In this new episode, Chris Noble, PGA of America's manager for NextGenGolf's National High School Golf Association joins the show to talk about his work and the progress he's seeing around diversity and LGBTQ+ at the PGA.
"We love the fact that there are players who are different races, different nationalities, different cultures, backgrounds, even like you mentioned, sexual orientation, and gender identities too. And for me, I identify obviously as a gay male, but I'm much more than that," Noble says. "Being able to be myself and have some of that awareness because I know when I was in high school, I would have loved to see anybody, whether it's somebody running a tournament I was playing in or a PGA or LPGA Tour player, who is out, living their life and being who they truly are. So we're able to let these teens know that it's okay to be yourself and swing your swing and play your game."
Later in the show, Noble adds:
"Who would've ever thought this kid who grew up in one of the poorest parts of the country would be on a national stage playing at Pinehurst and competing for a national high school title? When you hear stories such as that, it makes it so worthwhile."
Hit the play button above to listen, and look for more episodes of the ModGolf Podcast coming soon to The First Call.