LEMONT, Illinois (Sept. 13, 2022) – John Perna, founder and operator of The Players Service in Downers Grove, has been named Illinois Junior Golf Association’s (IJGA) Person of the Year, officials announced today.

Under Perna’s direction, The Players Service (TPS), which works primarily with high school golfers to improve their prospects of playing college golf, has assisted with placing upwards of 120 young male and female golfers into Division I golf programs over the last 12 years and many more into Division II and III programs. In the last three years, TPS players have gone to major programs, including Oklahoma State, Clemson, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Illinois, and Michigan.

“The Illinois Junior Golf Association is pleased to announce John Perna as our 2022 Person of the Year,” said IJGA Board President Ed Stevenson. “Over the last decade John has made a major impact on the lives of hundreds of young golfers through The Players Service program. John is passionate about what he does, and we are excited to recognize him as this year’s Person of the Year.”

Perna, 40, of Naperville, was a highly ranked college golfer at Florida Gulf Coast before turning pro. He played for several years on the mini tour circuit during which he learned many of the skills and lessons he would later use to develop his unique youth development program.

“Nothing makes me feel better than helping one of our students get into a D-I college,” Perna said. “I’m trying to get as many kids from the state of Illinois to experience what I experienced as a college golfer.”

The IJGA will present the award to Perna at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, in the clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. The program will include heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased HERE .

Founded in 1967, the Illinois Junior Golf Association annually conducts more than 140 tournaments from April through October for boys and girls ages 8 to 18 at golf courses in Northern and Central Illinois. The organization also conducts educational clinics and events while serving as an informational clearinghouse for junior golfers and their parents.

FOR MORE INFORMATION (or photos) CONTACT:
Barry Cronin
Cronin Communications, Inc.
847-867-3032