Austin, TX - Greg Garner, Head Golf Professional at the University of Texas Golf Club in Austin, Texas, has been named the 2021 Golf Professional of the Year by the American Junior Golf Association. This award honors a golf professional who displays unwavering support of the AJGA and junior golf by creating a memorable tournament experience for players, families, staff and volunteers.
"To win the award and be recognized by the quality of golf association of the AJGA means a lot to me,” Garner said. “I've really put a lot of strong committee work into providing a great field and to be recognized as the head pro of the year, and to have a top competitive field to go along with the event that we have is a recognition that is very appreciated."
Each year, the AJGA presents awards to the tournaments with the best individual hospitality, Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament, charitable giving and volunteer base. Awards are also given to the events with engaged media and social media participation. Finally, the AJGA recognizes the year's most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and golf course executive, as well as the most game changing event, best new event, best AJGA Preview Series tournament, best Ninja Junior All-Star Series tournament, best Invitational and overall tournament of the year. Tournament awards for the 2021 season will be presented on-site at the 2022 tournament.
Garner has been involved with the AJGA since 2014 when he helped host the Under Armour® / Jordan Spieth Championship. He has since impacted eight AJGA events, including the 2021 Sergio and Angela Garcia Foundation Junior Championship.
"The youth and enthusiasm of the AJGA to put together 130 events a year as a top competitive place for juniors to play, for families to support and to have the longevity of you guys as the leader of junior golf is incredible,” Garner said. “How the AJGA has kept that momentum and grown every year is amazing to see and really makes the AJGA awesome.”
In addition to being the main contact at the golf course for the tournament, Garner also serves on the tournament committee and goes above and beyond to make sure the tournament is a success. With his assistance the tournament has raised more than $673,000 with over $389,000 donated to charity, including $131,000 to the Hannon Society. The Hannon Society contributes to golf scholarships, supports the Austin Junior Golf Academy, hosts the George Hannon Junior Invitational, and conducts the Hannon Cup Matches.
“Greg’s impact with the AJGA and specifically this tournament have helped to elevate it to one of the strongest on the AJGA schedule,” AJGA South Central Regional Director, Solomon Hughes said. “His efforts to make the event memorable and to help raise money for charity will leave a lasting impact on so many people.”
For the past several years Garner has also coordinated details surrounding the clinic that Sergio Garcia conducts for the tournament. The clinic is the highlight of the week and is always executed professionally and provides a unique experience for the players in the tournament. In addition, Garner prioritizes player experience by providing access to the locker room, enhanced practice facilities and creating a high-level tournament feel on the golf course.
The 2022 Sergio and Angela Garcia Foundation Junior Championship was conducted at the University of Texas Golf Club in Austin, Texas, March 17-20.