SOUTH FLORIDA PGA SECTION SELECTS 
AUBURN UNIVERSITY GRADUATE MADISON TEMPLE AS FIRST PGA WORKS FELLOW

August 17, 2018 by PGA REACH

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

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. (July 31, 2018) — PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, in conjunction with the South Florida PGA Section, has selected Madison Temple, of Vero Beach, Florida—a recent graduate of Auburn (Ala.) University—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.

As a PGA WORKS fellow, Temple will support South Florida PGA Section foundational activities, as well as PGA REACH program initiatives including supporting all PGA Jr. League programing and operations; Drive, Chip & Putt qualifiers; as well as other initiatives that are consistent with PGA REACH programming and fundraising that occurs with the South Florida PGA Foundation.

“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 Madison join the South Florida PGA Section.”

Temple graduated from Auburn with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. She previously served as an intern with the South Florida PGA Section, assisting the Junior Golf director with tournament operations. Temple also worked with her alma mater in the Communications and Digital Media Department, helping develop and execute promotions and game-day operations.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Madison Temple to the team as our first PGA WORKS Fellow,” said Geoff Lofstead, executive director of the South Florida PGA Section. “Her education, experience and true passion for both diversity and the golf industry make her the ideal fit for this Fellowship, and we look forward to her contributions to our foundation programming.”

This year, PGA REACH 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.

“I’m honored and excited to have been chosen as the PGA WORKS Fellow,” said Temple. “I look forward to helping grow awareness of PGA WORKS and the Fellowship in the region as we work toward changing the face of the golf industry. 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.

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 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.

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