New Jersey PGA Section Names Decorated U.S. Army Veteran Jose Sagal as PGA WORKS Fellow
Sagal will support New Jersey Golf Foundation Programs for Youth, Military and Inclusion
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 U.S. Army Veteran Jose Sagal, of North Brunswick, as a PGA WORKS Fellow.
The PGA WORKS Fellowship is the flagship program of the inclusion pillar of PGA REACH. Focused on engaging a diverse demographic of participants with consideration to gender, age, race, national origin, sexual orientation, disability and veteran status, the PGA WORKS Fellowship is designed to establish a deep bench of talent that is prepared to ascend into key employment positions within the business of golf.
Sagal’s primary responsibilities will be to support the Foundation’s full lineup of programs including the: NJGF Golf Classic at Baltusrol Golf Club, its signature event; PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Chapter programming; Golf In Schools; PGA Jr. League; Drive Chip & Putt; and Els For Autism. Sagal will also provide operations support for NJPGA tournaments and events.
Sagal, who is one of 11 PGA WORKS Fellows in the country, served in the U.S. Army from 2010-14 (former Corporal), as part of the Global Response Force Mission, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and four Army Achievement Medals.
A graduate of Rutgers University, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Sports Management, in 2017. He is on track to earn a Master’s degree in Global Sports Business in May. Sagal also worked in the Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services at Rutgers, where he served as a Recreation Series Program Coordinator for three years.
In collaboration with the NJGF, Sagal was instrumental in establishing a golf program at the Rutgers University Golf Course for student Veterans, as they transition into civilian life. Inspired by PGA HOPE, the students receive weekly golf instruction from PGA Professionals, as well as important networking skills that will enhance their career prospects after graduation. The program is expected to expand through his work in the Fellowship.
“All career paths start with awareness and opportunity—and providing individuals from all backgrounds with employment opportunities in the golf industry is a priority for PGA REACH,” said PGA REACH Senior Director Ryan Cannon. “PGA WORKS is an important initiative supporting our inclusion pillar, and we’re thrilled to create new possibilities through the PGA WORKS Fellowship to pursue the dream of a career in golf.”
“With golf serving as an effective part of the rehabilitation process for many of my fellow Veterans, both on and off the course, I’m thrilled to join the New Jersey PGA Section staff, as we leverage the power of golf to positively influence Veterans and individuals from all backgrounds,” said Sagal.
The PGA WORKS Fellowship is a 12-month paid position funded by PGA REACH. Sagal is the second PGA WORKS Fellow for the New Jersey Section. Christina Paulsen, who served as the Section’s PGA WORKS Fellow in 2017, was recently hired by the NJPGA as Assistant Director of Tournaments and Junior Golf.
“Jose’s passion and energy is a welcome addition to our team, as we impact lives and communities through golf, and deliver a full lineup of programs for youth, military and individuals with special needs,” said New Jersey Golf Foundation Executive Director Chris Hunt. “His education, sports and military background, along with his passion to help others, aligns with our commitment to golf industry workforce diversification.”
PGA REACH hosts Fellows in 11 PGA Sections: Carolinas, Connecticut, Gateway, Metropolitan, Michigan, Middle Atlantic, New Jersey, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio, Western New York and South Florida.
For more information on PGA REACH, visit pgareach.org.
About PGA WORKS
PGA WORKS is the umbrella brand for all workforce diversification programs within PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, one of the organization’s foundational principles. PGA WORKS is an intentional effort to evolve the demographic composition of the golf industry’s workforce through a variety of programmatic efforts, including leadership development, fellowships, internships, scholarships, the PGA WORKS Career Expo and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship. PGA WORKS programs are designed to appeal to, recruit and retain diverse talent who are prepared to ascend into key employment positions across all lines of business within the golf industry and specifically the PGA of America. For more information, visit pgareach.org.
About PGA REACH
PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of PGA Professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGA on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.
Contact:
Michael Abramowitz, PGA of America, mabramowitz@pgahq.com 561.624.8458
Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com 732 469-5700
