The Southern California PGA (SCPGA) is gearing up for a historic milestone this year as it prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024. Founded in 1924, the SCPGA has played a pivotal role in shaping the golfing landscape of Southern California, currently boasting 1,693 PGA Golf Professionals spread across 509 facilities in a sprawling geographic area.
Reflecting on a century of excellence, SCPGA President Eric Lohman remarked, “We reflect not just on the passing of a hundred years but also on the enduring legacy that our members have meticulously crafted.”
The SCPGA’s journey began with the collaborative efforts of 25 visionary charter clubs and PGA members, who officially signed the Section Charter on November 3rd, 1924, in Los Angeles. These clubs and professionals laid the cornerstone for a century of golfing excellence, with their legacy continuing to influence the association’s mission and values.
The SCPGA is not merely an organization but a collective force dedicated to excellence and innovation in the game of golf. Since its inception, the SCPGA has evolved into a multifaceted organization, serving as a nexus for competitive play, educational seminars, and community impact through the SCPGA Foundation. The Section is spread across five geographical Chapters, each playing a vital role in promoting growth and enrichment within their respective regions.
The SCPGA Junior Tour was established in 1948 and stands as a testament to the association’s commitment to nurturing talent and growing the game we love. Creating a rich history of alumni who have moved on to the professional stage, such as Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Patrick Cantlay, Lizette Salas, Collin Morikawa, Rose Zhang, and countless others. The Junior Tour has become one of the largest and most respected junior golf programs in the country, hosting over 440 tournaments annually across Southern California.
Since 1989, the SCPGA Foundation has made significant contributions and been a force in the community, supporting initiatives such as ClubsForeYouth®, PGA Jr. League, and PGA HOPE, which benefit in-need youth and veterans alike.
Looking ahead to the centennial celebration, SCPGA Executive Director/CEO Nikki Gatch, PGA, expressed pride in the association’s legacy and the commitment of its members. “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,” said Gatch.
The SCPGA’s centennial celebration will feature numerous Section tournaments and functions hosted at the founding charter club venues, showcasing the association’s enduring legacy and commitment to golf excellence and community impact.
As the SCPGA embarks on this centennial year and this significant milestone, golf enthusiasts are invited to join in celebrating 100 years of golf excellence, community impact, and continued dedication to the sport of golf. With a century of achievements behind it, the SCPGA looks forward to shaping the future of golf in Southern California for generations to come.
