New Jersey PGA Section names decorated U.S. Army Veteran Jose Sagal as PGA WORKS Fellow

BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The New Jersey PGA Section (NJPGA) and its charitable arm, the New Jersey Golf Foundation (NJGF)—in conjunction with PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America—has named U.S. Army Veteran Jose Sagal, of North Brunswick, as a PGA WORKS Fellow.

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is the flagship program of the inclusion pillar of PGA REACH. Focused on engaging a diverse demographic of participants with consideration to gender, age, race, national origin, sexual orientation, disability and veteran status, the PGA WORKS Fellowship is designed to establish a deep bench of talent that is prepared to ascend into key employment positions within the business of golf.

Sagal’s primary responsibilities will be to support the Foundation’s full lineup of programs including the: NJGF Golf Classic at Baltusrol Golf Club, its signature event; PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Chapter programming; Golf In Schools; PGA Jr. League; Drive Chip & Putt; and Els For Autism. Sagal will also provide operations support for NJPGA tournaments and events.

Sagal, who is one of 11 PGA WORKS Fellows in the country, served in the U.S. Army from 2010-14 (former Corporal), as part of the Global Response Force Mission, where he received the Army Commendation Medal and four Army Achievement Medals.

A graduate of Rutgers University, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Sports Management, in 2017. He is on track to earn a Master’s degree in Global Sports Business in May. Sagal also worked in the Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services at Rutgers, where he served as a Recreation Series Program Coordinator for three years.

In collaboration with the NJGF, Sagal was instrumental in establishing a golf program at the Rutgers University Golf Course for student Veterans, as they transition into civilian life. Inspired by PGA HOPE, the students receive weekly golf instruction from PGA Professionals, as well as important networking skills that will enhance their career prospects after graduation. The program is expected to expand through his work in the Fellowship.

“All career paths start with awareness and opportunity—and providing individuals from all backgrounds with employment opportunities in the golf industry is a priority for PGA REACH,” said PGA REACH Senior Director Ryan Cannon. “PGA WORKS is an important initiative supporting our inclusion pillar, and we’re thrilled to create new possibilities through the PGA WORKS Fellowship to pursue the dream of a career in golf.”

“With golf serving as an effective part of the rehabilitation process for many of my fellow Veterans, both on and off the course, I’m thrilled to join the New Jersey PGA Section staff, as we leverage the power of golf to positively influence Veterans and individuals from all backgrounds,” said Sagal.

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is a 12-month paid position funded by PGA REACH. Sagal is the second PGA WORKS Fellow for the New Jersey Section. Christina Paulsen, who served as the Section’s PGA WORKS Fellow in 2017, was recently hired by the NJPGA as Assistant Director of Tournaments and Junior Golf.

“Jose’s passion and energy is a welcome addition to our team, as we impact lives and communities through golf, and deliver a full lineup of programs for youth, military and individuals with special needs,” said New Jersey Golf Foundation Executive Director Chris Hunt. “His education, sports and military background, along with his passion to help others, aligns with our commitment to golf industry workforce diversification.”

PGA REACH hosts Fellows in 11 PGA Sections: Carolinas, Connecticut, Gateway, Metropolitan, Michigan, Middle Atlantic, New Jersey, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio, Western New York and South Florida.

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