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2026 #GameChanger Award Criteria

How PGA Jr. League Coaches qualify for the #GameChanger Awards

Camp Murphy avatar
Written by Camp Murphy
Updated over 2 weeks ago

What are the #GameChanger Awards?

The #GameChanger Awards recognize PGA Jr. League Coaches who go above and beyond to grow the game and create impactful youth golf experiences.

  • First introduced in 2019

  • Honors:

    • The 25 largest PGA Jr. League programs nationwide

    • The largest program in each of the 41 PGA of America Sections

  • 2022 addition:

    • Player Engagement #GameChanger Award was added to recognize Coaches who embrace an array of programming


2026 Player Engagement #GameChanger Award Criteria

To earn a 2026 Player Engagement #GameChanger Award, a Coach must meet all of the criteria below.

Required Criteria

You must:

  1. Lead 40 or more registered and active PGA Jr. League players

    • Players must be registered and active in your PGA Jr. League programs

  2. Host programs in at least two age divisions

    • Eligible divisions:

      • 9u

      • 13u

      • 17u

  3. Complete required Coach education

    • American Development Model (ADM) Certification, and

    • At least one (1) additional PGA Coach training course

    • Must use the Family Golf Group Event Template in PGA Coach


Important Notes

Important Deadline:
To be eligible for the #GameChanger Award, all required criteria must be met by Friday, December 11, 2026.

  • Awards are based on verified program data in PGA systems

  • All coaches who meet the full criteria will be recognized with a #GameChanger award.


#GameChanger Award Flyer



Still have questions?

If you’re unsure whether your programs meet the criteria or need help completing a requirement, PGA Jr. League Support can help guide you.

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