Maggie Hathaway Golf Course – Jan. 20 – The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation teamed up with U.S. Bank and Youth on Course to celebrate the U.S. Bank’s ongoing generosity to power potential through golf, highlighted by an appearance from Los Angeles native Collin Morikawa.
Despite the brief hiatus between fall and winter SCGA Junior programming sessions at the Southwest LA 9-hole course, 27 SCGA Junior/Youth on Course members golfers connected with U.S. Bank leadership to share their appreciation for U.S. Bank’s support of revitalizing Maggie Hathway GC through the 2023 U.S. Open Community Legacy Campaign.
Morikawa, the Community Legacy Honorary Chair, set the energy for the day with sincere remarks reminiscing on his journey through Southern California junior golf. “I grew up without any peers on the golf course, and sometimes it was lonely. Having a place like Maggie Hathway G.C. to learn the game and play with people my age, I can’t imagine how much fun I would have had.” Morikawa encouraged the juniors to be courageous, have integrity and remember that despite the ‘grind’ of practice, always find a way to incorporate fun.
And the day was exactly that: fun! Despite some heavy rainfall, our juniors were all smiles as they warmed up on the driving range. Chris Staples, a senior golf instructor for the Foundation and head of SCGA Junior programming at Maggie Hathaway GC, led a dynamic warmup and had each participant share their favorite club. With roughly ten unique clubs mentioned by the 40 participants, Staples pointed out that we can always find something in common despite having different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.
Three juniors and one U.S. Bank representative then teamed up for a tournament. Morikawa donated his talents for the celebrity shot on the 90-yard first hole- offering a humble grin and high-five to the few juniors who hit their ball closer to the pin than him, a two-time major champion. Tournament winners were gifted new putters, and all juniors were surprised with new TaylorMade bags that had ‘Team Morikawa’ embroidered on the front and autographed by the hometown hero himself.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell joined for the festivities, noting her relationship with Maggie Hathaway. Mitchell recalled Hathaway’s phenomenal advocacy work for integrating golf courses and acknowledged the course as a ‘jewel.’ Mitchell shared her delight in knowing that the Los Angeles County facility would become even more accessible for everyone to play.
Steven Bradford, California State Senator and the long-time supporter of the Fore Youth Community Legacy Campaign, joined Mitchell to kick off the event. Winter junior golf programming will resume on Sunday, Feb. 4. The Maggie Hathway G.C. revitalization project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024. Thanks again to U.S. Bank’s support of our mission to create an inclusive golf community that enables juniors to thrive on and beyond the course.
