Nine Carolinas PGA Professionals Earn PGA #GameChanger Recognition

Greensboro, NC — The Carolinas PGA is proud to announce that nine PGA and LPGA Professionals and Associates have earned PGA #GameChanger status, a prestigious recognition honoring PGA and LPGA Professionals and Associates who demonstrate outstanding commitment to growing the game through junior engagement, family programming, and coach education. These #GameChangers will be recognized on the main stage of the PGA Show on Thursday, January 22 at 8:45 a.m. in Orlando, FL.

The PGA #GameChanger designation celebrates PGA Professionals who lead impactful PGA Jr. League programs, engage families through PGA Family Golf events, and continue their professional development through PGA Coach education. To qualify, professionals must lead 40 or more registered and active PGA Jr. League players, host programs across both 13u and 17u divisions in multiple seasons, facilitate PGA Family Golf events, and complete ADM Certification along with additional PGA Coach training.

This year’s honorees reflect the continued growth and strength of youth and player development programming across the Carolinas. The Player Engagement category, which launched in 2022 with just one award winner from the Carolinas PGA Section, has expanded significantly each year—highlighting the dedication of PGA Professionals who are creating welcoming, fun, and developmentally appropriate pathways into the game.

Leading the way is Daniel Byrd, PGA (Tanglewood Park), who earned recognition as the PGA Coach with the Largest Player Count in the Carolinas PGA Section, engaging an impressive 225 PGA Jr. League players. Byrd also ranks 21st nationally for player engagement, underscoring the significant impact of his programming both within the section and across the country.

Together, these PGA #GameChangers exemplify the Carolinas PGA’s commitment to growing the game of golf, strengthening communities, and inspiring the next generation of players and families through innovative and inclusive programming.

For more information about PGA Jr. League, PGA Family Golf, and PGA Coach programming in the Carolinas, visit here!