The American Junior Golf Association and the United States Golf Association (USGA) are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 USGA-AJGA Presidents’ Leadership Award.
The USGA-AJGA Presidents' Leadership Award was created to recognize one male and one female junior golfer who demonstrate leadership, character and community service through their involvement with the Leadership Links program – a joint initiative founded by the USGA and AJGA in 2005 to further develop junior golfers through volunteerism and philanthropy.
The finalists for the 2026 USGA-AJGA Presidents’ Leadership Award are:
Girls
Hadley Stetson of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania (2027)
Stetson has demonstrated impactful leadership through her role in organizing and leading The Philly Cup, a community-driven golf fundraiser. Her efforts have helped raise more than $11,180 in support of multiple organizations, including the Horizons program, where she has volunteered for three years supporting academic enrichment and mentorship for younger students. Through her work with Horizons, Stetson focuses on building confidence and fostering personal growth, emphasizing connection and inclusion. By pairing her passion for golf with meaningful service, she continues to create opportunities that strengthen both her community and the game.
Annie Veil of Johns Creek, Georgia (2027)
Veil has grown into a leader within the Atlanta Athletic Club junior golf program, where she mentors younger players, volunteers at camps and competitions, and supports programming that reaches hundreds of participants. A three-year participant and 2026 host of the Georgia Junior Cup, Veil has raised $2,304 through her involvement with Leadership Links initiatives. Motivated by personal connections, she has supported cancer research while inspiring the next generation of golfers through mentorship and leadership.
Boys
Cole Durham of Miami, Florida (2029)
Durham has made a significant impact through his fundraising efforts with the Florida Sunshine Cup, raising $57,891 to benefit the Liberty National ACE Grant and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. His work includes directing support toward cancer research, a cause that is deeply personal to him. In addition to his philanthropic work, Durham serves as a student government leader and supports wellness and outreach initiatives within his school community. He is known for bringing people together and leading with empathy and purpose.
Henry Manciu of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania (2028)
Manciu launched his “Golf for Good with Henry” initiative, raising $9,394 through creative community efforts such as lessons, equipment drives and themed outreach events benefiting the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and the Liberty National ACE Grant. He also volunteers as a junior coach for PGA Junior League and founded his school’s Young Investors Society chapter. Manciu’s approach to service combines creativity, leadership and a commitment to growing the game.
David Pyle of McKinney, Texas (2028)
Pyle has been a key leader in the AJGA Leadership Links program and as host of the Dallas Cup, raising $44,428. His efforts support organizations such as the First Tee of Greater Dallas and the Osteosarcoma Institute. He also gives his time by coaching and mentoring younger golfers in his community. Through the Dallas Cup, Pyle has helped create opportunities for players of all abilities, including events that bring together junior golfers, Special Olympics athletes and military veterans.
About the USGA
The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. The USGA also manages day-to-day operations for the U.S. National Development Program, the country's first unified pathway for American talent, and the World Golf Hall of Fame, preserving and celebrating the legacies of the game’s greatest figures. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. For more, visit usga.org.