BRASELTON, Ga. – PGA TOUR professional Billy Horschel has joined the American Junior Golf Association’s Foundation Board of Directors effective during the 2018 season.
Horschel, an AJGA alumnus and four-time PGA TOUR champion, also partnered with the AJGA to host a unique event for junior golfers in 2017. The Billy Horschel Junior Championship presented by Zurich, CVS Health and Wyndham Rewards became the AJGA’s first Stableford-style event conducted in the Association’s 40-year history. During the tournament, Horschel was highly-involved on-site alongside wife Brittany, also an accomplished AJGA alumnus. He hopes to bring this same hands-on approach to his position on the Board.
“I am excited to extend my involvement with the AJGA,” Horschel said. “To see the growth in these juniors reminds me of my time playing as a junior golfer, and I want to help the next generation in as many ways as I can. I look forward to serving the Board to continue opening doors for many young men and women through the AJGA and its programs.”
In his role, Horschel can speak to the experience of golf at all levels. He played in nine AJGA events with a runner-up finish before beginning his college career at the University of Florida. Named a four-time collegiate All-American as a Gator, he also played on the Web.com Tour and various Q-School stages. As a professional, he has won four TOUR events and earned the 2014 FedExCup champion title. The Horschels also have two children, who may also choose to play junior golf.
The Foundation Board is organized to help support and grow opportunities through three key initiatives identified by the AJGA. The Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program provides financial support to junior golfers who aspire to earn a college golf scholarship. The ACE Grant reimbursed nearly $500,000 in 2017. Leadership Links teaches young men and women charitable giving skills at an early age. Junior golfers raised nearly $400,000 to serve charities in their communities in 2017. The AJGA’s Internship program provides career development for the next generation of golf (and sports) professionals, many of whom now work for the PGA TOUR, LPGA, USGA and as college coaches.
Horschel joins eight current members of the Foundation Board of Directors, including LPGA Tour player and AJGA tournament host Stacy Lewis.
“Billy’s passion for helping junior golfers and giving back to the game of golf make him an exciting addition to the Foundation Board,” said AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. “His involvement is a testament to the kind of person he is – he doesn’t just want to be on a Board, he wants to actively engage in strengthening the future of junior golf. I am excited to see what new ideas he has to help us shape the Foundation’s programs and services in the years to come.”