We recently sat down with Skylar Graham, long-time SCGA Junior participant, Foundation scholar alumna and recent USC alumna. Get to know more about Skylar’s story and growth through our programs!
Q: Hey Skylar, thanks for chatting with us today. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you’ve been up to recently.
SG: I was born and raised in South Los Angeles and started playing golf around six years old. My mom noticed that I was memorizing commercials and theme songs from TV shows so she was quick to action and searched for a local outdoor activity that was fun, instructive and would allow me to build relationships with other kids my age. My mom signed me up for junior golf classes at Maggie Hathaway, thanks to a flyer from a family friend. Wearing an oversized Los Angeles Dodger blue polo, I tucked my shirt into my khaki shorts and began to learn what it took to play the greatest game ever invented.
Little did I know then, that golf would not only become a part of my life, but also a transformative force that would shape my character and future. I am an SCGA Junior Golf Foundation Scholar, specifically under the Livingston Scholarship, awarded to an honorable leader who is hard-working, positive and committed to their vision despite life’s challenges. Recently in May, I graduated with honors from the University of Southern California (USC) with a Bachelors in Communication.
Now, after years of dedication to the sport as a player, SCGA Junior mentor, volunteer, scholar and ambassador, I will be working at a sports agency, Excel Sports Management, in the fall!
Q: June is Women’s Golf Month. Given your background in golf and now the sports industry, why is being a woman in the space important to you?
SG: I was blessed to have a few women as coaches, mentors and supporters throughout my junior golf journey. Those women encouraged and empowered me to be the best I could be, whether on the golf course, in the classroom or chasing my career goals. Having them in my corner gave me confidence. In an industry where the representation of women in sports is still growing, I am grateful to learn from the women who have done the pioneering work, allowing me to earn a position in the industry. My mom always says, “Each one, teach one,” which reminds me that as I accomplish my goals, I give back to those around me. And that is precisely what I strive to do for the next young girl on her journey to achieve her goals.
Beyond my role as a mentor for the next generation of women in sports, I always tell people that golf can open your world to a lifetime of lessons, relationships and unforgettable experiences. When I think of all the valuable lessons golf has taught, I am reminded of the Golden Rule, which says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Being a part of the golf community has taught me to treat people with respect and kindness, from the greens to the scoring table to networking events and business meetings. Through the years of time and dedication I gave to the sport, I was rewarded with a network of people who continue to support me on my path toward the future, which is truly invaluable.
Q: Looking back on your time with SCGA, what are some of your standout moments and memories?
SG: I am grateful to be a part of SCGA Junior/Golf Foundation, not only for taking my golf to a new level but for being involved in my personal and professional growth of the course. As a member, I enjoyed the benefits of the Youth On Course annual golf pass that gave me access to more than 150 golf courses in Southern California. In preparation for college, I benefited from the College 101 Prep Program at Don Knabe GC, where I learned about the application process and how to share my academic and athletic skillsets. I have also enjoyed sharing my experience as a selected participant in the Inaugural Class of the Pathways Internship powered by the USGA, hosted at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., during the US Open. I spoke at a Play Day at the Los Angeles Country Club and the SCGA Annual Meeting at The Rose Bowl. The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation has supported my ambitions and celebrated my accomplishments.
As an SCGA Scholar over the past four years, I am incredibly privileged and grateful for the support that I have received from the Livingston Family and other donors in furthering my education at USC. I have studied abroad, conducted research studies, led community service events and broadened my network beyond anything I could have imagined. The coaches, mentors and supporters I have gained through the SCGA have encouraged me towards my future on and off the golf course. The wonderful relationships I built with the SCGA connected me to my role in the golf division at Excel Sports Management. I am thankful to the SCGA for having my best interest at heart and cheering me on. I will be connected with the SCGA for a lifetime.