Orlando, FL. – New England PGA of America Golf Professional, Peter Doherty, PGA (Atkinson Resort & CC) earned the 2024 GameChanger Award announced by the PGA of America at the PGA Show on Wednesday, January 22nd in Orlando, FL.
Doherty, who boasted the largest program in the NEPGA Section in 2024, ranked in the top 25 for Largest PGA Junior League Programs in the country, landing in the 20th spot with 205 total participants in 2024.
“We are honored to receive the Gamechanger award, recognizing us as a facility who prides itself on growing the game through youth golf,” said Doherty. “We have been extremely fortunate in seeing family growth through PGA Junior League. Moms and dads who didn’t play golf before are now getting into the game because their sons/daughters are playing. It truly is a family game,” he continued. “Brian Diamond has worked tirelessly the past 8 years in helping grow this program. From 2017, when we participated in the PGA Junior League national championship, our program has grown to a 3 season program reaching over 200 kids annually.”
Four NEPGA Professionals were recognized for their efforts and successes in Player Engagement with the 2024 Player Engagement Award: David Moore, PGA (Squirrel Run G&CC), David Donnellan, PGA (Hyannis GC), Michael Dugas, PGA (J.W. Parks GC), and Christopher Mowers, PGA (Nippo Lake GC).
The GameChanger Award celebrates the efforts of PGA Jr. League Coaches who create more opportunities for more kids to learn and play the game. In 2022, a Player Engagement Award was added to celebrate Coaches who meet the following criteria: lead 24 or more active PGA Jr. League players; host multiple age divisions or seasons of PGA Jr. League; host a PGA Family Golf event; and are ADM (American Development Model) certified through the PGA Coach platform.
Congratulations Peter, David, Michael, and Christopher!