The genesis of GolfYourWayNGA lies in the heart of Central New York, where lifelong golf enthusiast Wayne Pater conceived the idea of honoring local golf heroes. This vision materialized in 2021 with the establishment of the Whitestown NY Golf Hall of Fame, which has since hosted three annual tournaments, induction ceremonies, and scholarship programs for local high school students.

Relocating to the South Bend/Mishawaka area in 2023, Pater returned to his academic pursuits, earning a Master’s degree in Service Management and subsequently taking on a role as After School Security Officer at Mishawaka High School. His passion for sports and community engagement ignited a desire to create platforms for sports enthusiasts.

In the fall of 2023, Pater collaborated with the University of Notre Dame’s Law Clinic to formalize his vision into the National Golf Association (NGA), a non-profit organization dedicated to golf education, scholarship tournaments, and creating a deep appreciation for the game.

To extend the reach and impact of his initiatives, Pater developed the GolfYourWayNGA website. This platform offers golf enthusiasts opportunities to participate in events, purchase golf-themed merchandise, and engage in educational seminars and workshops.

Pater acknowledges the invaluable contributions of key individuals in shaping his endeavors. Joseph Allegretti of the Notre Dame University Law Clinic provided legal counsel for the NGA’s formation, while PGA Club Professional Trey Walewski offered expertise in non-profit golf organization development. Jim Derella and Carol Cuda, members of the NGA Board of Directors, have been instrumental in achieving the organization’s goals.

The future of GolfYourWayNGA and its affiliated organizations hinges on the active participation of members, tournament players, and scholarship recipients. Pater and his team are committed to maximizing the potential of these platforms to benefit the golf community.