GATEWAY PGA SECTION SELECTS FERNANDO MOLINA AS ITS FIRST PGA WORKS FELLOW

August 16, 2018 by PGA REACH

 Post-graduate opportunity furthers diversity in the game and business of golf

 

 PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. (August 3, 2018) — PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America – in conjunction with the Gateway PGA Section – has selected Fernando Molina, a graduate of Maryville University, in St. Louis, to serve as the first PGA WORKS Fellow in the Section’s office. The PGA WORKS Fellowship program aspires to be the most valuable entry-level opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry. 

“All career paths start with awareness and opportunity and providing individuals from diverse backgrounds entry into the golf industry is a priority for PGA REACH,” said Ryan Cannon, senior director of PGA REACH. “PGA WORKS is an important initiative, and we’re thrilled to have Fernando join the Gateway PGA Section.” 

Molina earned his undergraduate degree in sports business management. As a PGA WORKS Fellow, he will support the mission and purpose of the Gateway PGA REACH Foundation, including assistance with PGA HOPE programming, PGA Jr. League, the 100th PGA Championship, and Drive, Chip & Putt. He will also assist with foundation administration, operations and fundraising events. 

“This is an exciting time for the section to introduce Fernando as our first PGA WORKS Fellow,” said Ali Wells, executive director of the Gateway PGA Section. “Along with PGA REACH, the Gateway PGA Section is committed to generating awareness and providing opportunities into the golf industry to individuals from diverse backgrounds.” 

Prior to his role as a PGA WORKS fellow, Molina served as an operations assistant for the 2016 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in Benton Harbor, Michigan. In this role, he gained firsthand experience in the golf industry and a passion for the game. Molina also has worked as a stadium operations intern for the St. Louis Cardinals. Originally from Guatemala City, Guatemala, he now resides in Ballwin, Missouri. 

“I’m honored to be named a PGA WORKS Fellow and have the chance to work with PGA Golf Professionals daily, with the mission of working toward changing the face of the golf industry,” Molina said. “I know this Fellowship will provide me with the right tools to grow professionally in the business of golf, as well as raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion, not just in the golf industry, but in every aspect of life.” 

The PGA of America recognizes that it will be defined by how its commitment to diversity and inclusion resonates throughout its programs and practices. This commitment is mission critical to the health and relevance of the Association’s business and the game overall. 

This year, the Fellowship will host 10 fellows in the following PGA Sections: Carolinas, Connecticut, Gateway, Michigan, Middle Atlantic, Metropolitan, New Jersey, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio, and South Florida. The long-term goal of the program is to have Fellows in all 41 PGA Sections nationwide. 

For more information on PGA REACH, visit pgareach.org. 

 

About PGA WORKS

About PGA WORKS PGA WORKS is the umbrella brand for all workforce diversification programs that are part of the PGA of America’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, one of the organization’s foundational principles. PGA WORKS is an intentional effort to evolve the demographic composition of the golf industry’s workforce through a variety of programmatic efforts, including leadership development, fellowships, internships, scholarships, the PGA Business of Golf Career Expo and PGA Minority Collegiate Championship. PGA WORKS programs are designed to appeal to, recruit and retain diverse talent who are prepared to ascend into key employment positions across all lines of business within the golf industry and specifically the PGA of America. For more information visit, pgareach.org. 

About PGA REACH 

PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. 

About the PGA of America 

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of PGA Professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGA on Twitter, and find us on Facebook. 

Contact: 

Michael Abramowitz PGA of America mabramowitz@pgahq.com 561/624-8458 

Chelsea Hellems Dixon Schwabl Chelsea_Hellems@dixonschwabl.com 585/899-3244 

Ali Wells Gateway PGA Section awells@pgahq.com 636/486-4067