Juan Raigoza (Sawgrass Country Club) – A Lifelong Passion for Golf, Rebuilt Through Dedication
I am a PGA Class A Professional and Assistant Golf Professional at Sawgrass Country Club. I am honored to be a recipient of a Jacksonville Area Golf Association (JAGA) scholarship and grateful for the support it provided during my journey to PGA Membership.
Golf has been a part of my life since I was five years old. Growing up in Colombia, I developed a passion for the game that would ultimately shape my career. Although I stepped away from golf for several years to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and began a career in that field, I eventually realized that my true passion remained in the golf industry.
To pursue that passion, I moved to the United States and attended the Golf Academy of America in Orlando, where I earned an Associate Degree in Golf Complex Operations and Management. After graduation, I returned to Colombia and served as Director of Golf at the former TPC Cartagena for five years, gaining valuable experience in golf operations, leadership, and club management.
Seeking further professional growth, I returned to the United States and joined Sawgrass Country Club in Outside Operations. After two years of hard work, I was promoted to Assistant Golf Professional and enrolled in the PGA Professional Golf Management Program. Balancing the PGA program, my responsibilities at the club, and a second job to help cover expenses was challenging, but the effort was worthwhile. After two years of dedication, I achieved one of my proudest accomplishments by earning my PGA Class A Membership. JAGA’s scholarship support played an important role in that achievement by helping cover the costs of the Level 2 and Level 3 seminars.
Today, I remain focused on continuing to grow within the golf industry. My long-term goal is to become a Head Golf Professional and eventually a Director of Golf, helping create exceptional golf experiences while mentoring future professionals. I am deeply grateful to JAGA for its investment in aspiring golf professionals and for helping make my journey possible.
September 2026
Since its inception in 1974, the JAGA Charitable Trust has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships to more than 475 students. To DONATE, click HERE.
The 2026 class of 18 scholars is the second largest in the 52-year history of the JAGA Scholarship Trust. This year’s student class represents 12 local high schools, has a 4.2 GPA, and will be attending 13 different institutions. The students had significant community service involvement and held leadership positions with a variety of organizations.