SCGA Junior Golf Foundation

  Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime.  The USGA Pathways Discover Internship Program is an incredible chance for college and graduate students to see what goes on behind the scenes in the golf industry.  This 10-day program, held during the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills (June 12-22, 2026), gives interns an inside look at one of golf’s most prestigious championships and a real feel for how the business side of the game works.  What to expect  Interns will shadow USGA staff during U.S. Open operations, join professional development sessions, attend networking events with industry leaders and collaborate with peers from across the country on real-world projects.  Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/e5wqTrHE

The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation hosted the 2025 College Golf Summit at La Mirada Golf Course, bringing together junior golfers, families, recruitment professionals, student-athletes and college coaches for an evening of learning and inspiration.   Ted Gleason and Rick Sessinghaus Psy.D hosted a panel of coaches and players- Mitchell Fedorka (Claremont Men’s Golf), Keilee Bessho (Claremont Women’s Golf), Michelle Winkler (CSUN Women’s Golf), Johnathan Zhang (Claremont Men’s Golf), Esther Lee (Claremont Women’s Golf), and Joshlyn Ayala (Cal State LA Women’s Golf, SCGA Foundation Scholar) to share insights on recruiting, player development and the mental side of the game. Thank you to all that participated and best of luck to our juniors pursuing college golf! Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athletics CSUN Athletics California State University, Los Angeles

Congratulations to Justin L. May, M.A. on his one-year anniversary with the team! Over the past year, Justin has played a pivotal role in expanding our programming and outreach across Southwest Los Angeles. His leadership has strengthened partnerships and built excitement around the upcoming reopening of Maggie Hathaway Golf Course in early 2026. We’re grateful for your dedication and impact, Justin!

🚨🚨Internship deadline alert! Applications close Friday, November 14, for Pathways Launch, a three-month internship that provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to work in one of 10 leading organizations in the golf industry. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/dRMW2AEP

Congratulations Rick Sessinghaus Psy.D! We are grateful you'll be sharing your expertise with our juniors in the upcoming College Golf Summit!

We are thrilled to share that the Maggie Hathaway Golf Course Renovation Project was honored as the winner of the inaugural International Association of Golf Administrators Impact Award!    Publicly launched in 2023 ahead of the U.S. Open, the Project has united public and private parties in a collective effort to renovate South Los Angeles golf course, Maggie Hathaway GC. Over the past two and half years, the project has garnered national and international attention through U.S. Open press conferences, the Golf Channel, the United Kingdom’s Golf Course Architecture Magazine, and several other prominent, wide-reaching media outlets.   This latest recognition is a testament to the tireless, longtime work of the SCGA and the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation team members, alongside many partners including two-time major winner and Southern California-native, Collin Morikawa as the Project's honorary chairman, renowned architect, Gil Hanse, The Los Angeles Country Club, County of Los Angeles, Department of Parks and Recreation, American Golf, the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Western States Golf Association and many others. The award was accepted in-person at the annual conference of golf administrators by the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation’s Director of Player and Youth Development, Kaycee Wilke and SCGA’s CEO, Jeff Ninnemann. Congratulations to everyone involved on this well-deserved honor!

Congratulations to Michael Allen Mendoza who recently celebrated his one year work anniversary! As a Program Manager in our largest programming region, Southeast Los Angeles, Michael has been a key driver in establishing partnerships with St. Linus School and El Monte School District. Most recently, he created an opportunity for two juniors to be a part of a photoshoot with Liteyear Golf! We are grateful for his commitment to the community and excited for what's ahead in year two.

We are proud to be named one of three finalists for the inaugural IAGA Impact Award, recognizing a member association that has delivered a unique and meaningful contribution to the golfing community in 2024–2025. Our submission highlighted the FORE Youth 2023 U.S. Open Community Legacy Project, a transformational investment in South Los Angeles that is revitalizing Maggie Hathaway Golf Course and expanding access to the game for generations of young golfers. This work would not be possible without the support and shared vision of the United States Golf Association (USGA), The Los Angeles Country Club, County of Los Angeles, Department of Parks and Recreation, the WSGA, local leaders, and our dedicated community partners. Thank you for helping bring this important project to life. The 2025 Impact Award winner will be announced this evening. We look forward to celebrating the collective impact of our industry and staying committed to ensuring golf is a place where every young person feels a sense of belonging and possibility. Stay tuned! 

The 2025 College Golf Summit is less than one week away! The Summit is designed to create meaningful opportunities for junior golfers and their families to learn, connect, and take the next steps toward their collegiate golf journeys. We will hear from Ted Gleason, Rick Sessinghaus Psy.D, Mitchell Fedorka, Keilee Bessho, Michelle Winkler, Esther Lee, Jack Rende and SCGA Junior Golf Foundation scholar Joshlyn Ayala who is currently playing for California State University, Los Angeles. There's still time to RSVP! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gMRuaGmd