Key Takeaways
- World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler partnered with Northern Texas PGA to launch the Randy Smith Junior Tour, a free junior golf circuit for players aged 6 to 12
- The tour will host 10-12 events across North Texas in 2026 with no entry fees or membership costs
- Named after Scheffler’s longtime coach Randy Smith, a PGA Hall of Fame member who began working with Scheffler at age 6
- Format emphasizes accessibility and learning over competition, featuring par-3 courses, team play, and non-competitive stamp scoring
- High school golfers will guide each group, teaching etiquette, safety, and sportsmanship fundamentals
A Mentor’s Legacy Takes Shape
Scottie Scheffler is bringing his name and resources to junior golf in Texas. The Dallas resident has partnered with the Northern Texas PGA to create the Randy Smith Junior Tour, a no-cost competitive circuit for young players in the region.
The tour is named after Scheffler’s coach and mentor, Randy Smith, the Royal Oaks Golf Club pro emeritus and PGA Hall of Fame member who has worked with Scheffler since he was 6 years old.
“This tour is about giving kids the same gift Randy gave me,” Scheffler said. “He taught me that golf is about more than just scores. It’s about character, respect, and the people who help you along the way.”
Scheffler’s wife, Meredith, will also be actively involved in the initiative, which is scheduled to roll out with 10-12 events in 2026.
Built for Access and Fundamentals
The Randy Smith Junior Tour targets players aged 6 to 12, divided into two age groups (6-9 and 10-12) for both boys and girls. By eliminating entry fees and membership costs, the program removes two of the most common financial barriers in junior golf.
The format prioritizes learning and participation over rankings. Events will take place on par-3 courses using 6 or 9-hole formats, with players competing in 4-player teams while playing their own ball. Trained high school golfers will guide each group, teaching course etiquette, safety protocols, introductory rules, and sportsmanship.
Rather than traditional stroke scoring, the tour uses a stamp-based system that celebrates effort and teamwork. Parents are encouraged to attend but cannot caddie. Each event concludes with ice cream for all participants and their families.
Removing Financial Hurdles in Youth Sports
The launch comes as youth sports organizations nationwide face pressure around affordability and participation rates. By structuring the tour as entirely free to participants, Scheffler and the Northern Texas PGA are addressing one of the most cited barriers to entry in junior golf.
The tour’s design also targets the youngest age brackets, offering a structured introduction to competitive golf before players age into higher-cost circuits. With the backing of a world No. 1 player and the infrastructure of a regional PGA section, the program has both visibility and operational support to scale.
What’s Next for the Randy Smith Tour
The Randy Smith Junior Tour is set to begin in 2026 with its first slate of North Texas events. The initial year will serve as a pilot to refine logistics, gauge participation, and assess the viability of expansion.
While the tour’s immediate focus is regional, its model of zero-cost access and mentorship-driven programming could inform similar efforts in other markets. For now, the emphasis remains on creating a sustainable pipeline for young golfers in Texas who might not otherwise have tournament exposure.
via: Newsweek
photo: Michael Madrid/USA TODAY Sports
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