Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – January 21, 2025 – Make Golf Your Thing, the industry-wide movement dedicated to fostering inclusivity and expanding the reach of golf, will kick off the new year at this week's 72nd PGA Show and through a virtual workshop designed to jumpstart recruitment efforts across the industry taking place later this month.
Highlighting its commitment to inclusivity, Make Golf Your Thing will offer two impactful sessions designed to inspire and engage attendees at this week’s PGA Show at Orange County Convention Center.
The first session, "Evolution of Inclusion," will take place on Wednesday, January 22, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at PGA of America Industry Stage presented by CapTech. During this panel discussion, industry leaders will reflect on the transformative strides made in golf over the past decade. The session will spotlight key milestones, actionable strategies, and the collective commitment needed to broaden the game’s reach. Emceed by Lauren Thompson of NBC Sports Next, the session will be moderated by Sandy Cross, Chief People Officer of the PGA of America. Panelists include:
- Dave Barton, Executive Director of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf
- Dr. Michael Cooper, Senior Advisor at the USGA
- Laura Diaz, Senior Director of Community & Inclusion at the LPGA Tour
- Tom Kuhn, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at the PGA TOUR
Later that day, the 7th annual "Diversity Roundtable" will take place from 1:30-4:30 p.m., bringing together experts to explore the multifaceted opportunities within the golf industry. This session is led by many passionate Make Golf Your Thing volunteers. Highlights include:
- Insights from social media influencers on how culturally relevant content is shaping the future of golf.
- Discussions on the $102 billion golf industry, featuring entrepreneurs who are carving out innovative business niches.
- Strategic planning for player development initiatives in 2025 and beyond.
- Practical advice on nonprofit operations, including leveraging AI, funding strategies, and best practices.
The session will conclude with a networking and hospitality event, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and peers.
Building on the momentum of the PGA Show, Make Golf Your Thing will host its first webinar of 2025, "Tee It Up for Talent," on Monday, January 29, from 1-2 p.m. ET. This virtual workshop is designed to help organizations align their recruitment strategies with talent goals, offering innovative approaches to attract and retain a diverse workforce.
A panel of experts will lead the discussion, sharing strategies for connecting with underrepresented communities, developing relationships with external partners, and implementing new recruitment practices. Panelists include:
- Carissa Sweigart, Director of Culture & Wellbeing, Acushnet Company
- Andrea Lattimore, Manager of Talent Attraction & Community Engagement, Acushnet Company
- Jim Clarke, Vice President of Talent & Culture, PGA TOUR
- Jenell Rayford, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition & Organizational Planning, LPGA Tour
Any and all from the industry are welcome to attend and can register for the workshop here.
Over 40 organizations across virtually every aspect of the industry – associations, manufacturers, retailers, operators and nonprofits – are participating in the movement. To learn more or get involved in Make Golf Your Thing, visit https://www.makegolfyourthing.org/.
About Make Golf Your Thing
Make Golf Your Thing is a collaborative movement that reflects the industry’s commitment to making the sport more diverse, equitable and inclusive by welcoming more people to golf from all backgrounds, identities and abilities to play the game, build a career, and do business in the industry. Since 2020, the following organizations and companies have financially supported the Make Golf Your Thing movement:
Organizations | Golf Companies/Brands | |
AJGA ASGCA CMAA IAGA GCBAA GCSAA Golfzon LPGA National Club Association National Golf Foundation NGCOA PGA TOUR PGA of America USGA U.S. Golf Manufacturer’s Council | Acushnet adidas Arcis Golf Blue One Resort Bridgestone Golf CAA Sports Century Golf Club Car Envu Golf Pride GolfTEC Harrell’s John Deere Golf Marriott Golf KemperSports | PGA Golf Exhibitions PING PXG Rain Bird Srixon | Cleveland Golf | XXIO Syngenta TaylorMade Topgolf Callaway Brands U.S. Kids Golf Veterans Golfers Association Wadsworth Golf Charities Western Golf Association Yamaha Golf Youth on Course |
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jane Fader, Jfader@worldgolffoundation.org