American Junior Golf Association Announces New Chairman of the Board

The American Junior Golf Association has named Jim Nugent as the new chairman of the board and Angela Rho as president after Jordan “Digger” Smith stepped down as chairman after 44 years of leadership and service.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together as an organization,” Smith said. “The AJGA’s mission of helping young golfers achieve their dreams has always been close to my heart and it has been a privilege to contribute to that vision.”

Nugent is a longtime supporter of the AJGA and has served in various media roles prior to becoming the founder and publisher of Global Golf Post, a leading digital golf publication. He has served on the AJGA Board of Directors for 29 years.

“I am honored to take on the role of chairman and continue the incredible legacy that Digger has built,” Nugent said. “Digger has been an inspiration to countless board members over four decades. The leadership he provided to the board motivated us to do everything we could to provide the staff the support it so richly deserved.”

Under Smith’s leadership, the AJGA has developed young talent and providing pathways for aspiring golfers. His accomplishments include legitimizing the AJGA by establishing a national headquarters.

“Whether it was a downturn in the economy, building two National Headquarters, or surviving a global pandemic, Digger’s leadership always put us on the right path,” said Stephen Hamblin, AJGA Executive director. “With a true servant’s heart, Digger always stayed committed to the AJGA’s mission and purpose of helping young men and women earn college golf scholarships.”