PGA Golf Professional John Reger has accepted the position of executive director of First Tee of Greater Ocala.
Reger is a 37-year member of the PGA of America and in recent years has developed and conducted three highly successful junior golf programs in Ocala, Gainesville and The Villages. Those included the PGA of America Junior League Golf, Drive, Chip and Putt Camps and Competitions in association with The Masters Tournament and the newly founded Gator Junior Golf Association.
“I am both excited and honored to have the privilege to serve as the executive director for the First Tee of Greater Ocala,” Reger said. “For nearly four decades as a PGA Golf professional, I have dedicated a great deal of time and energy to the promotion of junior golf. I look forward to growing participation in our local chapter and providing as many opportunities as possible for our youth to learn and enjoy the game of a lifetime.”
The Mission of the First Tee of Greater Ocala is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing core values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in every state and select international locations that include more than 1,200 golf facilities, 3,900 active coaches and 24,000 volunteers.
The First Tee of Greater Ocala was established in 2012 and is overseen by a board of directors locally led by President Ire Bethea. Headquarters are at the Ocala Golf Club, a City of Ocala-owned golf facility managed by Billy Casper Golf, located at 3130 E Silver Springs Boulevard.
In addition to the Ocala Golf Club, programming takes place across Marion County at Pine Oaks, Candler Hills, Lake Diamond, Golden Hills and Silver Springs Shores. Visit thefirstteegreaterocala.org for more information.