Greensboro, NC — The Carolinas PGA Section is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Carolinas PGA REACH Growth of the Game Grant. Following a successful inaugural year, the foundation has expanded its support to provide $17,500 in funding to 17 different programs dedicated to growing the game of golf across North and South Carolina.
These grants support local PGA Professionals and Associates whose initiatives align with the PGA REACH Foundation’s three core pillars: Youth, Military, and Inclusion. By providing financial assistance to these programs, the Carolinas PGA REACH Foundation continues its mission to lower barriers to entry and foster a more inclusive golfing community.
This year’s selection reflects a diverse range of programs, with awards supporting grassroots efforts that provide coaching, equipment, and access to the game for underrepresented groups, youth, and our nation’s veterans.
2026 Grant Recipients and Programs:
- Angel Diaz, PGA – Fairways for HOPE
- Casey Ray Cline, PGA – PGA HOPE Bermuda Run
- Dan O’Boyle, PGA – Sea Scape Golf Links Join the Mix in 26!
- Daniel G Seawell, PGA – “Let’s Play Golf”
- David La Pour, PGA – Community Outreach
- Douglas K Hodges, PGA – SwingPals Phase 3 and Phase 4
- Jimmy D Bayne, PGA – High Point Junior Golfers
- Joey Batuello, PGA – Future Champions Golf
- Karl Kimball, PGA – H.E.A.R.T.S. Program
- Kevin Martin, PGA – Junior Golf Academy at King’s Grant
- Loren Forney, PGA – Tiny Tee Party: Delivering Tiny Swings & Big Smiles
- Michael F Abate, PGA – Divide GC 2026 PGA Jr League Team
- Michael J Smith, PGA – PGA HOPE Daniel Island
- Michael Pius, PGA – Empowering Youth Through Inclusive Golf: Expanding #GameON Accessibility and Coach Training
- Mike Long, PGA – Grips For Vets
- Patrick J Warren, PGA – PGA HOPE Asheville Summer League
- Rick Hengstenberg, PGA – Basic Training Your Golf Skills for our Veterans and Active Duty Members
The 2026 grant selection committee, composed of members from the Carolinas PGA REACH Committee, evaluated submissions based on program feasibility, innovation, and the potential for measurable community impact.
“This $17,500 investment represents PGA REACH Carolina’s commitment to a vision, where golf’s impact extends far beyond the scorecard,” said Rob Pilewski, PGA Professional and PGA REACH Carolinas Committee Chair. “By supporting our dedicated PGA professionals in their work with Youth, Military, and Inclusion, we are ensuring the game’s life-changing benefits reach every corner of our community. This achievement is a credit to the shared foresight and tireless execution of our REACH Trustees, Section Officers, Board, Staff, and Committee members, all working together to secure the future of the game in the Carolinas.”
Applications for 2027 will open March 1, 2027.
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/