The United States Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA) and its 37 member organizations, won a prestigious award at the PGA Show. USAGA took home top honors at the International Network of Golf (ING) Industry Honors on Thursday, January 23, winning the ‘Player Development’ category.
The Player Development award goes to the person or persons who have made an extraordinary contribution to the continued growth of golf through the unselfish devotion of time and energies to introducing more people to the game. “It’s truly an honor for the USAGA to win the ING Honors Award for Player Development,” says EQ Sylvester, Chairman & Founder, USAGA. “This is an amazing accomplishment achieved by our member organizations and coaches across the country. USAGA is truly grateful and inspired to continue its important work.”
Sylvester was also a part of a panel on Adaptive Golf which took place January 22 on the PGA Show Forum Stage. Moderated by Sports Talk Show Host/Golf Correspondent Ann Liguori, Sylvester joined Laura Miller, Program Specialist, PGA Hope; Chris Novak, retired U.S. Marine, Veteran Liaison, PGA of America; Judy Alvarez, LPGA and PGA Master Professional and Adaptive Golf Instructor; and David Windsor, Adaptive Golf Director, Georgia State Golf Association liaison, PGA of America Teaching Professional and Player Development consultant.
Sylvester spoke about USAGA’s mission, making golf accessible, the recovery benefits of the game for people with disabilities and the many clinics and tournaments the USAGA and its member organizations host throughout the country. “What a great opportunity it was to participate in the Adaptive Golf panel on the PGA Show Forum Stage!” added Sylvester. “The forum was very well attended and it was an excellent platform to share the many ways the USAGA, its member organizations and PGA Hope can support people with disabilities. We connected with many in the audience who shared personal stories. I know we made an impact that morning during the forum and we strive to make positive impacts every day!”
About United States Adaptive Golf Alliance: Founded in 2014, the USAGA is a national alliance of 37-member adaptive golf organizations with common goals and objectives, promoting and providing resources for athletes with disabilities nationwide. Its member organizations provided adaptive golf to 30,000+ individuals across the country, of which 24% are wounded veterans. USAGA provides competitive pathways in disabled golf – from basic instruction, get out and play, through and including national and international competitions for golfers with disabilities.
