Tony LaFrenere, PGA, Executive Director of Schaumburg Park District in Schaumburg, IL, is the 2025 PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year. The honor recognizes outstanding services in an executive management position, as well as leadership, vision, courage, moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.
A PGA of America Member since 1995, LaFrenere is a transformative leader whose commitment to innovation and community service has set a standard for excellence in the golf industry. Since assuming his role as Executive Director in 2012, he has overseen Schaumburg Park District’s $45 million diverse portfolio, serving the 78,000 residents of Schaumburg through groundbreaking initiatives and improvements in parks and recreation, including Schaumburg Golf Club.
LaFrenere’s connection to the community runs deep, having grown up in Schaumburg and benefited from the resources and programs of the Park District. His career began at Moon Lake Golf Course, where he worked as a cart attendant. This experience ignited his passion for golf and community service, ultimately propelling him to leadership roles in public golf operations and parks management.
Under LaFrenere’s leadership, the Schaumburg Golf Club underwent a complete renovation of all 27 holes, transforming the course into one of the 50 best public courses in the country. Annual rounds at the course have grown from 50,000 to over 74,000, and the facility continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the community. Beyond golf, LaFrenere has driven innovative projects, including the construction of Schaumburg’s first cricket pitch, the addition of new pickleball courts, the Meineke Park Challenge Course and the creation of beloved amenities like Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground.
A strong advocate for mentorship and professional development, LaFrenere credits his leadership style to lessons learned from early mentors and a lifelong passion for self-improvement. He is a dedicated fan of Stephen Covey and other leadership thinkers, whose teachings have helped him build a team-oriented, servant-leadership approach to managing Schaumburg Park District.
LaFrenere’s commitment to the PGA of America and his community includes serving on local business boards and initiatives such as the Schaumburg Business Association and the Northwest Special Recreation Association. He also actively promotes inclusion, wellness and sustainability across the Park District’s programs.
“It’s an unbelievable honor to be recognized by the PGA of America,” LaFrenere said. “This award is a testament to the incredible work of the Schaumburg Park District team and the community we serve. Growing up in Schaumburg, I gained so much from this community, and now I have the good fortune to help shape it for others through our programs, facilities and events. This recognition belongs to everyone who contributes to making Schaumburg a great place to live, work and play.”
The PGA of America has over 30,000 members in the United States. The PGA of America Sections oversee 41 regions across the country and work to create a community and network of communication for the over 25 million amateur golfers and PGA members.
LaFrenere was previously recognized as the Illinois PGA Executive of the Year in 2022. Before leading the Schaumburg Park District, LaFrenere held leadership roles at the Hoffman Estates Park District.
To learn more about the PGA of America, visit pga.org.
To learn more about Schaumburg Golf Club, visit schaumburggolf.com.