PGA SECTION SELECTS NICOLE ASBUN AS ITS FIRST PGA WORKS FELLOW

July 03, 2018 by PGA REACH

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

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. (June 14, 2018) — PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, in conjunction with the Southern Ohio PGA Section, has selected Nicole Asbun as their first PGA WORKS Fellow. The PGA WORKS Fellowship aspires to be the most valuable entry-level employment opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to garner golf-industry experience.

In her new role, Asbun will support in furthering the mission and purpose of the Southern Ohio PGA Section Foundation, including PGA REACH programming and fundraising efforts. She’ll work hand-in-hand with colleagues responsible for PGA HOPE programs and assist with the PGA Jr. League Section Championship. 

“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, PGA REACH Senior Director. “PGA WORKS is an important initiative, and we’re thrilled to have Nicole join the Southern Ohio PGA Section.”

A recent graduate of Walsh University in Canton, Ohio, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology and is pursuing a master’s degree in Education, with a concentration in Coaching and Leadership from the University of Rio Grande. She was named an Academic All-American and received the Women’s Golf Champions of Character Student Athlete of the Year Award from University of Rio Grande. In 2016, Asbun worked as a Sports Information Assistant for golf at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, Asbun now resides in North Canton, Ohio. 

“Golf is a sport for everyone, and I want to expand and develop tours for young golfers and veterans across the globe, while making golf accessible and affordable for competition,” said Asbun. “I believe that, being a golfer with international background and expertise, I can make a change and grow the game of golf for people who come from different backgrounds, nationalities, races and cultures. My purpose is to introduce the sport that has given me so many opportunities in life to others through a global perspective.”

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.

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. 

About PGA REACH
PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. For more information on PGA REACH, visit pgareach.org.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of PGA Professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGA on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.

Contact:
Michael Abramowitz, PGA of America mabramowitz@pgahq.com 561-624-8458
Nadine General, Dixon Schwabl Nadine_General@dixonschwabl.com 585-899-3242
Chelsea Hellems, Dixon Schwabl Chelsea_Hellems@dixonschwabl.com 585-899-3244
Amanda Fisher, Southern Ohio PGA Section amfisher@pgahq.com 937-754-4263
          
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