That’s what we’ve been doing at Mission Hills CC for the past 15 years.
It started simple. A few of us in the men’s club thought, “What if we invited just one junior golfer to play in our annual tournament?” No banners, no fanfare—just a tee time and a chance. Now, every year since 2010, we’ve welcomed one SCGA Junior golfer to play alongside us. And every year, that single presence quietly changes the day.
You hear it in conversations at lunch. You feel it walking 18. These kids are talented, respectful and grounded. They remind us of what the game teaches: patience, humility and community.
Some have gone on to play in college. One is now an assistant pro at Thunderbird CC. Another is studying at CU Boulder. Most just needed someone to open a door.
What started as one invitation turned into something more. Year after year, our members began pooling donations—nothing fancy, just passing the hat around during the tournament. And together, over time, we’ve raised over $30,000 for the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation.
While I had a foray into the Junior Golf Foundation as past SCGA President, the purpose, of giving opportunities to juniors in our backyard, was such an impactful way for me to continue my support and investment in the golf community.
After 15 years, we’ve felt the impact become mutual as the tournament has created a culture of connection between generations and players who might never have crossed paths otherwise.
If you’re looking for an additional way to develop the next generation without reinventing your calendar—this is it.
Keep your event or tee time. Invite one junior. Let them play. If your group feels moved to donate, even better. The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation will match you with a deserving young golfer and handle the logistics. All you need is a tee time and a willingness to make room. Reach out. You’ll be glad you did. We’d love to help you get started.
Keenan Barber
Past-President of the SCGA, Member Mission Hills CC