit www.njgolffoundation.com.
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