The Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) has approved the appointment of Chris Vonderkall, senior vice president of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation, to serve on its Board of Directors. Vonderkall’s term officially begins July 1, 2026.
Vonderkall brings more than 20 years of combined experience with U.S. Kids Golf, which is headquartered in Pinehurst, N.C. The internationally recognized organization is dedicated to helping children and families enjoy 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, N.C., 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 in a press release. “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 in a press release. “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.”
A family affair: Along with a full staff, Owner Eddie Claude and his wife Ruth (pictured right) work with their kids to run the restaurant. Eddie is a Veteran who served for 21 years in the U.S. Army. Photos by YGH STUDIOS & GFBJ. The Fayett
With summer in full swing, I started to reflect on the various ways I spent my summer break over the years. From pool parties with friends to family vacations and sports tournaments, I look back fondly on the summers I’ve enjoyed so far. But it
Proposed incorporation boundary (pink) · Gray’s Creek, Cumberland County, N.C. This is a working draft and is subject to revision. Image courtesy of grayscreeknc.com. After decades as an unincorporated rural community in Cumberland County, Gray’
