Category: News

Two Golf For All Board Members Honored by New England PGA with Prestigious 2026 Awards

Golf For All NEPGA Award Winners

Golf For All NEPGA Award WinnersGolf For All is proud to announce that two of its board members have been recognized with major honors by the New England PGA for 2026, celebrating their exceptional contributions to the game of golf and to the golf community throughout the region.

Golf For All Co-Founder and Executive Director Fred Corcoran has been named the recipient of the 2026 George S. Wemyss Award, one of the New England PGA’s most distinguished honors. Presented annually, the award recognizes an individual who has consistently been a friend to the New England PGA and its members while making a significant contribution to the game of golf.

Recipients of the George S. Wemyss Award exemplify the highest standards of character and service. The honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate strong moral character and who have performed distinctive service that helps the New England PGA meet its goals and enhance the image of the game.

Corcoran has long been a champion of expanding access to golf and growing the game for future generations. Through his leadership at Golf For All, he has worked to create opportunities for people with autism, disabled veterans and young people facing challenges to experience the sport and the life skills it teaches.

“We are incredibly proud to see Fred recognized with this prestigious honor,” said Joanne Flynn, President of the New England PGA. “His lifelong dedication to the game and his commitment to expanding opportunities for people facing hardships truly embody the spirit of the George S. Wemyss Award.”

The New England PGA also honored Naomi Nesenoff, PGA, a Golf For All Board Member and accomplished instructor, as the 2026 recipient of the Player Development Award.

The Player Development Award recognizes PGA professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to growing the game through player development initiatives, programming, and community engagement. Nesenoff has been widely recognized for her leadership in developing programs that expand access to the sport and inspire new players to get involved in golf. In addition, Nesenoff was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Massachusetts Chapter of the New England PGA, recognizing her excellence in instruction and her impact on golfers across the region.

“Naomi’s commitment to developing programs that grow the game is truly remarkable,” said Joanne Flynn, President of the New England PGA. “She has been instrumental in creating opportunities that welcome a more diverse group of players into golf while supporting golfers of all skill levels as they develop a lifelong connection to the game.”

The dual recognition of Corcoran and Nesenoff highlights the leadership and influence of Golf For All within the golf community and underscores the organization’s mission to grow the game through access, education, and opportunity.

Golf For All Receives Autism Community Impact Grant from Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism for $7,500

Golf For All is pleased to announce it is a recipient of the Autism Community Impact Grant of $7,500 from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The Autism Community Impact Grant is awarded through an application process and historically supports traditionally under-served, under-funded, culturally diverse communities reflected in the Flutie Foundation’s areas of impact.

“Golf For All is deeply committed to serving people with autism,” said Fred Corcoran, Executive Director of Golf For All.”This grant will go directly toward supporting and expanding our free golf clinics for people with autism that we hold six months of the year for nearly 100 golfers in Greater Boston. We are tremendously grateful to the Flutie Foundation for this generous contribution.”

“The Flutie Foundation Autism Community Impact Grant helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” said Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like these help people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”

Former NFL Quarterback, Doug Flutie, and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie, Jr. Flutie Foundation for Autism in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Their experience of raising a son with autism inspired them to help others on the challenging journey. Over its history, the Flutie Foundation has distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations who provide clinical therapies, recreational programs, social skills training, and more for people with autism. The Flutie Foundation also provides education technology tools, adaptive camp scholarships, safety equipment, and direct family support through its partnerships and special initiatives.

Golf For All’s Jerry Donovan Honored by the New England Patriots

Jerry Donovan of Golf For All

Jerry Donovan of Golf For All
The New England Patriots have honored Golf For All Co-Founder Jerry Donovan for his years of selfless volunteerism as a “Patriots Difference Maker of the Week.” Because of Jerry’s well-deserved recognition, Golf For All will receive a grant from the Patriots of $10,000.

The Patriots’ Celebrate Volunteerism initiative aims to share examples of dedicated volunteers, build awareness of the need for volunteering, identify and educate others about volunteer opportunities and inspire New Englanders to follow the Kraft family’s example of becoming lifelong volunteers. The Patriots shared this on their website:

Jerry has dedicated the last two decades of his life to service, using his own spinal cord injury to inspire and support others. After an accident in 1999 left him paralyzed, he began peer mentoring visiting newly injured patients. His role is simple but powerful – showing up with a smile in his wheelchair, offering honesty about the difficulties ahead but encouraging others with perseverance, love and support, they can rebuild meaningful lives.

Jerry co-founded the organization in 2011 and is dedicated to making the game of golf accessible for individuals of all disabilities and backgrounds to foster inclusive, individual growth and community engagement. Since then, he organizes free clinics, mentors participants and fosters a welcoming community where individuals with disabilities can experience joy and connection.

More than just recreation, Jerry has created belonging; children, adults with autism, and people with mobility challenges have found friendship, empowerment and encouragement. He also worked with local recreation centers to secure adaptive “Paragolfers”, devices that allow wheelchair users to stand and swing at local golf courses.

Jerry has used his story to uplift others and shows patients what resilience looks like. For many patients, meeting Jerry is the first time they believe in their own potential.

If you would like to support the work that we do with the help of volunteers like Jerry Donovan, please consider making a tax deductible donation to to Golf For All. As a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, our EIN is 27-4514262.




A Promise Kept: Jerry Donovan’s Mission to Help Others Thrive

Jerry Donovan from Golf For All

Jerry Donovan from Golf For All

(Originally published August 21, 2025 on the National Seating and Mobility website).

Twenty-five years ago, NSM client Jerry Donovan made a promise—and he’s spent every day since keeping it.

Back then, Donovan worked for Boston Gas, fixing gas leaks throughout the city. In 1999, while driving his truck, his blood sugar suddenly dropped, causing a serious accident. The crash left Donovan—a Type 1 diabetic—with a T-6 spinal cord injury.

“In the ER, a priest came in, and I was an altar boy, so I knew why he was there,” Donovan recalls. “He was coming to give me my last rites. I made a promise to God: If you keep me alive, I promise I’ll do some good stuff.”

It’s a promise he’s been living out for the past quarter century, as Donovan says, “for people in my position, for people going through traumatic life changes, for people who recover and for the ones who don’t.”

“People need people,” he said. “We pick each other back up when all the cards are down.”

(To read the rest of the article on the National Seating and Mobility website, click here.)

Golf For All’s Bob Beach Celebrates 50 Years of Volunteerism with the Jimmy Fund

Golf For All is proud to honor its Co-Founder and Chairman, Bob Beach, for an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of selfless volunteer work with the Jimmy Fund, the fundraising arm of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and a cornerstone in the fight against cancer in children and adults.

Bob Beach’s journey with the Jimmy Fund began in the early 1960s, when a childhood trip to Fenway Park left him inspired by the iconic sign above right field: “Remember the Jimmy Fund.” That simple message sparked a lifelong commitment. By 1975, upon graduating from Norwich University as a Francis Ouimet Scholar, Bob began channeling his passion for golf into a greater cause — using youth golf instruction as a vehicle for charitable giving.

Bob Beach of Golf For All
Bob supporting the Jimmy Fund while working off-season as a Boston taxi driver in the seventies.
His early goals were modest, raising $1,000 over three years, but Bob’s impact multiplied over the decades. Through thousands of youth golf lessons at public courses, including Braintree Municipal Golf Course, where he served as Head Pro from 1991 until his retirement in 2018, Bob quietly raised over $100,000 for the Jimmy Fund. His commitment extended far beyond writing checks: he personally delivered donations to the Jimmy Fund offices in Brookline Village and formed close relationships with staff and patients alike.

Making a Difference, One Golfer At a Time

In addition to financial contributions, Bob, a PGA Professional, gave his time and talents directly to Jimmy Fund patients and their families. For over 15 years, he offered free golf lessons at the Jimmy Fund’s annual Field Day at the Noble and Greenough School. He also worked one-on-one with young patients such as Gavin McCarthy, who faced life-threatening illness with courage and a love of golf that Bob helped nurture.

“Bob made me feel like golf was something I could play despite my vision impairment,” said Gavin. “He made the lessons fun and always had an upbeat attitude. I played a lot of sports before I got sick but was unable to be involved after my vision was affected. I really looked forward to the lessons and meeting a lot of new people who were accepting of me.”

Lisa Scherber, Director, Patient & Family Programs for the Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, said that for Bob, the goal for participants was never about getting a hole in one, but to provide a skill that the children could focus on when times were difficult for them.

“When I met Bob Beach many years ago, I knew instantly that he wanted to make an impact on the lives of our Jimmy Fund Clinic families,” said Lisa. “His passion for the sport he loves is contagious. Some of the kids he taught to golf at age five are now loving the game years later.”

Even after retirement, Bob remained as active as ever. Through Golf For All and partnerships with organizations like Camp Harbor View and Waltham Recreation, Bob continued teaching accessible and inclusive golf programs. His dedication has remained unwavering, with his latest donation of $1,050 proving that his spirit of giving has never waned.

“Children and cancer — those two words should never go together,” Bob reflected. “That’s why I wanted to help not just with money, but by being there with the kids, giving them joy through golf.”
Bob credits the support of his family — his wife Cathleen, a two-time breast cancer survivor, and their children John and Annie — as essential to his journey. “There were definitely times we could’ve used the money,” he said, “but we knew how important the Jimmy Fund’s mission was. Cancer doesn’t retire, so why should I?”

As Golf For All celebrates Bob Beach’s 50 years of partnership with the Jimmy Fund, we honor a man whose quiet acts of generosity have changed lives and inspired countless others.

To learn more about the Jimmy Fund and make a donation, go to danafarber.jimmyfund.org.

Golf For All’s Fred Corcoran Honored with 2024 Bob Beach Award

Golf For All with Special Olympian friend after receiving the 2024 Bob Beach Award.

Golf For All with Special Olympian friend after receiving the 2024 Bob Beach Award.
Golf For All’s Fred Corcoran with a Special Olympian friend at the event.
Golf For All is proud to announce that Co-Founder and Executive Director Fred Corcoran has been named the recipient of the 2024 Bob Beach Award. This prestigious honor, awarded annually by Special Olympics Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Golf Association (Mass Golf), and the New England PGA, recognizes exceptional service in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through the game of golf.

Fred was honored at Special Olympics Massachusetts’ Celebration of Inclusion on December 9th at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. The event brought together community members from across the state to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and recognize those who have been instrumental in advancing the mission of inclusion.

About the Bob Beach Award

The Bob Beach Award, named after its inaugural recipient and dedicated volunteer Bob Beach, celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in promoting inclusion through sports. Bob Beach, co-founder and chairman of Golf For All, has been a driving force in making golf accessible to individuals of all abilities. Since its inception, the award has honored inspiring advocates for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Recognizing Fred Corcoran

“Special Olympics Massachusetts was honored to highlight the contributions of Fred Corcoran with the 2024 Bob Beach Award. Fred’s connection to the cause of providing access to golf to underserved populations made him an easy pick. We thank Fred for all he has done to support our mission of inclusion through sports and congratulate him on this award,” said Matt Ruxton, Vice President of Sports at Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Fred has profoundly impacted the golf community, continuing a family legacy of serving the game and creating opportunities for players of all abilities. His work has been instrumental in fostering inclusive programs and ensuring golf remains a welcoming sport for all.

“Fred Corcoran has and continues to make an incredible impact on the local and regional golf community. He follows many of his family members in serving the game of golf and giving back to support golfers of all abilities. He is most deserving in receiving the 2024 Bob Beach Award on behalf of Special Olympics Massachusetts, Mass Golf, and the New England PGA. We applaud him for his tireless dedication and commitment,” said Jesse Menachem, Executive Director and CEO of Mass Golf.

Words of Appreciation

Fred expressed his gratitude, saying, “Special Olympics Massachusetts is working every day to improve the lives of people facing physical and developmental challenges. I am honored and humbled to be recognized by Special Olympics Massachusetts, Mass Golf, and the New England PGA for the work we do at Golf For All in growing the game. I am especially grateful to work with Golf For All’s Bob Beach, who has devoted decades of service in coaching and instructing people facing challenges from all walks of life.”

Reflecting on Fred’s contributions, Bob Beach shared, “I am very proud of Fred Corcoran. He is very deserving of this award. The Special Olympics is all about volunteering. I can’t remember a time that Fred said no when I asked him about helping the Special Olympics. After the awards ceremony on Monday, several of the Special Olympics athletes asked Fred if they could get a photo with him. I loved that.”

About Golf For All

Golf For All relies on contributions to support its programs and expand access to golf for individuals of all abilities. To support our mission, visit www.golfforall.org/ways-to-give.

For more information about the Bob Beach Award or Special Olympics Massachusetts, visit www.specialolympicsma.org.

PowerFades: Veterans Day pairs with golf, igniting memories of a late hero and champion

… In recent years, Veterans Day has been celebrated with free golf lessons and tournaments throughout the country to honor those men and women who paid great service to this country. At Leo J. Martin, it was a day to be among friends with big hearts so Lynne was there to support a group called “Golf For All,” a charitable group that is committed to making golf accessible for all.

Bob Beach and Fred Corcoran, a pair that beats four of a kind, offered a moment of silence for Jack Waldron of Dedham, Mass., whose colorful life featured duty with the 82d Airborne in 1956-58 and many years in local golf circles before he died two months ago at 86. There were tributes paid to Waldron, then buckets of golf balls were emptied as Tracy Hightower, Arthur Stratford, Resnick, and others emptied large buckets of balls.

“It’s the least we can do,” said Beach, who has never said no to a child with autism, a Special Olympian, anyone with Parkinson’s, a stroke victim, or anyone disabled. The game of golf is an incredible medicinal avenue and Beach for decades has been helping dispense it and he smiled warmly as he offered tips to the veterans who attended on this unseasonable warm Veterans Day.” …

Read the article on PowerFades by clicking here.

GOLF FOR ALL Awarded $5,000 Grant

Make Golf Your Thing

GOLF FOR ALL Selected to Receive Funds Through Industry’s ‘Make Golf Your Thing’ Grant Program

GOLF FOR ALL one of 81 Organizations Across U.S.Receiving Grant through ‘Make Golf Your Thing’ DEI Initiative

Make Golf Your Thing

Wellesley, Mass. June 28,2024 – Golf For All (Northeast Accessible Golf Association) has been selected to receive $5,000 through a dedicated grant program operated by the golf industry’s DEI campaign, Make Golf Your Thing. As one of 81 designated organizations across the U.S., Golf For All was chosen for its efforts to increase golf participation among underrepresented populations of the sport.

Golf For All is dedicated to transforming the lives of people facing emotional, physical, and developmental challenges or who are experiencing traumatic/stressful hardships, including veterans and their families, by providing free golf accessibility and instruction.

Initially introduced in 2021, the grant program – through its latest round of funding – has now issued 318 grants to 166 unique organizations overall, totaling $2.5 million to-date.

“We are very grateful for the support of this program,” said Fred Corcoran, co-founder and executive director, Golf For All. “We are committed to bringing hope and positive change to people facing emotional, physical, and developmental challenges through the game we all love. This financial support will help us help more golfers.”

The grant program was established to support organizations or programs dedicated to increasing golf participation among underrepresented populations in the sport (i.e., Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous communities, as well as women, LGBTQI+ individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities). The program is being financially supported by industry partners committed to helping make the game more welcoming and inclusive for all.

Since its inception in 2011, Golf For All has hosted over 1,200 clinics and 10,000 participants in Massachusetts and New England. Each clinic is run by a PGA club professional and volunteers who work one-on-one with each golfer on a foundation of respect, compassion, and a commitment to providing best-in-class instruction.

Formally launched in May 2021, Make Golf Your Thing is an industry-wide movement to accelerate golf’s evolution, strengthening its inclusion of people from all backgrounds. The movement is organized into three strategic focus areas for increasing diversity: Make Golf Your Game (participants), Make Golf Your Career (industry employees), and Make Golf Your Business (industry suppliers).

The grant program is being administered by the American Golf Industry Coalition, a partnership among golf’s leading organizations to promote and advocate for the collective interests of the sport. Funding for the program is led by a contingent of industry supporters committed to making the sport more welcoming and inclusive for all.

For more information on Make Golf Your Thing, visit https://makegolfyourthing.org.