Our Mission

Junior Golf University was founded as a non-profit organization in 2008 as a means for stewarding young people interested in the game of golf. From the outset our vision has been to provide world-class golf education and playing opportunities to these youth.

Our mission as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is to educate, promote and nurture youth through the game of golf. To that end we:

- Educate youth by providing a unique curriculum, teaching golf-specific history, rules,
  etiquette, agronomy, fitness, club-fitting and all aspects of the golf swing.
- Promote the game and junior golfers by offering fun and competitive team tournament
  formats.
- Nurture young people of all socio-economic backgrounds, using golf as a platform to
  instill leadership and life skills.

History

In 2008, Junior Golf University (JGU) was established by John Souza, PING WRX Director at PING Golf. As a parent and member at Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix, Arizona, Souza was asked by the club to create a more comprehensive golf program for juniors. Starting with the fundamentals, JGU provided junior golfers at Moon Valley with classroom and on-course instruction pertaining to the sport’s history, rules, etiquette, agronomy, fitness, club fitting and the golf swing.
 
As a result, the participants at Moon Valley learned the fundamentals of the game and were eager to have a competitive aspect added to the program. Therefore, in 2009, the Arizona Junior Interclub Series was created which is now the PING Junior Interclub (PJI). The PJI functions as a graduate-level program within the original curriculum.

Leadership and Management Team

Since its inception, Junior Golf University has been led by three board members. Souza, current Executive Director, is responsible for the execution of daily operations as well as the development and expansion of the organization. Additional leadership is provided by Rod Tomita and Lou Beebe.

Tomita, Moon Valley member and JGU's Secretary and Treasurer, is an experienced business professional with a strong background in finance. Beebe, a former Arizona Men's State Champion, has worked at PING for 36 years. He is regarded as one of the foremost club experts in the world. Beebe's knowledge of working with youth is invaluable.

Board of Directors:

- John Souza, Executive Director

- Rod Tomita, Secretary and Treasurer

- Lou Beebe

In addition, a strong Advisory Committee, comprised of golf-specific business professionals and tour-level players has been established to provide guidance as JGU expands. Committee members are listed below:

- Phil Green- OB Sports, President

- Melissa Luellen- Arizona State University Women's Golf Coach

- Cricket Musch- Nike, Sports Marketing Director of College and Amateur Golf

- Ted Purdy- PGA Tour Player

- Dan Quayle- Former Vice President of the United States of America

- John Solheim- PING, Chairman and CEO

- Scott Sullivan- PING, Player Development Manager

- Matt Thurmond- University of Washington Men's Golf Coach

- Kirk Triplett- PGA Tour Player

- Bubba Watson- PGA Tour Player