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Junior golf tournaments typically cost families thousands of dollars each year. Entry fees alone range from $25 to $65 per event. Add equipment, travel, and instruction, and the bill climbs to $10,000-$20,000 annually. Many talented children never get the chance to compete due to these barriers. Scottie Scheffler and his wife, Meredith, are changing that equation entirely. The world No. 1 golfer partnered with the Northern Texas PGA Foundation to create the Randy Smith Tour. It launches in spring 2026, and every single event will be entirely free for kids ages 6-12. The tour bears the name of Randy Smith, Scheffler’s coach since age six and a PGA Hall of Famer. Smith has taught hundreds of players over five decades at Royal Oaks Country Club. However, this honor left him genuinely moved. “I’m humbled and grateful that they want to pay that forward,” Smith said in the official announcement. “I am beyond excited about the countless kids that will be introduced to the game through this new addition.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The tour represents a full-circle moment for the Scheffler family. Back in 2003, Scottie’s parents actually borrowed money to join Royal Oaks so their son could train with Smith. They made this sacrifice without telling young Scottie until years later. Smith immediately spotted something special in the 7-year-old. “And this little kid is making swings that are the same swing every time,” Smith recalled, recognizing Scheffler’s rare talent. “I watched him hit balls, and within 15-20 minutes, I had that a-ha moment.” That initial observation sparked a partnership that would transform both their lives. Scottie went on to play 136 NTPGA junior tournaments from 2002 to 2010. He won 74 of them—nearly 60% of his starts. The competitive experience shaped his future success, but so did Smith’s philosophy. “This tour is about giving kids the same gift Randy gave me,” Scottie explained. “He taught me that golf is about more than just scores. It’s about character, respect, and the people who help you along the way.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Meredith Scheffler joined as a full partner in creating the tour. Together, they established a lasting endowment alongside Dr. Bill Blair to ensure future generations can participate. The tour will start with 10-12 events across East, North, and West Texas. By 2027, it is expected to expand to 20-25 events annually. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Coach Randy Smith’s legacy in shaping PGA Tour stars Smith started The Great 108 fundraiser back in 1983. This yearly event has now raised more than $2.3 million for junior golf initiatives in Northern Texas. However, his impact extends far beyond fundraising numbers. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Mark Harrison, CEO of the Northern Texas PGA, explained Smith’s unique role. “Randy’s fingerprints are all over our Foundation and have been for more than four decades,” Harrison noted. “He’s been the connective tissue behind so many relationships and milestones that help define who we are today.” Smith introduced Justin Leonard to the NTPGA as their first Junior Tour spokesperson nearly 30 years ago. Leonard won the 1997 Open Championship after training with Smith. Smith also connected the foundation with Fin Ewing III, whose Ewing Automotive partnership has powered the junior tour for 20 years. About a decade ago, Smith brought in Dr. Bill Blair. The Growth of the Game Pavilion now carries both their names: the Randy Smith & Dr. Bill Blair Who’s Next Pavilion. The Randy Smith Tour adds a crucial entry point to the existing NTPGA structure. The foundation hosts nearly 500 events annually for 4,000 junior golfers aged 7-19. This new tour targets younger kids with par-3 courses, team formats, and trained high school golfers as mentors. Parents can watch but cannot caddie. Every round ends with ice cream celebrations for participants and families. “When I think of Randy, I think of junior golf,” Harrison concluded. “It is only fitting that our new tour bears his name.”
