PGA REACH Gateway is leading a transformative $13 million investment in North St. Louis: a 14-acre, golf-focused community complex that will serve as a safe, inclusive hub for youth, Veterans, and families. The phased project is set to break ground in September 2025.

Located on the former Carter Carburetor site—once a bustling manufacturing hub turned EPA Superfund zone—this project is reclaiming a space long marked by environmental injustice. After a $38 million cleanup and seven years of remediation, the site will be reborn as the North St. Louis Youth & Community Center, featuring executive-length golf holes, a driving range, a multi-use athletic field, and a 4,000-square-foot indoor golf academy.

Our community partner, UGolf, will relocate its headquarters to the new facility, expanding youth access to instruction, mentorship, and workforce opportunities. Just one mile south, John Cochran VA Hospital will connect Veterans to the site through on-site PGA HOPE programming. 

Fundraising is well underway with the leadership of PGA REACH Gateway Foundation President and MLB Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, whose deep ties to St. Louis have been instrumental. His support reflects a shared vision: to open doors for those historically excluded from golf and create pathways to education, careers, and community healing.

Since 2013, Gateway PGA Members have donated over $1.6 million to help grow, fund, and operate numerous youth development initiatives in the North St. Louis community. 

In the early 2010s, we partnered with Urban K-Life (UKL) to provide North St. Louis city teens with mentorship, professional and collegiate advice, financial literacy education, and access to resources often not found in their neighborhoods. 

Seeing the opportunity to grow the game’s impact and exposure, UKL staff member Jerome Harris Jr. founded UGolf to dedicate 100 percent of his time to using golf’s influence and community to impact North St. Louis students.

UGolf prepares youth in Urban St. Louis for success beyond high school and exposes them to the vast golf community. PGA REACH Gateway underwrites UGolf’s operation, now branded “UGolf powered by PGA REACH Gateway,” and provides PGA Jr League Captains access to PGA Facilities and more. 

“With our after-school programming, community events, caddy internships, and golf camps, UGolf has engaged thousands of first-time golfers and lovers of the game in golf instruction, mentorship, and job training,” said Harris. 

He continued, “We’re excited because these students are not only graduating from college, which executes our mission to prepare students to be successful beyond high school, but we’re equally excited when they come back, and they serve, which they did this past summer during our golf camps.”

From 2020 through 2022, the partnership flourished, providing 25 youth scholarships to cover the PGA Jr. League #GameChanger Club. The impact of PGA REACH Gateway’s support saw scholarships skyrocket in 2023 to reach 120 kids. In 2024, with expanded outreach in St. Louis City Schools, that number has continued to grow, reaching 200 scholarships.

In addition to UGolf, PGA REACH Gateway funds Diversity Golf Marketing Foundation (DGMF). Since 2020, we have partnered with DGMF to provide 60 youth annual access to the PGA Jr. League #GameChanger Club, introducing, in total, more than 180 kids to golf. Our support allows their network of professional and amateur golf enthusiasts to accomplish their goal of increasing minority participation rates. DGMF runs four PGA Jr. League programs in North St. Louis. Mike Suhre, PGA is the lead Captain for UGolf’s and DGMF’s PGA Jr League programs.

Diversity Golf Marketing Foundation made history in 2024 by traveling to Nashville, Tennessee, to participate in the inaugural all-black PGA Jr. League match. The Jr. League match aims to further the mission of increasing minority participation in the game of golf. This groundbreaking event, held at the Ted Rhodes Golf Course, named after the pioneering black professional golfer, has become an annual tradition. The teams plan to meet in Chicago in 2025, adding more teams and creating a special experience for all participants and their families. 

In 2023, the Gateway PGA launched PGA ABLE, a groundbreaking initiative offering free golf clinics led by PGA Professionals for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities or medical challenges. Designed to foster confidence, connection, and joy, PGA ABLE reflects our mission to promote social, emotional, and physical well-being through the game of golf.

The inaugural clinic—created in partnership with the Albert Pujols Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome—set the tone for a growing movement. PGA Member Kevin Corn, a driving force behind this effort, has introduced golf to over 5,000 young patients at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital since 2011. Today, the program reaches additional institutions like Cardinal Glennon and Shriners hospitals and supports inclusive after-work programming at Lafayette Industries. Lance Flury, PGA, has followed Kevin’s lead and will run his third year of PGA ABLE with the Springfield Parks District Special Recreation Department.

With expansion plans underway, PGA ABLE continues to build a legacy of inclusion, creating lasting memories, nurturing friendships, and making the game of golf accessible to all. In addition to the aforementioned programs, there are now PGA ABLE programs in three pediatric hospitals in St. Louis.

Since 2018, the Gateway PGA has welcomed nine talented individuals through the PGA WORKS Fellowship. Eight have gone on to launch successful careers in sports—five within the golf industry and four currently pursuing PGA Class A Membership. These outcomes highlight the program’s strong track record of developing future leaders in golf and beyond.

Our first Fellow, Fernando Molina, joined Golf House Kentucky after his Fellowship, then returned to St. Louis to lead Section programming. He now works in youth soccer, combining his love for sport and community.

Natalie Long, our second Fellow, became the Section’s Junior Golf Coordinator and later moved into Assistant Golf Professional roles at Old Warson and Park North Golf Clubs. She is actively working toward PGA Membership.

Cameron Dinkins, the third Fellow, started with the Northern Florida PGA Section before joining the national PGA REACH team. Today, she leads the PGA WORKS program nationwide and manages key activations at major PGA events.

In 2021, Mackenzie Myers brought her collegiate softball background to the Fellowship. Afterward, she was hired as the Section’s Junior Golf & Player Development Manager and is pursuing PGA Membership.

Our fifth Fellow, Karena Ballard, used her event planning strengths to transition into baseball. She now works as the Fan and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league affiliate.

Tyler Bealke, the sixth Fellow, joined in 2023 with prior experience as a USGA Boatwright Intern and greenskeeper. After a successful Fellowship, he was hired as the Foundation Programs Coordinator, overseeing PGA HOPE, PGA ABLE, and PGA WORKS. He is also working toward his PGA Membership.

Camryn Eddy, our seventh Fellow, began pursuing PGA Membership immediately and now serves as an Assistant Golf Professional at Persimmon Woods Golf Club.

To keep this growing network connected, the Section launched the PGA WORKS Fellow Alumni Association, providing a space for alumni to support one another and build lasting relationships.

These success stories speak to the Gateway PGA’s continued investment in opportunity, professional growth, and a more inclusive future for the game.

Growth of Programs

PGA HOPE has deep roots in the Gateway Section, beginning in 2011—before it was a formal program—when the newly formed PGA REACH Foundation launched free instruction for Veterans in response to rising awareness of Veteran suicide. What began as a single initiative has grown into 25+ organized programs serving over 350 Veterans in 2025. This expansion is driven by dedicated PGA Professionals and increasing demand from Veterans who find healing, community, and purpose through the game. The number of PGA HOPE sessions has doubled in the past two years alone, reflecting the program’s powerful and growing impact.

Women’s Only

Jon DePriest, PGA, took PGA HOPE programming a step further when he heard female Veterans were not signing up for clinics. After listening to the ladies’ concerns and fears, he hosted a women-only clinic in 2022.

As of June 2025, we have completed five Women’s Only HOPE Clinics at Sunset Hills Country Club, graduating over 30 female Veterans. With the clinics’ success so far, DePreist and the Section have expanded, creating a Women’s Only program at Cardinal Creek Golf Club on Scott Air Force Base. 

PGA HOPE Cup

The PGA HOPE Cup keeps Veterans connected to golf post-graduation through a 9-hole scramble, opening ceremony, and celebratory meal. Veterans describe it as a yearly highlight where they feel honored and welcomed. In 2024, the event doubled in size, with growing sponsor support for the year ahead.

100 Holes for Heroes and the Five Star Challenge

Jon DePriest, Director of Golf at Sunset Hills Country Club, was honored with the 2024 Patriot Award at the PGA Show this past January in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to Veterans through golf. Over the years, Jon has raised more than $750,000 in support of PGA HOPE and other Veterans’ initiatives, making a lasting difference in the lives of those who’ve served.

Two standout fundraisers showcase his leadership and passion. The annual 100 Holes for Heroes Marathon brings together PGA Professionals, Veterans, and Sunset Hills members for a full day of golf, beginning before sunrise. Ten teams each aim to complete 100 holes and raise $5,000, with all proceeds benefiting PGA HOPE Gateway.

Jon also hosts the 5 Star Challenge, a charity scramble pairing community teams with PGA HOPE Graduates for a day of camaraderie and support. One unforgettable highlight: MLB Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith teed it up last year with PGA HOPE Ambassador Bobby Hutchinson — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that speaks to the heart of the event.

PGA HOPE Volunteers

PGA HOPE graduate Bob Rosner and his wife, Nancy Bakay, led 24 fellow Veterans in staffing the 13th Hole at the Ascension Charity Classic in St. Louis. When additional help was needed, they also supported the 14th and 18th holes—earning recognition and gratitude from players and fans. Among the volunteers was Veteran Eddie Delaney and his service dog, Paladin, whose story was featured on the Golf Channel. Outside of the Ascension Charity Classic, PGA HOPE Graduates continue to serve others at various Gateway PGA Professional and Junior Golf events throughout the year. 

PGA HOPE Club Drive 

Equipment costs are a major barrier to entry in golf. To support PGA HOPE Veterans lacking their own clubs, The Heidman Group and Delmar Mortgage launched the “Pars and Stripes Golf Club Drive,” collecting 50 full sets for Veterans across Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. Additionally, two PGA HOPE Graduates have taken it upon themselves to collect clubs and distribute them to new participants.

PGA HOPE Post Program Opportunities

Beginning in 2025, PGA HOPE Gateway will introduce expanded post-graduate opportunities beyond the traditional PGA HOPE Cup. In collaboration with SSM Health Physical Therapy, PGA HOPE Boot Camp has been established to serve graduates who are committed to enhancing their golf performance, increasing physical strength and flexibility, and sustaining the camaraderie fostered through PGA HOPE programming. The five-week program will feature a TPI assessment, K-Vest screening, personalized instruction from a certified PGA Professional, and a dedicated play day.

Additionally, through the initiative of dedicated graduates, three PGA Professionals will accompany a group of nine PGA HOPE alumni to American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan, for two profoundly meaningful and patriotic rounds of golf. In recognition of their service, all golf-related expenses for the Veterans will be fully covered. Notably, two of the accompanying PGA Professionals are Veterans themselves.

Both of these post-program initiatives are intended to become enduring annual traditions within the PGA HOPE Gateway community.

Mike Suhre

Michael Suhre, PGA, the 2025 National Youth Player Development Award winner, has been a driving force behind youth golf in the Gateway Section. During his term as Section President (2019–20), he helped revitalize junior programming and expand access across the region.

A second-generation PGA Professional and third-generation facility owner, Suhre brings a deep-rooted passion and perspective to the game. His family-owned facility, Oak Brook Golf Club, reflects that commitment, offering free golf to juniors year-round and supporting multiple high school teams.

An early adopter of PGA Jr. League, Suhre’s program at Oak Brook has ranked among the top five largest in the country for the past five years. He also serves as lead Captain for the UGolf and DGMF PGA Jr. League programs—two initiatives now recognized nationally as designated Opportunity Leagues, one of only 13 in the country.

With Suhre’s leadership and advocacy, these programs will now have greater access to essential resources like equipment, transportation, and facilities, ensuring that more kids can experience the game, regardless of background.

Junior Tour

Gateway PGA Junior Golf is a leader in providing meaningful opportunities for youth to engage with the game of golf. From beginners picking up a club for the first time to advanced players preparing for collegiate competition, our programs support every stage of a young golfer’s journey. Offerings include the Junior Development Tour, nine-hole events, 18-hole tournaments, and two-day competitions.

Since 2020, our junior membership has grown from 569 to 820—a 44% increase—reflecting both rising interest and quality of programming. To meet this demand, we’ve expanded our full-time staff from one to two and doubled the number of tournament operations interns. Over the past three years, several of our interns have pursued careers in golf, including one who joined the PGA Associate Program and two who now work at top-tier Section facilities or junior golf organizations.

With this added support, we hosted 95 tournaments in the past season—a 75%  increase from 2020—ensuring that every young golfer has the opportunity to play, improve, and thrive.

Junior Development Tour

Unique among PGA Sections, the Gateway PGA Junior Development Tour (JDT) offers a welcoming and accessible introduction to the game for beginning golfers. Rooted in the American Development Model (ADM), JDT is designed to help young athletes reach their full potential by promoting principles that foster long-term growth, enjoyment, and a lifelong connection to the sport.

This non-competitive, tiered system encourages players to progress through three levels by achieving target scores. As juniors advance, the course distances increase, creating a natural pathway for development. Golfers begin at Level 1 – Fairway Finders, then move to Level 2 – Birdie Ballers, and ultimately to Level 3 – Links Legends before graduating from the program.

JDT events are nine-hole, on-course experiences that focus on skill development, golf etiquette, and rules education. Each event features a “Rule of the Day” to help participants build a strong foundation in the game’s regulations. In 2024, 54% of participants advanced a level, and 80% improved their scores from the start of the season, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in growing confident, capable young golfers.

Junior Tour 2-Day Tournaments & Donations

Since 2022, every 2-Day Junior Tour tournament has been sponsored by a PGA Member who picks a charity to which a portion of the entry fees will be donated. Including 2025 estimated  2-Day charitable give-back donations, Gateway PGA Professionals have raised over $13,100 for local charities. 

Scholarships

To make our Junior Golf programs more accessible, we launched the Junior Tour Scholarship Program with generous support from the Buddy Fund, an organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth in St. Louis through sports equipment and financial assistance. In 2025, 24 junior golfers received scholarships totaling $12,495, supporting participation in 225 tournament events across the season.

Each year, the Foundation also awards a select number of college scholarships through the Clarence Voigt Memorial Scholarship Fund. Clarence Voigt, a 58-year PGA Member and World War II Navy veteran, rose through the ranks at St. Clair Country Club and became known for his loyalty, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication to the game. This scholarship honors students who embody those same values. Over the past decade, we have awarded $46,000 in scholarships to 27 graduating seniors, continuing Voigt’s legacy of excellence and integrity.

PGA Jr League

Despite being one of the smaller PGA Sections by membership size, the Gateway PGA ranks among the nation’s leaders in PGA Jr. League participation. Since 2018, more than 1,500 junior golfers have joined annually, peaking at 2,324 players. During that same span, we’ve awarded over 1,200 scholarships, including more than 260 in 2024 alone, ensuring broad access to the program.

Our success extends to coach engagement as well. Since launching with just four coaches in 2013, we’ve grown to 89 active PGA Jr. League programs in 2024, representing nearly one-third of our Section’s total membership. Thirteen of these coaches have earned national recognition as PGA #GameChangers for their outstanding contributions.

From 2019 to 2021, the Gateway PGA led the country in facility penetration rate—the percentage of PGA Jr. League Captains relative to total Section membership—solidifying our reputation as a leader in youth golf engagement and program delivery.

Gateway Golf Summit

The Gateway Golf Summit stands out as one of our most impactful and collaborative initiatives, unique within PGA Sections.

Positioned as an industry-wide summit, this annual event brings together leaders from across the golf world to foster education, spark meaningful dialogue, and align efforts around the most pressing issues affecting both the game and the golf business. Designed with actionable takeaways in mind, the Summit equips attendees with insights they can immediately apply in their professional roles.

Each year, the Gateway PGA leads a focused conversation on growing the game, engaging top local and national stakeholders. Participating organizations have included the USGA, LPGA, CMAA, GCSAA, First Tee, the St. Louis District Golf Association, and others, underscoring the Summit’s reach and relevance across the industry.

Since 2021, the Section Board of Directors has started long-term strategic planning following the bi-annual elections. At the 2023 planning session, the Board put an emphasis on recruiting and retention. In the two years that followed, the Section saw a 25 percent increase in Membership, which includes the largest class of Assistants and Associates in Section history. 

Retention

To strengthen engagement and retention, the Gateway PGA launched its first New Member Orientation on May 12, 2023. Held at the Section office, the half-day session welcomed new members, associates, affiliates, and others beginning their careers in golf. The orientation provided an overview of Section and Foundation support, as well as personal insights from Career Consultant Jacque Madison, PGA; Executive Director Ali Wells, PGA; Section President; and other Section staff. Since its launch, the Section has hosted four orientation sessions, continuing into 2025.

Also launched in 2023, the Assistants Association is designed to support and retain assistants, associates, and affiliates by building leadership skills and fostering professional connections. Guided by Section oversight, the association’s executive board mirrors the structure of the Section Board, offering mentorship opportunities and exposure to governance. This year, the Assistants Association introduced monthly social golf rounds to help participants build stronger peer networks and community within the industry.

Recruiting

The growing demand for our Junior Tour has allowed us to expose more college students to all the roles the golf industry offers. Many students in the internship program need more experience with golf. Since the program started, multiple interns have returned for a second summer or gone on to work within the industry.

As mentioned above, we have had multiple Junior Golf interns continue careers in the golf industry. Claire Rendleman is currently working towards PGA Membership as an Assistant Golf Professional at St. Clair Country Club. Trent Matheny worked for the PGA of America leading up to the 2025 PGA Championship. Sam Emrick is working at a prestigious facility within the Section, while Sydney Tucker is completing a summer internship with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).