When I think of the noteworthy accomplishments of the past three decades at the SCGA, one achievement stands out for its positive impact on the future of the game of golf in Southern California: the growth and evolution of the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation and the expanding outreach of our Player & Youth Development program to foster and support “youth development through golf.”

I’ve seen firsthand what the Foundation can do for boys, girls and young men and women who want to enjoy the game, and possibly — with a lot of hard work on their part and caring support from their parents — have their golf game lead them to a place they may dream about: playing competitively in high school or college. Since 2009, I’ve gotten to know some wonderful young people who’ve participated in the Foundation’s youth development experience and college scholarship program.

SHANI’S STORY

I met Shani Waite when she was nine years old. We played in the same foursome at a youth golf event at Chester Washington GC in South Los Angeles. Shani was inquisitive, shy and soft-spoken during our nine-hole round. I was impressed by her poise as a youngster, but I was more impressed by the questions she asked me.

She asked more about life than golf that late fall afternoon. I remember urging her to set high goals for herself and to focus her efforts on achieving them. I was equally impressed by the support and encouragement Shani received from her parents, two hard-working, dedicated public servants.

While I’ve served on the SCGA Board of Directors for the past decade, I’ve crossed paths with the Waite family on numerous occasions, most often at Westchester GC next door to LAX where Shani often practices. Year by year, I’ve watched her achieve many of her goals, including her aspiration to play high school varsity golf.

I’ve witnessed her grow as a person — exuding confidence while testing her abilities and expanding her capabilities. She’s been a part of our program the entire time. Shani Waite is an accomplished young woman now. I’m proud to know her and her family.

As Shani prepares to graduate from Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, she recently accepted an offer to play golf at Prairie View A&M University. There are many more heartwarming stories like Shani’s at SCGA Junior. Click here to visit them online to find out why the work of the Foundation is the most impactful thing we do.

LAUNCH IN THE IE

In the coming months, the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation will expand its youth development programming to the Inland Empire with the launch of the Player & Youth Development program at Fairmount GC in Riverside’s Fairmount Park. When I heard about this development, I almost wished I could turn back the clock to be a kid again.

I grew up in Riverside. In the early 1960s, I learned to play golf at Fairmont GC. I have fond memories of walking its nine-hole layout and striving to hit its small greens as a 12-year-old playing 18-hole matches against my 14-year-old brother.

I’m excited for the kids in my old hometown. SCGA Junior didn’t exist for me during my childhood. I’m ecstatic that, come summer 2020, Riverside’s kids will have access to SCGA Junior’s special golf learning experience. In February, I paid Fairmount GC a visit. As a single from the walk-up list, the emotion of that moment hit me: You can go home again.

ONE STEP FURTHER

I have two hopes: First, that you’ll read more about the accomplishments of the Foundation in the Annual Report. Second, that you’ll click here to donate, and fill out the online form that enables you to make a tax-deductible charitable contribution to the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation. With your contribution, the Foundation can continue its work of bringing more girls and boys in Southern California into the game of golf.

All the best,

Fred MacFarlane, President