Greg Zohovetz Assumes role as First-Ever Director of Operations for NJGF
Headshots HERE, courtesy of the New Jersey PGA Section
BEDMINSTER, N.J. – Spearheaded by the surge in the golf industry, and growth in player development programming, the New Jersey Section of the PGA of America (NJPGA) and its 501(c3) charitable arm, the New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJGF), today announced staff promotions and new executive positions within each respective organization.
Greg Zohovetz, who has served as the Director of Junior Golf and Player Development for the NJPGA since 2014 will transition to a new role as the first Director of Operations for the NJGF.
The NJGF was created in 2004 to positively impact lives and communities through the game of golf, with a focus on 3 core pillars: youth, military, and special needs. Under the guidance of PGA Professionals, programming is designed to provide individuals from all backgrounds with an opportunity to experience the game of golf in a welcoming environment.
This new position for Zohovetz was prompted by substantial growth in NJGF programs, highlighted by PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) – a rehabilitative golf program for military Veterans that has doubled in size over the past year to serve more than 500 Veterans annually. Another successful, ever-growing NJGF program is Golf In Schools – golf in gym class at more than 200 schools across the state impacting more than 120,000 boys and girls (K-8). Additionally, PGA Junior League – featuring more than 80 teams and 1,300 kids under the age of 17 throughout New Jersey, continues to surge as one of golf’s greatest player development programs. Moreover, the NJGF continues to expand its golf programming footprint with Special Olympics New Jersey Golf and other programs for those with special needs.
“Backed by the incredible growth of NJGF programming, we recognized the need to add a new position to the team, with a primary focus on player development programming,” said Chris Hunt, Executive Director, NJGF. “Greg Zohovetz will assume this new role where he can focus more attention specifically on NJ Golf Foundation operations.”
In his new role, Zohovetz will be responsible for overseeing all player development programs at The Inspiration Golf Range. The venue, which is currently receiving a facelift thanks to the PGA of America
Places to Play Grant, serves as the homesite for NJGF programming, highlighted by PGA HOPE and youth programming. The venue also serves as a training site for Special Olympics New Jersey Golf & Els for Autism – which delivers transformative golf programming for individuals with special needs.
The NJPGA is also excited to announce that Christina Paulsen, who has been working with the NJPGA/NJGF for eight years, will assume the role of Director of Junior Golf & Player Engagement for the NJPGA. Christina started with the section in 2016 when she was selected as the NJPGA’s first-ever PGA WORKS Fellow, where she had the opportunity to support initiatives in conjunction with the PGA Championship hosted at Baltusrol Golf Club. Following her Fellowship, she transitioned into an assistant role to support the NJPGA Junior Tour and Tournaments department, handled administrative duties, and supported NJGF programs.
“The entire staff takes great pride in serving our PGA of America Golf Professionals, Junior Tour members and all NJ Golf Foundation programming and events,” said Chris Bauer, Executive Director, NJPGA. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to elevate some of our current staff members and reward them with career growth opportunities such as these.”
Additionally, current PGA WORKS Fellow, Joe Oliveri, who has been instrumental in supporting NJGF programming, will transition to a full-time position as NJPGA Tournament Administrator at the conclusion of his fellowship on June 1, 2024. In his new role, Joe will be responsible for supporting the NJPGA Tournaments Division, the NJPGA Junior Tour, and related special events.
For those interested in learning more information about the New Jersey Golf Foundation, or supporting programs and special events, please visit www.njgolffoundation.org. For NJPGA News including tournament coverage and junior tour updates please visit www.newjersey.pga.com.
About The New Jersey Golf Foundation
Founded in 2004, the New Jersey Golf Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and the charitable arm of the New Jersey Section, PGA of America. Through a wide range of programming, the NJGF champions a commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) with the goal of evolving the composition of the game of golf to better reflect the broad array of differences in our society at large. With a focus on 3 core pillars (youth, military, special needs), the NJGF’s mission is to positively impact lives and communities through the game of golf. Led by PGA Professionals, the NJGF hosts a dynamic line-up of programming that provides access for individuals from all backgrounds to experience the game of golf in a welcoming environment. Signature programs include, Golf In Schools, which is run annually at more than 200 schools, impacting more than 120,000 boys and girls (K-8); PGA Junior League featuring more than 80 teams and 1300 kids under the age of 13 throughout New Jersey; Special Olympics New Jersey Golf and programming for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and PGA HOPE, the flagship military program that introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.njgolffoundation.org.
About the NJPGA
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. The NJPGA is one of 41 geographic sections throughout the country and has been in operation since 1925. The New Jersey Section is made up of just over 200 facilities and 515 PGA Professionals including PGA of America Members, Associates and Affiliates. In 2012 and 2015, the NJPGA was the recipient of the Herb Graffis Award, presented annually to a PGA Section that shows extraordinary or exemplary contributions in player development and growth of the game programming. For more information on the NJPGA please visit newjersey.pga.com.
