Greensboro, NC — The Carolinas PGA Section is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Carolinas PGA REACH Growth of the Game Grant, a vital initiative supporting local PGA Professionals and Associates dedicated to growing the game of golf across North and South Carolina. This year’s grant recipients exemplify innovation, passion, and commitment to community engagement, aligning their programs with the PGA REACH Foundation’s three core pillars: Youth Player Development, Military Initiatives, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Through this inaugural grant program, the Carolinas PGA REACH Foundation provides funding to projects that expand access to golf, especially among underrepresented groups, youth, and military families. Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 have been awarded to 14 recipients who will use the support to create measurable impact in their local communities.
2025 Grant Recipients and Programs:
Youth
- Craig Wood, PGA – Guilford County Schools Club Golf
- Daniel Seawell, PGA – Let’s Play Golf
- David La Pour, PGA – Mission Golf Academy Community Outreach
- Doug Hodges, PGA – SwingPals Phase 3
- Jimmy Bayne, PGA – High Point Junior Golfers
- Kenneth Ormand, PGA – Charleston’s Lil Golfers
- Leslie Cloots, PGA – LPGA USGA Girls Golf – Triangle
Military
- Angel Diaz, PGA – PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach Golf League
- Brock White, PGA – PGA HOPE Fayetteville
- Christopher Sitko, PGA – PGA HOPE Greenville
- Eric Jordan, PGA – PGA HOPE Buies Creek
- Rick Hengstenberg, PGA – PGA HOPE Raleigh
- Steve Beecroft, PGA – PGA HOPE Wilmington
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
- Michael Pius, PGA – Increasing Golf Participation Among Those Underrepresented in the Sport
The grant selection committee, composed of members from the Carolinas PGA REACH Committee, evaluated each submission based on alignment with REACH pillars, potential community impact, program feasibility, and innovation. The initiatives awarded this year reflect a powerful blend of grassroots efforts, inclusive programming, and sustainable vision.
“These professionals are doing extraordinary work in their communities, and we’re proud to support their mission of making golf more inclusive, accessible, and impactful,” said Jeff Abbot, CEO/Executive Director of the Carolinas PGA. “These programs embody the spirit of PGA REACH and highlight the power of golf to bring people together.”
About PGA REACH Carolinas
PGA REACH Carolinas is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Carolinas PGA Section. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact lives through the game of golf, with a focus on Youth, Military, and Inclusion initiatives. Through these pillars, PGA REACH Carolinas aims to create a healthier, more inclusive, and diverse golf community across the Carolinas.
For more information about the Growth of the Game Grant and future opportunities, please visit https://carolinas.pga.com/24619-2/.