BRASELTON, Georgia – For a ninth year of the past 10, the American Junior Golf Association received a top Atlanta Journal-Constitution workplace award thanks to its employees.
The AJC Top Workplace Award uses a third-party research firm to conduct employee-based surveys and chart a scientific, data-driven approach to select the top candidates from the 3,268 involved in the 2021 selection. Based on employee feedback scores, the newspaper determines top public, private, non-profit and government employers with a minimum of 50 employees in three categories (500+, midsize 150-499 and small at under 149).
Companies that earn this recognition have gained the trust and affection of employees. After the circumstances of 2020 and a global pandemic, the top workplace award means more to everyone.
“2020 made a lot of us grow both professionally and personally and was the best example of teamwork I’ve ever seen,” said Blair Sumner, director of recruiting. “I am so proud to work for a company that took these challenges and made the best of them, while looking out for the staff. I think this top workplace honor shows the value the AJGA places in the staff every single day.”
In March 2020, as the world came to a stop including all of golf, the entire full-time AJGA staff came together remotely to create extensive, exhaustive plans. The goal: to safely return to play with a national tournament schedule to carry out the mission of helping junior golfers reach their dreams of a college education through golf.
“I love my job because everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission of developing golf’s next generation,” said Sam Andress, player services manager. “As individuals, we have unique talents and can all bring something to the table. Our work is meaningful and what we do makes a difference in kids’ lives. This gives me motivation keeps me going even when we are faced with challenges.”
The Operations team formed a COVID task force to answer hundreds of questions and build a battle plan shared around the golf industry, alongside advice from the PGA TOUR and other leaders, as a model for success. Purchases included: 144 gallons of hand sanitizer, 40,000 pairs of gloves, 50,000 disinfecting wipes, and mask donations from National Sponsor adidas Golf and Board Member Seiji Liu’s company IFGfit.
The Tournament Business Affairs team tracked moving targets to secure government approval – going above and beyond to ensure anyone traveling could feel secure in having a playing opportunity. The Player Services and Finance teams enacted generous withdrawal and refund policies to provide players and families with maximum security with no risk of financial loss. After 150 schedule changes including enacting seven events per week in the summer and the most extensive fall schedule in history, the AJGA conducted more than 94 percent of its events from June to November. Most safety protocols are still in place for safety, alongside AJGA staff going the extra mile to continue to seek government approval.
Early during the uncertainty, the AJGA Board of Directors and Officers committed to no layoffs or furloughs for full-time staff, and the HR team worked tirelessly to update and communicate with interns on plans and protocols. The AJGA was able to keep its commitment to employ every intern hired prior to the pandemic shutdown. A traveling pod system and comprehensive safety protocols were followed by all staff. When the office was re-opened in waves to limited numbers, extensive COVID policies were enacted – all of which are still in place a year later.
The Foundation team, through its Leadership Links program, helped support junior golfers who wanted to do something to help. In a few weeks, more than 50 teens raised more than $35,000 for Direct Relief to purchase more PPE, made masks and gift bags for nurses and doctors, started a State Cup Series event to celebrate their high school graduation and help the Golf Emergency Relief Fund, and start a PPE organization . In total, junior golfers raised more than $715,000 to help charities all over the country – including the AJGA’s Liberty National ACE Grant.
With uncertainty around college golf recruitment, juniors with the talent to play college golf needed financial assistance more than ever. Thanks to this fundraising, additional funds were approved to help families in need do more with more than $450,000 reimbursed.
The Communications team went to work as events were shut down – creating new content to help members cope with uncertain times from Instagram lives with sponsors TaylorMade and adidas Golf to athletes like Danielle Kang and Cameron Champ, reviewing the best players of all time and player trick shots. With gatherings still not possible at the season’s end, the efforts of its players were recognized virtually as Rolex testimonees Justin Thomas, Lexi Thompson and Jordan Spieth joined media personalities Lisa Cornwell and Joe Buck in the first-ever digital Rolex Junior All-America Awards .
“When the dust settled and 2020 was in the books, I know we all felt a tremendous sense of relief, pride and accomplishment,” said Executive Director Stephen Hamblin in a recent email announcing the AJC distinction to the staff. “Because of what we overcame in 2020, this year’s Top Workplace award feels more special to me. … I am constantly bragging about the great people of the AJGA, and based on what we accomplished last year, you have given me even more reasons to sing your praises. Congrats on a super successful year, and for making the AJGA a very special workplace!”
First earned 10 years ago, the AJGA has earned an AJC Top Workplace award in 2012, 2013, 2015-2021. In its first year of participation, 1,000 area businesses were part of the nomination process.
Learn more about why the AJGA current and former staff and interns recommend the AJGA and see the current full-time staff .
To learn more about how to join the AJGA staff, visit AJGA Careers .
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