The New Jersey Golf Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary impacting lives and communities here in the Garden State through golf.

The NJGF is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the New Jersey Section, PGA America (NJPGA). Since its 2004 inception, the organization has raised more than $15 million to support annual golf programming. It focuses on three core pillars: youth, military veterans and individuals with special needs.

The programming aims to provide individuals from all backgrounds the opportunity to play the game of golf in a welcoming environment. Signature fundraising events complement that work, which fund annual scholarships for deserving youth.

Key NJGF programs include:

• PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) – A rehabilitative golf program for veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Launched in 2015, PGA HOPE enhances physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. It’s available at facilities in 15 counties across the state,  positively impacting 500 veterans annually.
• PGA Jr. League – Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, this effort serves as the flagship youth pillar for the NJGF. More than 1,200 boys and girls (13-and-under) participate and compete on 80-plus teams. That is also complemented by a league for 17 and under boys and girls with 100 more kids participating.
• Golf in Schools – Golf has been integrated into the physical education curriculum at more than 200 schools (K-8) around the state, impacting more than 120,000 kids each year. The NJGF provides each school with equipment that allows golf instruction and play in non-traditional venues, such as a school gym and limited-space outdoor areas. It also trains physical education teachers in effectively following the golf curriculum.
• Special Olympics New Jersey Golf – NJGF is a longtime supporter and hosts a series of skills challenges each year.
• Ernie Els #GameON Autism – Provides golf activities for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• The Inspiration Golf Range – Located on the Lyons Campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System in Bernards Township. The multi-purpose, public facility opened in 2022. It serves as the homesite for NJGF’s lineup of golf programming. Last year, the range received a $250,000 donation by the PGA of America’s charitable arm, PGA REACH, for a facelift that includes an expanded hitting area and construction of a roof over the driving range.

“Thanks to the generosity of our selfless partners, PGA Professionals, volunteers, and friends of the Foundation, the progress we’ve made in the past 20 years is remarkable,” said Chris Hunt, executive director, NJ Golf Foundation, in a statement. “It’s truly rewarding to realize that we are fulfilling our mission and making a difference in so many lives.”

More information on the NJGF and its programs and events is available here.

In colder months:

Former Marine Corps pilot, salesman and banker Schone Malliet founded Winter4Kids to give vulnerable youth an opportunity to experience winter in a new way, with lessons, better nutrition and, most important, fun. Click here to read more.