Keiser University College of Golf (KUCOG) leaders and instructors recently enjoyed reconnecting with several students and alumni including Travis Glass, one of their first graduates, at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Now a Teaching Professional and Director of US Kids Golf Niagara, a tour providing boys and girls the opportunity to advance their skills, Glass was presented the PGA Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year Award. A PGA of Canada Class A Member and a U.S. Kids Certified Instructor, Glass is the head of the Golf Academy at his family-run Eagle Valley Golf Course.

KUCOG instructor Brian Hughes sat down with Glass, a 2012 alumnus, at the event to learn more about his life after graduation. After sharing that all-time milestones include his marriage to Alana and the birth of their son Samuel, Glass, now the leader of one of the largest international children’s golf tours, said he remains focused on instilling in players a love for the game as opposed to a sole focus on scores. Now a PGA Class A Member, he credits the years he spent at the Okeeheelee Golf Course’s Junior Academy along with PGA Hall of Famer Donna White, for providing a strong coaching foundation that helped pave the way for his return home to begin teaching at the Eagle Valley Golf Academy.

The U.S. Kids Golf Niagara Local Tour is a six-event series, operating in the spring and fall to provide boys and girls, ages 5-14, the opportunity to advance their skills in the game of golf.  U.S. Kids Golf offers friendly competition and a family experience for every young golfer.  The competitive golfer can achieve status to qualify for an invitation to the Canadian Invitational and further to the World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

​The Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year Award recognizes the PGA of Canada professional who is a leader in junior golf and who reflects the ideals of those who work with youth. Jack McLaughlin began his career in 1953. He served as President of both the Ontario and British Columbia PGA boards, and as the Director of the PGA of Canada. Dedicated to junior golf and teaching, he taught many of Canada’s top players including Lorie Kane, Ray Stewart, and Brent Franklin. McLaughlin is also remembered for his commitment to the game, developing junior programs, and serving as the National Junior Committee Chair for the PGA of Canada.

Led by Keiser University College of Golf President and Flagship Campus Vice President John McMurry, Community Resource Coordinator Liz Snyder, Executive Director of Golf Operations Dr. Eric Wilson, Golf Program Director Brian Hughes, KUGCC Director Donna White, and KUGCC Associate Director Peter Crocitto III, the Keiser University section at the PGA Merchandise Show event welcomed many graduates, colleagues, and visitors.

Known as the golf industry’s annual ‘MAJOR of Golf in Business’ event with more than one million square feet of interactive exhibit, demonstration, and meeting spaces, the PGA Merchandise Show welcomed more than 7,500 PGA professionals and 40,000 golf industry professionals from all 50 states and 84 countries. Attendees were able to explore the newest products, trends, and technology from more than 1,000 exhibiting golf companies and brands, including over 200 companies new to the event.

Now a Teaching Professional and Director of US Kids Golf Niagara, KUCOG alumnus Travis Glass was presented the PGA Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year Award.