ONTARIO, California (January 8th, 2024)
In a historic celebration, the Southern California PGA (SCPGA), a distinguished Section of the PGA of America, proudly marks its 100th anniversary in 2024. Since its establishment in 1924, the SCPGA has been an influential force in shaping Southern California’s golf landscape, which currently has 1,693 PGA Golf Professionals across 509 facilities in a vast geographic area extending from Baywood Park / Los Osos to the Mexican border and the Pacific Ocean to the Nevada and Arizona borders.
“We reflect not just on the passing of a hundred years but also on the enduring legacy that our members have meticulously crafted. To be a member of the SCPGA is to be part of a rich tapestry woven with the threads of dedication, innovation, and a profound love for the game of golf. From the historic charter clubs that created the Section to our leaders who laid the foundation of our mission, we see the indelible mark that each member has left on this association. The SCPGA is not merely an organization; it is a collective force, a shared commitment to excellence, and a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of golf. Here’s to a century of being more than members — of being architects of a timeless tradition, stewards of progress, and a united front for the love of the game,” said SCPGA President Eric Lohman, PGA.
In 1924, the SCPGA’s inception was marked by the collaborative efforts of 25 charter clubs, with PGA Members actively participating in the signing and formation of the Section. On November 3rd, 1924, in Los Angeles, these visionary clubs listed below officially signed the Section charter, laying the cornerstone for a century of golfing excellence.
SCPGA Charter Clubs:
Annandale Golf Club
Belleview Country Club *
Brentwood Country Club
California Country Club *
Chula Vista Country Club *
Coronado Country Club *
Flintridge Country Club *
Griffith Park
Hacienda Golf Club (2024 Senior Section Championship Host Site)
Hillcrest Country Club (2024 SCPGA Section Championship Host Site)
La Cumbre Country Club
Los Angeles Country Club
Los Cerritos Country Club *
Midwick Golf Course *
Montecito Country Club
Municipal Golf Links of Long Beach (Renamed Recreation Park Golf Course)
Oakmont Country Club (2024 Senior Junior Championship Host Site)
Ojai Country Club (Renamed The Ojai Valley Inn)
Palos Verdes Golf Club (2024 Professional-Club Member Championship Host Site)
Pasadena Country Club *
Rancho Golf Course (Renamed Rancho Park Golf Course), (2024 SCPGA Section Championship Co-Host Site)
San Gabriel Country Club (2024 Honor’s Cup Matches Host Site)
Victoria Club (2024 Professional-Junior Championship Host Site)
Virginia Country Club
Wilshire Country Club
(*No longer in existence)
Since its founding, the SCPGA has flourished into a multifaceted organization, serving as a nexus for competitive play, hosting an array of educational seminars and meetings, and making a positive impact in the community through the SCPGA Foundation. The Section is seamlessly divided into five geographical Chapters – Desert, Inland Empire, Metropolitan, Northern, and San Diego – each playing a vital role in hosting diverse program offerings that contribute to the growth and enrichment of golf within their respective regions.
The SCPGA Junior Tour, founded in 1948, stands as a testament to the association’s commitment to nurturing talent, boasting alumni on both the PGA TOUR & LPGA TOUR, such as Max Homa, Rose Zhang, Patrick Cantlay, Rickie Fowler, Lilia Vu, Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala, Danielle Kang, Lizette Salas, and Tiger Woods, among others. Currently, the SCPGA Junior Tour has 3,800+ annual members and hosts over 440+ tournaments across 70+ facilities.
Since 1989, the SCPGA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has made a significant impact on the community, contributing over $1 million to date. Through the following initiatives, the SCPGA Foundation actively supports the growth of golf in the community and enriches the lives of those it touches, such as ClubsForeYouth®, which has gifted over 700+ sets of golf clubs to in-need youth, PGA Junior League Golf, PGA HOPE, which supports our veterans, and the SCPGA Grants & Scholarship programs.
“As we celebrate a century of excellence, the Southern California PGA reflects not just on its rich history but also on the enduring spirit that has fueled the journey of our members. The commitment of our Section members and leadership within Southern California has been unwavering. As we embark on our centennial, we look back with gratitude, stand proudly in the present, and stride into the future with a renewed dedication to shaping the next hundred years. I am extremely proud of the legacy we’ve built, the champions we’ve nurtured, and the countless moments of joy and growth yet to come. We are also honored that our longest-living Section Member, Mr. Len Kennett, will serve as our Honorary Centennial Chairman. Mr.Kennett has worked at Marine Memorial Golf Course, Santa Anita Golf Course, San Gabriel Country Club, Los Verdes Golf Course, and Lakewood Country Club in his storied career,” said SCPGA Executive Director / CEO Nikki Gatch, PGA.
As the SCPGA embarks on its Centennial celebration year, numerous Section Tournaments and functions will be hosted at the founding charter club venues, serving as a testament to the Association’s enduring legacy. Join the Southern California PGA in celebrating 100 years of golf excellence, community impact, and continued dedication to the sport of golf.
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Media Contacts
Nikki Gatch, PGA, SCPGA Executive Director / CEO, 951-845-4653, ngatch@pgahq.com
Bryce Seiver, SCPGA Communications & Marketing Director, 951-845-4653, bseiver@pgahq.com
Danny Cross, SCPGA Communications & Marketing Manager, 951-845-4653, dcross@pgahq.com
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
The Southern California Section was established in 1924, and today is comprised of nearly 1,700 golf Professionals working at over 500 facilities within the Section. The mission of the Southern California Section (SCPGA) is that Purpose of the PGA of America, to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. The SCPGA provides competitive playing opportunities, educational seminars, and growth of the game initiatives, within a geographic area that stretches from San Luis Obispo to the Tijuana Border, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Nevada and Arizona borders.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA FOUNDATION
The SCPGA created the Southern California PGA Foundation to develop and administer junior golf programs as well as an increasingly wide array of other community services throughout the Section. The Southern California PGA Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and operates as a public foundation. The SCPGA Foundation is involved in and supports the growth of the game of golf through initiatives such as ClubsForeYouth®, PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE, and SCPGA Grants & Scholarships programs.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA JUNOR TOUR
Established in 1948, the Southern California PGA now hosts one of the largest and most respected junior golf programs in the country. The SCPGA Junior Tour is a three-tiered program featuring the Toyota Tour Cup, the Players Tour and the Junior Development Tour. Together, these three tours administer over 400 tournaments annually for kids of all ages and skill levels. These events provide playing opportunities throughout Southern California, many of which are hosted by PGA facilities. The Junior Tour boasts countless alumni, including Max Homa, Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Rose Zhang, Lizette Salas, Rickie Fowler, Danielle Kang, Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala, Angel Yin, Xander Schauffele, and many more.