Atlanta, Georgia – The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is thrilled to announce the induction of Stephen Hamblin, our Executive Director, into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. This well-deserved honor was bestowed on Hamblin on Saturday, September 16th, during the 37th Anniversary Induction Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.
In his 39 years as Executive Director of the American Junior Golf Association and a Class A Member of the PGA of America, Stephen Hamblin, has witnessed the development of some of the most talented golfers in the world: Tiger Woods, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Stacy Lewis, Nelly Korda, Inbee Park and Mariah Stackhouse, to name a few.
Hamblin’s leadership has been the impetus to important programs such as: an industry-leading pace of play system, an unmatched tournament experience, sponsorship to keep costs low and value high for members, the Liberty National Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program, strict Code of Conduct policy and a thank-you note writing program. He has also been instrumental in the AJGA’s investment of more than $2.5 million in DE&I initiatives. He has accomplished all of this while remaining true to the original mission and purpose of the AJGA: fostering the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.
Stephen Hamblin has been an exceptional force in the world of golf, and his dedication, leadership, and passion have made a profound impact on the sport, as well as on countless young golfers' lives. As the Executive Director of AJGA, Hamblin has tirelessly worked to promote junior golf and provide young athletes with opportunities to excel both on and off the course.
"It makes me very proud to know the work we are doing at the AJGA is being recognized through this prestigious honor. I congratulate Carl, Andre and Laree on their wonderful contributions to the game of golf and I am honored to enter the National Black Golf Hall of Fame with them."
Under Hamblin's guidance, the AJGA has flourished, becoming a pivotal organization in nurturing young talent, and shaping the future of golf. His visionary leadership has elevated the organization's mission to new heights, ensuring that junior golfers from all backgrounds have access to world-class training, tournaments, and educational opportunities. His commitment to fostering personal growth, sportsmanship, and character development aligns perfectly with the values of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame.
The National Black Golf Hall of Fame's decision to induct Stephen Hamblin is a testament to his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport. The induction ceremony will take place during the 37th Anniversary Induction Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, where Hamblin's contributions to golf and his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport will be celebrated by his peers, colleagues, and aspiring young golfers.
The AJGA family extends our heartfelt congratulations to Stephen on this occasion and look forward to celebrating his achievements during the induction weekend.
For more information about the American Junior Golf Association, please visit ajga.org.
About the American Junior Golf Association
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships, and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 9,000 members from 50 states and 51 foreign countries. Through initiatives like the Liberty National ACE Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.
TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s National Sponsors, supporting the AJGA for more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,000 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang.
About the National Black Golf Hall of Fame
The National Black Golf Hall of Fame celebrates and honors exemplary achievements of Blacks in the golf industry. The organization also recognizes business and community leaders, regardless of race or ethnicity, who ensure Blacks are presented opportunities to participate in any facet of golf.