Braintree, Mass. – Branch Resource, in partnership with PGA REACH New England and Essence, hosted the inaugural OpportuniTEE Golf Classic
at Braintree Municipal Golf Course on Aug. 28, welcoming more than 140 participants and guests for a day of learning and networking.
The event aimed to bridge the access gap in golf by connecting Boston-based executives with emerging professionals on the course and at the range.
“With a rise in volume amongst underrepresented players in the sport of golf, there lies an opportunity for the intersection of golf and career development,” Steven Branch, founder of Branch Resource and CEO of the OpportuniTee Golf Classic said.
The day kicked off with guest check-in, breakfast, and a celebratory opening ceremony featuring live music and a welcome address. Attendees then enjoyed a golf scramble tournament and the “Get in the Game” clinic, which included four instruction stations led by NEPGA professionals.
“My favorite part of the event is meeting people who are excited about the game of golf, who are interested in trying to learn, and just seeing them in their journey,” Brent Balderston, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Marlborough Country Club said. It’s the most fascinating thing for me.”
Branch presented a $10,000 check to the NEPGA Foundation, reinforcing the commitment to expanding access to the game for underrepresented communities.
“The mission of PGA WORKS is to make the game of golf look more like America looks,” Branch said. “If you were to come to this course on a Tuesday that was not hosting a Branch Resource, I don’t think it looks the same all the time. There are initiatives to help build that inclusivity and shoutout to the NEPGA Foundation for doing that.”
Thank you to our New England PGA of America Professionals, Allison Mitzel, PGA; Beth O’Kelly, PGA; Thomas Fernandes, PGA; Stephen Clancy, PGA; Young Jang, PGA; Robert MacPherson, PGA; Joe Potty, PGA; Brent Balderston, PGA; John Kan, PGA and Bill Galvin, PGA.
PGA REACH New England is proud to help introduce golf to new audiences and create spaces for personal and professional growth.