Scottie Scheffler’s latest gesture is a nod to his roots

You’ve probably heard stories about the youngest version of Scottie Scheffler, who wore pants to junior golf events — even in 100-degree heat — because he wanted to look more like a pro. You may have seen the footage of Scheffler sitting silently as Colt Knost or Justin Leonard fired shot after shot from the sand.

The youngest version of Scheffler was a regular at Royal Oaks, as enthusiastic as can be about golf, and studied under the tutelage of the coach he still employs today: Randy Smith. Smith taught a long list of pros in the Dallas area, but none were like Scheffler, the undisputed best golfer in the world, who has decided to give back in a big way.

Last week, the North Texas PGA announced the creation of the Randy Smith Tour for junior golfers in the Dallas area. It will serve as a new entry-level entry into junior golf in the area for ages 6 to 12 and admission will be free as a result of the NTPGA’s partnership with Scottie and Meredith Scheffler.

“This tour is about giving children the same gift Randy gave me,” Scheffler said in a press release. “He taught me that golf is more than just scores. It’s about character, respect and the people who help you along the way. That’s the legacy Meredith and I want to pass on. We’re proud to help start the Randy Smith Tour.”

Scheffler teased one of the intriguing elements of this tour in that quote. The tour is not about competition or keeping score, but about teamwork, learning rules and the basics of tournament golf. It is “modeled after the values ​​that defined the Scheffler family’s own journey in junior golf” and “the mission of this tour is to provide a joyful entry into the game, where every child feels welcome, supported and celebrated.”

The first season of play will include 10 to 12 tournaments where participants are grouped into teams of four players, with high school golfers presiding over the game. The hope is that the tour will grow to twenty events or more by 2027.

“This is kind of where it all started,” Smith said. “Scottie and his family are proof that when kids are surrounded by support, great things can happen. I’m humbled and grateful that they want to do that, and I’m beyond excited for the countless kids who will be introduced to the game through this new addition to the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour.”

The Tour’s gorgeous logo (below) is a cartoon image of Smith and Scheffler from decades ago, when they started working together. Perhaps the best part: each event ends with an ice cream party for participants and their families.