Valerie Vaughn

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
GRAA Growth of the Game Teaching Professional

Other awards won (if provided):
2023 Tennessee PGA Patriot Award; Tennessee Section 2022 PGA Professional Development Award, Tennessee, Tennessee Section PGA 2018 and 2020 Richard Eller Growth of the Game Award, 2018 and 2020 Middle Tennessee Chapter Richard Eller Growth of the Game Award, PGA Tennessee Section Middle Tennessee Chapter 2017 Youth Player Development Award, GRAA Top 50 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional 2019, GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, AL-NW FL Section Presidents Plaque 2009 and 2010, PGA President’s Council 2007, 2008, 2009, Shining Apple Volunteer Staff Award Walnut Grove Elementary in school golf program 2020

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: 30
Female: 150
Junior: 200

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
Over 600

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
1. The Tennessee Golf Foundation has taken Golf House Tennessee Learning Center to the very top level by adding 2 golf simulators with upgraded Trackman which has increased opportunities for PGA Teaching Professionals and The Little Course operations during winter months, inclement weather, private lessons, VIP groups and more and the Tennessee Golf Foundation is currently adding a Titleist Club Fitting Center
2. Helped launch Tennessee Golf Foundation 2024 Girls Golf Club pilot program with Lissa Bradford, PGA/Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame, Maribeth Peevy and Elinor Clough both SNEDS Tour Managers of Tournament Operations – 30 girls are in this low key and fun pilot program offered to ages 7-14/ $125 pp annual membership – girls meet once monthly for an organized 1.5 hrs on a scheduled Saturday sharpening golf skills and gaining more confidence, meeting impactful guest speakers, playing golf on The Little Course with Belmont University Women’s team members and other junior girls in the pilot program making new friends, played a 9 hole alternate shot Putting Tournament with PGA HOPE Graduates, and continue having fun and enjoying the camaraderie and fun at themed events ending each session with snacks! The Nashville Women’s Golf Association supports these girls with NWGA volunteers and sponsorship dollars.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
1. Run a Year Round Operation36 private junior and adult 5 week programs focusing on distance putting, 12 yard chip, 25-50-100 yard shots, ending with a FUN team competition, awards & snacks – program fees include PGA instruction, range balls and greens fees, arrival gift, contest prizes, awards
2 Run Spring PGA HOPE 6-week Program with 30 participants and Fall PGA HOPE 6-week Program with 30 participants
3. Spring and Fall PGA HOPE Alumni League at The Little Course – 72 Graduates play a 9 hole Scramble on The Little Course / Promoted over 25 additional PGA HOPE Alumni Leagues and Tournaments in Tennessee helping other PGA HOPE Leads and Alumni grow the game
4. As PGA HOPE Nashville Lead Instructor – took a team to play in the PGA HOPE TENNESSEE Championship at Council Fire in Chattanooga TN
5. Ran FREE clinics, leagues and a 9-hole 3-club scramble including arrival gift, snacks and awards for PGA HOPE Graduates
6. Gave Over 60 FREE lessons to customers and the community helping grow the game
7. Run a Year Round Ladies program adding in Walking Clinics on The Little Course – par 3 9-hole course87. Staff promoted and sold nearly 300 Season Passes for families, juniors, seniors- pass includes unlimited greens fees, discounts on range balls and merchandise in the golf shop
8. Previous Tournament Director and League Director and continue to promote and coach juniors to play in 7 Developmental Tournaments at Golf House Tennessee Learning Center for ages 4-17 and Spring and Fall after school leagues for ages 8-17
9. Previous PGA Junior League Captain / continue to promote this national program in programming at Golf House Tennessee Learning Center
10. Run Family On Course Walking Clinics to educate the entire family on Safety, Etiquette, Pace of Play, Rules and more – loaner clubs provided