Braselton, GA - The American Junior Golf Association has named Mike O’Neill as the 2022 Golf Professional of the Year. This award is given to someone who displays unwavering support through their actions and effort to the event. This individual is someone who outperforms and exceeds expectations in helping with whatever is necessary to ensure the tournament functions properly.
The AJGA Junior at Chicopee presented by John D. Mineck Foundation was held at the Chicopee Country Club in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Mike O’Neill has been the lead contact for the Chicopee event for more than 4 years. Along with being the lead contact, O'Neill has proven his commitment through other duties.
O'Neill secures additional fundraising for the tournament each year and helps find private housing through the golf course membership for our staff, including his own home. He is responsible for all logistics of the tournament and gives a helping hand at any moment. O'Neill assists in securing complementary meals for AJGA staff as well as hosting the entire AJGA staff at his house for a meal.
Of all the events you have throughout the country, I was floored when I found out. It’s a huge honor, a national award basically. Being connected with the AJGA for five years, it’s been a great team effort. I’ve always told my crew at the golf course that we’re successful because it’s a team. Now, Chicopee Country Club and the city of Chicopee are a great team with the AJGA. I am absolutely honored.
Other tasks that O'Neill participates in to make the event run smoothly is finding volunteers which adds another layer of support to the tournament. He dedicates a great amount of his time and effort to making sure the AJGA staff is comfortable and has what they need to run a successful event. O'Neill goes above and beyond in making members of the AJGA feel welcomed in addition to the players and volunteers that are willing to help.
O'Neill has devoted a commendable amount of time and energy to ensuring the tournament’s efficiency while keeping in mind the well-being of others. While on-site, he has proven his loyalty to the process and has helped manage many challenges. Through a hurricane, power outages and even more, O'Neill has persevered in contributing to the tournament’s success. He built the tournament committee himself, which includes local public officials and a state senator.
The AJGA is extremely grateful for his dedication and generosity. It is clear O'Neill shows his love for the event through his time as well as the tears he sheds at the end of every tournament. O'Neill was nominated in both 2020 and 2021, now the AJGA wants to recognize his hard work with the Golf Professional of the Year tournament award.