We sat down with the Chair of the Long Drive Committee, Carol Sarkissian to discuss her “why” behind hosting the Deb Long Challenge and what junior golf means to her.
Q: How did you get involved with golf?
Carol Sarkissian (C): When I was a young girl, my grandmother would take my sister and me to Twin Lakes Executive Golf Course in El Monte. Grandma would play, and we would chase golf balls. To me, this was the best way to spend an afternoon. The beauty of Southern California weather allowed my grandmother to teach her grandchildren the simple pleasures of playing outside. My grandma, an accomplished athlete in the early 1930s, taught us the basics of golf. More importantly, she taught us the value of a good walk with friends.
Q: What is your involvement with the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation?
C: Currently, I serve on the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation’s Long Drive Committee, where my role is to raise awareness and funds to support the SCGA Junior Girls Golf programs and advocate for growing the game of golf for a new generation of players. From this, my club, Western Hills CC, recently hosted its second annual Deb Long Challenge tournament. I am also on the CIF-SS and CIF State Golf Advisory Committees, which oversee all boys’ and girls’ High School Golf Championships in California. Along with CIF, I volunteer as a rules official for the SCGA. This year, my schedule allowed me to be present at 20 different tournaments as a rules official for high school and college events. The LPGA has been a calling of mine for many years. For the past 30 years, I have volunteered for the LPGA in various capacities. I started as a walking scorer and worked my way up through the industry as chairperson of Greenside Reporters, Leaderboard Chair, Volunteer Services Chair, Standard Bearers Chair, Tournament Office Chair, Scoring Tent Chair and I’m not done yet!
Q: Why is it important to you to give back to junior golf?
C: The Foundation has a deeply personal connection to my experience, and I love being part of furthering its mission. When I was young and interested in golf, our family didn’t have the means to pursue it. So, as I began playing as an adult, I wanted to help other students discover the game that has brought me so many wonderful experiences throughout my lifetime. The real challenge came when I was teaching and coaching golf at Magnolia High School in Anaheim. My students had never heard of golf, nor did they have the equipment necessary to play. I contacted the WSCGA/SCGA for help. Both organizations contributed equipment, apparel and funds so I could run a golf program at Magnolia. Over the years, the golf community has helped our school introduce golf to over 500 students. My students came from low-income households and used golf as a means to see life from a different perspective. The stories my students shared with me still reach deep into my soul, and I hope I was able to bring a little joy into their world.
Q: Tell us about the Deb Long Challenge and why it’s a meaningful event for you.
C: Deb Long was a good friend of mine, and I had known for years of her generosity in helping kids in need. She was not a boastful person; she went about her kindness quietly. When she passed, part of me wanted to do something to carry on her enthusiasm for growing the game for everyone. I often see myself in the students we help. The Deb Long Drive Challenge is a vehicle through which we can get other passionate golfers to support junior golf. Golfers are generous; we just need guidance on where to direct our kindness. The event at Western Hills was inspired by the Industry Hills Women’s Golf Club. A few years ago, Industry Hills held a challenge between Western Hills women’s players. We had a blast; the fellowship was special, and we knew Western Hills needed to help carry on Deb’s legacy. Thus, Western Hills Head Pro Lance Peterson and Executive Director Mike Donavan helped us plan our Deb Long Challenge. This year, 136 women golfers gathered to raise money for the Junior Golf Foundation scholarships. LPGA Players Lee Lopez and Lizette Salas were on-site to share their stories. The support has been spectacular. Our Western Hills women have been amazing in their willingness to give their time and numerous donations. Halle Provost, Susan Park, Hae Young Kim, Faith Pearce, Camille Mahlknecht and the entire SCGA organization have been instrumental in creating an event that is both successful and replicable for other clubs to follow.
Q: What would you like other women in golf to know?
It takes work and help from our friends to run an event like the Deb Long Drive Challenge. However, the size of the event doesn’t matter; what matters is that you are doing something to grow the game. Deb Long believed in helping others—let our kindness help Deb’s legacy continue for generations.
View photos from the 2024 Deb Long Challenge here.