Shine a Light On | SCGA Junior

Countdown: 10 Best Moments of SCGA Junior in 2017

admin — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 10:00:36 +0000

SCGA Junior has had a lot of awesome moments in 2017, but only ten have made our list. Check it out and let us know your top ten moments with us!

10. Launch of SCGA Junior’s College Prep Program

The four-week summer program, which costs participants just $20, provided hands-on college preparation many of these kids wouldn’t have otherwise received. Read more here

9. SCGA Junior members played alongside Amateur Champions and collegiate golfers at Don Knabe GC

This summer, SCGA Junior teamed up with USGA and LA County for a hosted Play 9 Day at Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy in Norwalk.

8. SCGA Junior’s Equipment Program fitted over 80 kids

How fitting! SCGA Junior’s equipment program helped ensure kids had properly fitted clubs and provided opportunities to purchase clubs at a discounted rate.

7. SCGA Junior as the beneficiary of 2017 USGA Championships in Southern California

SCGA Junior were beneficiaries of The Walker Cup (hosted by the Los Angeles CC) and US Women’s Amateur (hosted by San Diego CC). Both clubs have generously donated to reach underserved youth within the SCGA Junior program.

6. When SCGA Scholar Alyaa Abdulghany’s team won the 2017 US Junior Solheim Cup

Check out our success story on Alyaa Abdulghany here.

5. U.S. Champ Dustin Johnson’s meet and greet with SCGA Junior Recipients of the Merrins Legacy Program

Two siblings from SCGA Junior, Jasmine and Diamond Lew, received the opportunity to meet Dustin Jonson and receive swing tips! The Lews were selected earlier this year as the first participants in the Merrins Legacy Program, a program developed in conjunction with legendary golf instructor and SCGA Hall of Famer Merrins to help young, talented golfer prepare themselves for the next level of the game. Check out the story here.

4. Former SCGA Junior Andrea Lee wins Women’s SoCal Amateur

Former SCGA Junior Scholar Andrea Lee servers as the Women’s SoCal Amateur Champion for the second time. She was also featured on the cover of FORE Magazine, print publication of the SCGA. Check out her win here.

3. Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay speaks at the 2017 SCGA Junior Annual Golf Tournament

Celebrity Caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay meets the Junior team and has a fireside chat with SCGA Junior Board Member Ed Holmes.

2. Grand Opening of Don Knabe GC

Since the grand opening of Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy in Norwalk, on June 28, SCGA Junior has hosted more than 200 kids at various educational and golf events.

1. SCGA Junior Anthony Chung scores TWO hole-in-ones in a 9-hole round

Odds of someone making a hole-in-one are extremely low, let alone doing it twice! Check out Anthony’s Q&A on his success here.

SCGA Junior Member Qualifies for U.S. Open Sectionals

SCGA Junior — Wed, 31 May 2017 23:10:29 +0000

On May 9 at Andalusia CC, Edwin Kuang, a member of SCGA Junior, earned co-medalist honors at U.S. Open local qualifying to advance to Sectional Qualifying on June 5 at Big Canyon CC in Newport Beach. At just 15 years of age, Edwin fired a 3-under par 69 to finish as the only amateur in the 70-player field to advance to Sectionals. We checked in with Edwin after his big day.

What did it feel like to not only qualify for sectionals, but to also finish as co-medalist?
It feels great to qualify for Sectionals, especially because I missed it by just 1 stroke last year. The funny thing is I started bogey,bogey,bogey on my first three holes to then finish co-medalist. It really feels like an honor not just to play in Sectionals, but to also compete against the strong field of elite players in Locals and to beat them all! It really ups my confidence moving forward.

How are you preparing for sectionals?
I am preparing for Sectionals by playing in more tournaments such as high school CIF and a Cal Am qualifier to get me mentally sharp for competitive play. I am also really polishing up on my 150 yards and in clubs, mainly my distance wedges, and making sure I am physically ready for that 36-hole day with my workouts at Dynamic Fitness in Temecula.

The road to Erin Hills is getting closer. What is most exciting to you about the possibility of competing at the U.S. Open?
Probably the most exciting possibility is that I would see all the pros there, but also seeing where my skill level is. If I make it, I’ll be able to look for things to work on and see where and how I can elevate my game to the level the professionals are on.

What advice do you have for junior golfers who want to get to your level some day?
The advice I would give to upcoming junior golfers is to always persevere, stay disciplined and make sure you really understand the basics of the game mentally because I feel like that is what got me here today and what will help me reach a higher level. What I mean by that is really understanding how golf works. You will have your ups and downs with your swing, all golfers do, it’s a natural thing, but knowing what is wrong with your swing and being aware of it gives you an edge over other players. If you know how your swing works, if it goes wrong, you know why it goes wrong and you have a good idea on how to make small changes to correct it. It’s important to understand that in golf you will hit bad shots, but moving on after the bad shots and not letting it affect you emotionally is probably the most important advice I can give. It’s what makes me better than my peers. I feel like my attitude toward the game is just more positive. This mentality is something my mom helped me with over the years. Another super important thing is LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS! They know what is best for you. I know from personal experience.

Andrea Lee Wins the Final Spot at ANA Inspiration

Kevin Gigax — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 23:36:44 +0000

The ANA Junior Inspiration, one of golf’s most special and unique events that sends its winner into the LPGA’s ANA Inspiration field, has crowned its fifth champion. After shooting a bogey-free round of 5-under par 67, 17-year-old Andrea Lee of Hermosa Beach was all smiles as she tapped in for par on the 18th hole of the Palmer Course at Mission Hills CC, knowing she had secured the final spot in this week’s LPGA major.

“To be a part of the [ANA Inspiration] field and be able to compete against the pros, I’m really excited to have that opportunity and am really looking forward to this week,” said Andrea. “I really wanted to make it this year. I can’t wait.”

Andrea was the only player in the 39-person junior field who had also competed in the first-ever ANA Junior Inspiration five years ago, an event that was won by now LPGA Tour Player Alison Lee. In fact, Andrea has earned a spot in the ANA Junior Inspiration field four of the last five years, skipping last year’s event only because she earned a sponsor’s exemption straight into the ANA Inspiration field, where she failed to make the cut.

“Last year in the second round I got caught up a little too much in the score,” said Andrea, a senior at Mira Costa High School who has committed to play her college golf at Stanford next year. “This year I’m just going to go in and try to have fun, play one shot at a time and see what happens.”

In addition to giving one junior the opportunity of a lifetime by sending them into an LPGA major, the ANA Junior Inspiration also allows each girl to be grouped with an LPGA legend for an inspirational round of golf. Thirteen of the most decorated female golfers of all time coach and mentor the juniors throughout the round, a priceless experience that is not lost on the girls.

“To be able to have the chance to be paired up with the hall of famers of professional golf is really amazing,” said Andrea. “For them to take the time to play with us is really incredible. I played with Pat Bradley today and she kept me calm throughout the round, just really kept me positive.”

And for the legends, it’s really a chance for them to see the future of the game they love so much.

“It was amazing out there today,” said Bradley, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and the 1986 winner of the ANA Inspiration. “And Andrea is really something. She’s the whole package.”

Andrea’s winning score of 67 matched the ANA Junior Inspiration’s top score, with a 5-under par round having been the winning number three of the event’s five years. Andrea never looked shaky throughout her round, collecting two early birdies on holes four and five to take the early lead. She would never look back, playing without a blemish the rest of the way through, including ending her round with a chance for eagle just off the 18th green.

“I had really no mistakes today,” said Andrea, who last summer won the inaugural Women’s Southern California Amateur Championship. “When the birdie opportunities came I took them. I just played really well, was confident with my iron shots, and it all went really well.”

Also turning in an under-par round was 15-year-old Elizabeth Wang, one of the event’s youngest participants. Despite windy conditions, Elizabeth also collected five birdies on the day, but also recorded three bogeys. Elizabeth and Andrea were the only two girls in the field to shoot rounds under par.

Andrea would go on to shoot rounds of 76, 74 to miss the cut at the ANA Inspiration.

In the Spotlight: Emily Sumner

Kevin Gigax — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:16:53 +0000

By: Jonathan Coe

To say that golf for the Sumners is a family affair would be an understatement. Sixteen-year-old Emily is the oldest of two in a golf centric lineage that spans multiple generations. The itch was instilled in Emily from her parents, Scott and Judith, who were drawn together by the game.

“We shared a love of golf,” says Judith. “We later shared that love with our children and slowly let them discover the game on weekend family outings.”

It was on one of those outings that Emily was introduced to the SCGA Junior program. While at the driving range one afternoon, it was suggested that she reach out to SCGA Junior and take advantage of all the benefits that come with being a member.

“It sounded like a great opportunity,” said Emily. “SCGA Junior provides discounted greens fees and range tokens which really encouraged me to go play more golf.”

No one needed to convince Emily’s mother of the SCGA Junior perks.

“As you might imagine, having two kids playing competitive golf, the reduced rates are much appreciated,” said Judith. “Many of the tournaments are at unfamiliar courses. It is very helpful to receive discounts on practice rounds.”

As part of its club program, SCGA Junior often takes participating juniors to Southern California private clubs for a day of fun and education with members. Kids like Emily are coupled with mentors who are able to share their life experience over a round of golf.

“Recently, SCGA Junior invited me to an outing at a super nice country club,” said Emily. “So, it’s really been a great experience and obviously a ton of fun.”

Emily is no stranger to philanthropy, as her and her family have volunteered at the annual SCGA Junior Golf Marathon for years. So when she felt an urge to reciprocate the organization that fostered her growth in the game of golf, it was a smooth transition.

“The entire experience of SCGA Junior has been really cool for me,” said Emily. “I’ve made some wonderful friendships so I wanted to give back .”

Emily organized a fundraiser at Mile Square GC in Fountain Valley, with all profits benefitting SCGA Junior.

The day’s main attraction was a putting contest in which contestants paid $5 to take on the par-12 setup. If the participant was able to score 12 or below, they received a range token plus a certificate for a free round at Mile Square.

In addition to rolling putts, participants were showered with raffle prizes ranging from vouchers to area courses and free lessons to swag like golf balls and water bottles .

In all, Emily raised over $1,220 for SCGA Junior.

Running a fundraiser by herself is even more impressive when you consider just how hectic this summer has been for Emily.

As a 16-year-old junior in high school, college is on the forefront of the mind. Emily has recently spoken with golf coaches at Cal Poly, University of California – Davis and University of Nevada – Reno about joining their programs and is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

In addition to planning for college, Emily has kept busy, playing in a number of tournaments to get AJGA stars and further improve her recruiting status.

While her eyes are set on the future, Emily will never forget her beginnings with SCGA Junior.

“Everyone is so nice and I love being around the people of SCGA Junior,” exclaimed Emily. “I’d love to come back and help the program whenever I can.”

Role Model

Kevin Gigax — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 17:59:59 +0000

Originally seen in FORE Spring 2015

Alec Spencer is every-thing you’d want out of someone representing your organization, and SCGA

Junior is lucky to be able to claim him. Spencer, a 19 year old from San Diego, is one of 35 SCGA Junior scholars. A sophomore at University of La Verne, he has a long history with SCGA Junior and golf. But it’s his attitude, spirit,

demeanor and poise that make him such a valuable part of the SCGA Junior scholarship program.

“We’re lucky to have Alec represent our organization,” said Jennifer Alban, program director for SCGA Junior. “We’re proud of his golf accomplishments, but what we’re really looking for out of a scholar is a leader and role model, and Alec is both of those things.” Spencer says he became a scholar for those very reasons. “I had been a part of SCGA Junior for a while and heard about the scholarship program and thought it would be a great opportunity to represent the SCGA,” said Spencer. “They’ve done so much for me, I try my best to volunteer and give back to them as much as I can.”

He got his start in golf at a young age, getting out on the course with his dad at least once a month from the time he was 7. The game slowly grew on him, and he eventually dropped out of the other sports he was playing to focus solely on golf. “Seeing Tiger Woods dominate definitely helped get me interested and addicted to the game,” he said. But at 15, Spencer went through the toughest thing a high schooler could, losing his dad to lung cancer. “It was obviously really sad, but I’m so happy I got 15 years with an amazing dad,” he said. “He’s the one who taught me to play golf, so when he passed I started thinking about how I could take the game more seriously, see where it could get me. I knew it would make him happy.”

It turned out the game could also get him into college, via a scholarship to the University of La Verne, where he’s able to play golf and study business. Spencer, who is extremely personable upon first meeting, thrives off playing an individual sport in a team environment. “We’re a really small team and extremely close knit,” said Spencer. “I’ve always been a team guy, played on basketball teams and baseball teams, but being on a golf team is different because of how much more I love the game. Being with the guys, traveling, playing, it’s a really good deal for me.” It’s a good deal for his team too. Spencer is one of the best golfers in his conference, and was the only freshman to earn First Team All- SCIAC honors a year ago. “I owe a lot of that success to SCGA Junior,” he said. “Without it, I wouldn’t be playing college golf.”

Spencer first got introduced to SCGA Junior through a friend, who told him about the incredible deals associated with its golf pass program. As a SCGA Junior member, juniors receive $1-$5 green and range fees throughout Southern California. “Without rates like that, I wouldn’t have played as much, and I probably would have lost interest,” said Spencer.

Last fall, SCGA Junior selected Spencer to speak at its Annual Hall of Fame Dinner, an intimate experience for the organization’s donors to witness a fireside chat with that year’s SCGA Hall of Fame inductees. Spencer had a prime speaking role, getting up in front of inductees Corey Pavin and Craig Stadler, board members, donors and other influential golf industry members. “That was really amazing … I never get to do stuff like that,” said Spencer, who also shared that the dinner was the first time he had ever worn a suit. “It was a privilege to get up there and speak about the

two things I love most: golf and my dad. That was really a treat.” -Julia Pine

In the Spotlight: Savannah Knox

Kevin Gigax — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:17:55 +0000

It all started at the age of 7, when Knox’s grandfather took her to a local driving range. She was later enrolled into ProKids, now known as ProKids | The First Tee of San Diego, and was later introduced to SCGA Junior during its inception year in 2008.

“SCGA Junior provided me so many opportunities both on and off the course,” said Knox. “I’ve learned the most during outings where I’m paired up with business professionals. Many explained the importance of working hard academically through their own stories of failure and success.”

As part of its club program, SCGA Junior often takes participating juniors to Southern California private clubs for a day of golf and mentoring. Kids like Knox are paired with passionate golfers, who are able to share their life experiences.

And Knox has had a fair share of her own life experiences for someone so young. A knee injury, which led to reconstructive surgery her sophomore year of high school, didn’t stop Knox though from pursuing the sport she loves. She fought back her final two years of high school, finally being able to compete again her senior year. That same year Knox signed her letter of intent to play at California State University, Long Beach, and received a scholarship through SCGA Junior.

“Being an SCGA Junior Scholar means so much to me,” said Knox. “I’m now able to share my experiences with other SCGA Junior members when attending clinics and educational outings and give back to the program that gave me so much.”

The SCGA JuniorScholarship program, which began in 2010, is designed to help youth continue their education in college or vocational school. The recipients are role models in their community, hard workers at school and have grown in character through their experiences with golf. This year, SCGA Junior will provide $136,000 to 37 students for tuition, room and board and educational supplies.

As a redshirted freshman on the Long Beach State women’s golf team, Knox has excelled in her first year of collegiate golf.

“It was a huge advantage to gain that extra time for additional rehab and prepare for competition,” said Knox of redshirting. “I was able to focus on the basics and train harder in order to be completely ready for my first season.”

That focus and dedication was present all season and Knox was named the Big West Conference freshman of the year, the first 49er to earn the honor since 2009. Her best finish was at the Long Beach-hosted Gold Rush, where Knox placed fourth and helped her team defend its title.

A junior academically, she focused on her studies while maintaining a tough training regimen both in and out of season. Savannah will complete her undergraduate degree early and is looking forward to continuing her graduate studies at Long Beach State while playing on the women’s golf team. She also works part-time at a local Roger Dunn Golf Shop.

“We train three days a week, play the other two and have to manage school, work and anything else in-between. It was difficult to adjust to the schedule at first, but the more I have scheduled, the better I focus on everything. And focus is definitely something that golf and SCGA Junior teaches you.”

Benefiting a Golf Appetite

Kevin Gigax — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 20:06:08 +0000

647. That’s the number of times 13-year- old Edwin Kuang has pulled out his SCGA Junior bag tag at a golf course and taken advantage of the opportunity to hit a bucket of balls or play a round of golf for $1-$5. “We really weren’t able to afford to fuel his love for golf before SCGA Junior,” said Edwin’s mother, Vikki. “We couldn’t afford to buy him a bucket of balls every day, so we allowed him a bucket every Saturday. He’d chip for a while first to make the most of it and then he’d go hit. Now with the SCGA Junior bag tag, he’s able to hit a bucket every day and he’s become such a better golfer. If

you need an example of practice paying off, he’s it.” An SCGA Junior Club Membership comes with the golf pass, which provides affordable access to more than 145 Southern California-area courses.

Edwin, whose family lives in Murrieta, plays the majority of his golf at Temeku Hills GC or The Golf Club at Rancho California. And the daily practice has paid dividends to his golf game, as the 8th grader is now averaging an 18-hole score of 73. “My game got so much better when I had the ability to practice more,” said Edwin. “My swing got more natural, the whole thing felt freer. I have friends who play golf who used to beat me every single time we played and now it’s the opposite. I definitely think I’m a little better than them.”

Edwin’s confidence isn’t off base either, as he beat out a lot of great golfers this summer to earn the first-ever SCGA Junior exemption into the SCGA Amateur Championship. Open to all SCGA Junior members, the competition included 18 holes of golf at Brookside GC. The low score would earn the final spot into the region’s most prestigious amateur event. “Playing against tough competitors, all older than me, in the Amateur, was a great experience,” said Edwin. “It boosted my confidence and proved to me that I could compete at that level.” With a field full of decorated amateur stars Edwin held his own at Rancho Santa Fe GC in July, making the 36-hole cut with opening day scores of 72 and 75. The Friday action was the first 36- hole day of Edwin’s life. “Oh my god. That was a really not fun experience,” said Edwin with a laugh.” After that first day I was just so tired I collapsed. I think I physically collapsed. And it made it difficult for days two and three.” Despite the exhaustion Edwin hung in there, finishing a respectable 43rd out of the 84-person field.

For Edwin now, it’s all about continuing to play against solid competition. He participates in the SCPGA’s Toyota Tour Cup, and is aiming to begin playing AJGA events in 2015. “I’m still in middle school so there isn’t really a golf option for me yet in school,” said Edwin, who will join the Murrieta Valley High School team next fall. “But for now I just want to play as much as possible. Which I guess I am considering how much I’ve used the golf pass. I’m really thankful for it.” – Julia Pine (Originally seen in FORE FALL 2014)