Chris Vonderkall appointed to Moore County Economic Development Partnership Board

The Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) approved the appointment of Chris Vonderkall, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation, to serve on its Board of Directors. The appointment was voted on and approved during the organization’s May Board Meeting, with Vonderkall’s term beginning July 1, 2026.

Vonderkall brings more than 20 years of combined experience with U.S. Kids Golf, which was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, and is now headquartered in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The internationally-recognized organization is dedicated to helping children and families enjoy the game of golf. He first joined U.S. Kids Golf in 2002 as a tournament director and later returned to continue his leadership career with the organization. From 2011 to 2013, Vonderkall served as an Operations Manager for major championships with the PGA of America.

In his current role with the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation, Vonderkall oversees operations for Longleaf Golf & Family Club of Southern Pines, NC, which the Foundation acquired 11 years ago, as well as the local U.S. Kids Golf Coach Development Program and Academy, tournament operations, and Foundation endowment development initiatives. The tournament division hosts more than 2,300 tournaments annually worldwide, while the Coach Development Program and Academy are widely recognized as a “living laboratory” for growing the game of golf.

The U.S. Kids Golf Foundation has had a significant economic and community impact in Moore County. The U.S. Kids Golf World Championship, recognized as the world’s largest junior golf championship, has been hosted in the Pinehurst area for 21 years and generates an estimated annual economic impact of more than $16 million for the region. In addition, Longleaf Golf & Family Club employs more than 40 team members locally.

The mission of U.S. Kids Golf is to help kids have fun learning the lifelong game of golf while encouraging family interaction that builds lasting memories.

Natalie Hawkins, President of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership, said Vonderkall’s leadership and experience make him a valuable addition to the Board.

“We are excited to welcome Chris Vonderkall to our Board of community stakeholders,” said Hawkins. “Chris has played an important role in strengthening Moore County’s economy through the growth of U.S. Kids Golf tournaments and the management and development of Longleaf Golf & Family Club. The U.S. Kids Golf Foundation continues to be a driving force in growing the game of golf, which remains vital to the identity and economic success of our community. His leadership, industry expertise, and commitment to family-centered community development will be tremendous assets to our organization.”

Vonderkall said he is honored to serve the organization and support its long-term economic development efforts.

“It is an honor to join the Board of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership and to have the opportunity to work alongside many of the area’s business and community leaders in fulfilling the mission of the organization,” said Vonderkall. “We are proud that U.S. Kids Golf has contributed significantly to the local economy and quality of life in Moore County, and we look forward to continuing to expand that impact in the years ahead.”

Vonderkall has been a resident of Pinehurst for the past 10 years with his wife Kara and their two children, Ava and Ella.

The mission of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership is to create economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for Moore County citizens through the creation of quality jobs and capital investment in our communities.

About Moore County Economic Development Partnership

Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) is a 501c(3) not-for-profit economic development organization and public-private partnership serving all of Moore County, NC. The Moore County Economic Development Partnership works to recruit new businesses, support existing industries, and promote strategic economic growth opportunities throughout Moore County, North Carolina.

Connect with Moore County Economic Development Partnership: 

Website: www.moorecountyedp.org 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/moorecountyedp 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/moorecountyedp/ 

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/moore-county-economic-development-partnership  

About U.S. Kids Golf Foundation

U.S. Kids Golf is the world’s leader in helping grow golf among youth and families. Founded in 1996, U.S. Kids Golf, LLC offers multiple lines of golf equipment in up to eleven different sizes to serve players of every height and skill level. The U.S. Kids Foundation hosts more than 2300 tournaments globally, including the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships held annually in Pinehurst, N.C. The Foundation also owns and operates Longleaf Golf & Family Club in Southern Pines, N.C., a “Living Laboratory” of golf’s best practices and newest ideas to make golf a better game for everyone. U.S. Kids Golf has been honored by the National Golf Foundation as one of the “Top 100 Businesses in Golf” based on influence, innovation, and social good, among other criteria. 

Connect with U.S. Kids Golf: 

Website: www.uskidsgolf.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/USKidsGolf 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/USKidsGolfFDN 

Blog: www.uskidsgolf.wordpress.com  

YouTube: www.youtube.com/USKidsGolfFDN 

May 29, 2026

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