Jones will support New Jersey Golf Foundation Programs for Youth, Military Veterans and Special Needs
BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The New Jersey PGA Section (NJPGA) and its charitable arm, the New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJGF)—in conjunction with the PGA of America REACH Foundation—named Makenna Jones as a PGA WORKS Fellow. The PGA WORKS Fellowship, established in 2017, is one of the most valuable entry-level opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to gain experience in the golf industry.
This experience is a paid immersion into the NJPGA/NJGF operations offering recent college and university graduates a first-hand look at a career in the $102 billion golf industry.
In her role, Jones’ primary responsibilities are to support NJGF programs and special events. This includes assisting with marketing, communications and on-site operations for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), PGA Jr. League, Special Olympics Golf, the new Freedom School Summer program, among others. Jones will assist with all programing at the Inspiration Golf Range and also provide operations assistance for NJPGA tournaments and special events.
On her first day of the fellowship, Makenna was part of the Team New Jersey Delegation at the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup at Chester Valley Golf Club in Pennsylvania. The 9-hole spirited golf match for Veterans living with physical/cognitive challenges served as the kick-off to PGA Championship week activities, before Aaron Rai held off John Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and the best golfers in the world to capture the Wanamaker Trophy and his first major championship.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to begin my career as a PGA WORKS Fellow with an opportunity to contribute to the NJPGA and NJ Golf Foundation,” said Jones. “Working the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup on my first day was such a neat experience, and I’m excited to support the NJPGA/NJGF Staff as they deliver programs that make golf more accessible for people of all backgrounds.”
A 2023 graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Jones went on to earn her Master of Business Administration from Bowling Green State University in 2025. She competed on the NCAA Division I women’s golf teams at both institutions.
“The PGA WORKS Fellowship is one of the most impactful programs, providing talented young professionals with meaningful, hands-on experience while helping shape future leaders in the golf industry,” said Chris Hunt, Executive Director, NJ Golf Foundation. “This Fellowship supports the professional growth of emerging leaders like Makenna, as she has an opportunity to gain valuable experience learning all facets of our Section and Foundation operations.”
PGA Sections oversee the 41 regions of the PGA of America across the United States and help create the network of communication and community for PGA of America Golf Professionals and amateur golfers nationwide. The PGA WORKS Fellowship is one of the most valuable, entry-level opportunities for individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry.
For more information on PGA REACH, visit pgareach.org.
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 90 teams and 1,300 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.
