Jersey City, New Jersey — June 11, 2026 — Liberty National Golf Club today introduced rising amateur star Aphrodite Deng as its newest ambassador through a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreement, continuing Liberty National's commitment to supporting the next generation of golfers and advancing opportunities in the women's game.
The announcement comes on the heels of Deng's impressive performance at the U.S. Women's Open at Riviera Country Club, where the 16-year-old finished tied for 17th in her championship debut. The result added to a résumé that includes the 2025 U.S. Girls' Junior Championship, 2025 AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year honors and back-to-back AJGA junior titles at the Mizuho Americas Open.
"Aphrodite is exactly the kind of young player we want to support," said Dan Fireman, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Liberty National Golf Club and Executive Chairman of the Liberty National Foundation. "She's incredibly talented, works hard and has a bright future ahead of her. We've always believed that investing in young people is one of the best ways to invest in the future of the game. Through the Mizuho Americas Open and other initiatives, we've had the opportunity to see firsthand the depth of talent in women's golf, and we're excited to welcome Aphrodite to the Liberty National family."
Born in Calgary, Alberta, and raised in Short Hills, New Jersey, Deng first connected with Liberty National through the Mizuho Americas Open and her relationship with the Fireman family.
"I'm incredibly honored to join the Liberty National family," said Deng. "Through my AJGA experiences at the Mizuho Americas Open and my relationship with the Fireman family, I've had the opportunity to see firsthand how much Liberty National invests in young golfers. From my first visit, everyone at Liberty National made me feel welcomed and supported. To be associated with a club that is so committed to growing the game, supporting women's golf and making a positive impact in the community means a lot to me."
Deng joins a growing roster of Liberty National ambassadors that includes LPGA professionals Yana Wilson and Megha Ganne, World No. 1 amateur Kiara Romero and two-time Rolex AJGA Junior Player of the Year Miles Russell, who recently qualified for the U.S. Open. At the U.S. Women's Open, Deng competed alongside fellow ambassadors Megha Ganne and Kiara Romero. Romero earned low-amateur honors with a tie for sixth place before representing the United States this week at the Curtis Cup.
Led by the Fireman family, Liberty National Golf Club has built a reputation for investing in the future of golf through its support of junior, amateur and professional players. Through the Mizuho Americas Open, which was contested at Liberty National from 2023-25 and is scheduled to return in 2028, the club has created a unique platform that brings together LPGA Tour players and elite AJGA golfers, showcasing the next generation of talent.
The commitment of Liberty National Golf Club and the Liberty National Foundation extends beyond competition. Since 2003, the AJGA's Liberty National ACE Grant Program has reimbursed more than $9 million to more than 3,700 junior golfers, including more than $1.2 million in 2025 alone. Together, they partner with organizations dedicated to expanding opportunity through golf, education, health care and community service while supporting youth, Veterans, First Responders and local communities.
Alongside the LPGA's Mizuho Americas Open, Liberty National has hosted several of the PGA TOUR's premier events, including FedExCup Playoffs tournaments in 2009, 2013, 2019 and 2021, as well as the 2017 Presidents Cup. The club will once again welcome the TOUR’s best players when it hosts the BMW Championship in 2027.
ABOUT LIBERTY NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
One of the world’s most iconic golf locales, Liberty National Golf Club is located along the Hudson River in Jersey City, NJ, with striking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Manhattan skyline. Liberty National fittingly opened on July 4, 2006, and is guided by the vision and leadership of former Reebok Founder, Chairman & CEO Paul Fireman and his son Dan Fireman, Founder & Executive Chairman of Windrose Advisors. Designed by US Open Champion Tom Kite and esteemed golf course mastermind Bob Cupp, Liberty National is kept in tournament ready playing condition. Liberty National has hosted the 2017 Presidents Cup, four PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoff events and the first three editions of the LPGA Tour's Mizuho Americas Open. For more information about Liberty National Golf Club, visit www.libertynationalgc.com.
Media Contact:
Joel Schuchmann, DKC Sports
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