NORTHERN OHIO PGA SECTION SELECTS BROOKE MORGAN AS ITS FIRST PGA WORKS FELLOW

June 18, 2018 by PGA REACH

Post-graduate opportunity furthers diversity in the game and business of golf

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. (May 28, 2018) — PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, in conjunction with the Northern Ohio PGA Section, has selected Brooke Morgan, a recent graduate of Walsh University, in North Canton, to serve as the first PGA WORKS Fellow in the Section’s office. The PGA WORKS Fellowship program aspires to be the most valuable entry-level employment opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to garner golf industry experience.

“All career paths start with awareness and opportunity and providing individuals from diverse backgrounds entry into the golf industry is a priority for PGA REACH,” said Ryan Cannon, senior director of PGA REACH. “PGA WORKS is an important initiative, and we’re thrilled to have Brooke join the Northern Ohio PGA Section.”

In this role, Morgan will work on PGA HOPE programming, Folds of Honor initiatives and junior golf programs, in addition to assisting with statewide tournament operations, including the Toledo Open, Ohio Open, Ohio Senior Open and Ohio Cup.

“Golf is a game of invitation,” said Dominic Antenucci, executive director of the Northern Ohio PGA Section. “Providing individuals from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to get involved in the industry is essential to growing the game and diversifying the workforce. We’re excited to have Brooke join us as our first PGA WORKS Fellow and make an impact on our foundation programming.”

Last year, the Akron, Ohio, native graduated from Walsh University with degrees in Graphic Design and Corporate Communications. Morgan was a star athlete and two-sport captain who earned 13 high school varsity letters in golf, basketball, track and field, and cross-country. She served as captain of the women’s golf and basketball teams at Walsh. Prior to accepting the PGA WORKS fellowship, Morgan served as Communications Coordinator for historic Clearview Golf Club, in East Canton, Ohio—which, following World War II, became the first African-American owned and operated golf facility in the United States. At Clearview, Morgan was mentored by PGA of America Hall of Fame Member Renee Powell, PGA/LPGA, the daughter of the club’s legendary late founder and fellow Hall of Fame Member Bill Powell, PGA.

“I’m honored to have been chosen as the PGA WORKS Fellow,” Morgan said. “I strongly believe in the mission of PGA REACH and PGA of America. As a lifelong golf enthusiast, I am committed to growing the game and will do my best work on every task throughout this fellowship. Opportunities like this are critical to the game and history of golf, and diversity and inclusion must be part of the industry.”

The PGA of America recognizes that it will be defined by how its commitment to diversity and inclusion resonates throughout its programs and practices. This commitment is mission critical to the health and relevance of the Association’s business and the game overall.

This year, the Fellowship will host 10 fellows in the following PGA Sections: Carolinas, Connecticut, Gateway, Michigan, Middle Atlantic, Metropolitan, New Jersey, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio and South Florida. The long-term goal of the program is to have Fellows in all 41 PGA Sections nationwide.

For more information on PGA REACH, visit pgareach.org.

About PGA WORKS

PGA WORKS is the umbrella brand for all workforce diversification programs that are part of the PGA of America’s 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 Business of Golf Career Expo and PGA Minority 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.