Schaumburg Park District director named PGA of America golf executive of the year
As announced earlier this year, Schaumburg Park District Executive Director Tony LaFrenere was honored Tuesday in Frisco, Texas, as the 2025 PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year.
Presented at the PGA of America’s national awards dinner, the award recognized outstanding service in executive management, leadership and vision.
But LaFrenere said for him, it represented the lifelong connection he’s had to the Schaumburg community he now serves.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding and has truly come full circle,” he said in a statement. “I grew up in Schaumburg. It’s where I learned to love the game, where my wife Julie and I raised our children, and where I’ve had the privilege to serve the same community that shaped me. What’s most fulfilling is seeing our staff and facilities help residents of all ages connect — whether it’s a kid learning golf, a senior staying active or a family spending time together. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
A PGA of America member for 30 years, LaFrenere became the park district’s executive director in 2012 and serves more than 78,000 residents.
He led a complete renovation of all of Schaumburg Golf Club's 27 holes, making it one of the top 50 public courses in the nation. Annual rounds have grown from 50,000 to over 74,000 — a reflection of the course’s high-quality and welcoming reputation, officials said.
LaFrenere’s leadership also guided the creation of new pickleball courts, the Meineke Park Challenge Course and the Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground where more than 90,000 children a year play.
“It starts with people,” LaFrenere said. “Whether it’s maintaining award-winning facilities, greeting families by name or launching new programs that bring people together, we’ve built a culture where staff feel empowered to make a difference.”
LaFrenere previously received the Illinois PGA Executive of the Year award in 2022. Before leading the Schaumburg Park District, he held other leadership roles at the neighboring Hoffman Estates Park District.