In a celebration of another year supporting the future of golf, Friends of Golf hosted their 40th annual charity tournament, which included a junior clinic and dinner featuring PGA TOUR professional Brooks Koepka. The event was hosted at Bel-Air CC and attended by a few SCGA Junior members.

Jesse Palazuelos and Sophia Sandoval were selected by SCGA Junior staff to represent the organization based on their heavy involvement in programming, dedication to the game and continual improvement on the course. The duo was able to hit balls during the clinic and even spoke to Koepka individually about their swings and the game.

Both juniors have been involved in SCGA Junior programming for several years and have aspirations of going on to play collegiate golf. Sophia loves to give back to the community and often volunteers with younger kids at SCGA Junior events. Jesse has been able to take advantage of a variety of programs to play new courses every chance he gets.

Following the clinic and dinner, scholar Samantha Rocha spoke as a distinguished guest on behalf of the SCGA. Rocha will graduate debt-free from Occidental College in May after spending four years playing on the golf team thanks to the SCGA Junior scholarship and Player & Youth Development programs.

“When it comes to talking about my story, it’s something I say with confidence and not something that I get shy about,” Rocha said. “It was also amazing to have my parents in the audience to see me speak in an event like this for the first time. I know they were really proud, and I’m proud of them and of myself!”

FOG is dedicated to providing growth through the game of golf for all kids who have talent and interest, but not necessarily the resources to play. SCGA Junior is a proud partner of FOG and continues to work closely with them to support our mission.