Community Outreach Archives - Morton Golf Foundation

Hiram Johnson High School — Life & Golf Skills Facility

December 10, 2025 Update

On a very cold Wednesday morning, December 10th, 2025, two of our local Middle Schools planned a field trip for their students that are interested in golf to the Hiram Johnson Life & Golf Skills Facility on campus at Hiram Johnson High School.

These students came from A.M. Winn Middle School in Rancho Cordova and Will C. Wood Middle School from the Lemon Hill area. Each school brought approximately twenty-five students that are interested to see what the game of golf is and will they like to continue it in their future.

We were told that Will C. Wood Middle School has enough interest from their students after attending a previous field trip to start their own golf team in 2026.

In our Greater Sacramento area there are seven Middle Schools that have an interest in creating a golf team where they can compete against each other. This will get these golf students ready to play golf on their High School teams and opportunities to earn College Scholarships in their future.

Mike Firpo, Director of Programs is our Lead Representative from the First Tee – Greater Sacramento. He invited Nathan Oltmanns, Athletic Director from Hiram Johnson High School to join us to discuss how successful the past two years have been and how we can improve into our future. Nathan Oltmanns has hopes in the future to have the First Tee – Greater Sacramento help teach golf during the students assigned physical education classes. The Hiram Johnson High School golf team is already enjoying the opportunity to hold their practices at this beautiful facility.

Thanks to everyone for their support and watch for more updates coming in 2026.

2025 L5 Investments Capital Cup: Raising $2.7 Million for Sacramento Nonprofits

The 2025 L5 Investments Capital Cup, held from September 12-14, brought together 32 local golfers for four months of fundraising, each supporting a charity of their choice. True to tradition, 100% of all donations go directly back to nonprofits making a difference in the Greater Sacramento area.

Since its inception 11 years ago, the Capital Cup has raised over $20 million, supporting more than 90 regional charities. This year’s event alone contributed an impressive $2.7 million, reinforcing the tournament’s reputation as one of Sacramento’s most impactful philanthropic events.

A Unique Blend of Competition and Charity

Unlike traditional charity events, the Capital Cup ensures that nearly all funds raised go directly to the supported nonprofits. Each participant invests $2,800 to play, with their individual fundraising efforts dedicated to their chosen charities. This model has helped the Capital Cup become the second-largest fundraiser in the Sacramento region, second only to the Big Day of Giving.

The tournament’s format includes three days of competitive golf at prestigious local courses:

Day One: Modified two-person alternating shot at Northridge Country Club
Day Two: Two-man best ball at Del Paso Country Club
Day Three: Individual match play at Granite Bay Golf Club

Tom Morton and Uri Carrazco: Champions for the Morton Golf Foundation

Among the 32 participants were Tom Morton, President of the Morton Golf Foundation, and Uri Carrazco, both of whom chose the Morton Golf Foundation as their charity of choice. Together, they raised a combined total of $213,000, directly benefiting the foundation’s programs and initiatives.

Celebrating Local Nonprofits

The tournament culminated in an Awards Presentation, where representatives from 32 local nonprofits were honored. These organizations ranging from youth programs to health initiatives, are now empowered to continue their vital work in the community.

Looking Ahead

As the L5 Investments Capital Cup continues to grow, its influence on the Sacramento community becomes more profound. The 2025 event serves as a testament to what can be achieved when individuals come together, combing their passion for golf with a commitment to making a difference.

Golf Fore Health Hot Dog Scramble

The Annual Golf Fore Health Hot Dog Scramble was held on June 25, 2025, at The Haggin Oaks Golf Complex

Golf Fore Health finishes their spring season with another beautiful golf morning at Haggin Oaks.

36 participants along with their Caregivers and Volunteers teed off to enjoy 9-holes of golf on the Arcade Creek Golf Course at Haggin Oaks. The group picture proves that everyone was smiling and couldn’t wait to get on the first tee to enjoy their round.

Golf Fore Health is a program that consists of two 9-week sessions during the months of May, June, September, and October each year. The class spends most of its time on the golf course on Wednesday mornings from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm.

These coaching sessions are for all levels of golfers and is designed around the golfers that want to improve as well as learn the basics.

The participants enjoy the program so much that, in-between sessions Coach Ken Hurdle organizes “Summer School”. This is a way to practice your golf skills with volunteers and leaders every other Monday morning before the start of the next session.

Participants come to “Golf Fore Health” with varied experiences. It does not matter if you are a brand-new golfer or one who has been playing for years there is always space for you to join the group!

All participants are there to enjoy a healthy outdoor recreational experience.

It’s much better to rehabilitate on the golf course instead of in a doctor’s office.

Please join the fun, meet new friends, and improve your golf skills

Just contact Northern California Institute of Golf, inside the Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop or call them at (916) 808-2531 to learn more.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

City Team Wins 6th Annual Capital Golf Challenge

On Friday, June 20th, the 6th Annual Capital Golf Challenge was played in a Ryder Cup Format.

The City Elected Officials played the County Elected Officials, and the City won the match.

All proceeds will go toward the new Hiram Johnson High School Golf & Life Skills Facility.

This is an ongoing annual event that will help students enjoy learning the game of golf and life skills they will be using in their every day life.

Thanks for everyone’s support!

Friend of Morton Golf Foundation Jim Sewell

Starting in 2022 Jim Sewell from Optimist Club of Country Club partnered with Morton Golf Foundation to provide a Back-to-School Giveaway for all the students at Robla Elementary School in Sacramento.

This is a low-income neighborhood that appreciates the community coming together to make their coming school year the best.

On Saturday, August 2^nd Morton Golf Foundation will again join the Optimist Club of Country Club along with several other non-profits within Sacramento to welcome these students back.

The annual give aways provides these families with their necessities offering new shoes, socks, and underwear along with a fresh haircut and health care tips. The local food bank also makes sure each family goes home with enough food to prepare their next meal.

When the families leave Robla Elementary School after these powerful giveaways their family is not only set for the school year ahead but ready to tackle day to day needs.

Jim Sewell is not only a philanthropist but also a golfer.

Today, June 17^th Jim is playing in the 3^rd Annual Sacramento Valley Senior Amateur golf tournament at Haggin Oaks on the Alister MacKenzie Golf Course.

Jim has been playing golf for many years and enjoys the competition along with meeting new friends at each event.

Morton Golf Foundation is very proud of our partnership with Jim and the Optimist Club of Country Club.

We hope there are many years ahead where we can continue to make a difference both on and off the course.

Remembering Our Fallen Soldiers This Memorial Day

PGA HOPE enjoys weekly golf rounds, but this Memorial Day was special when Valorie Gleason, PGA HOPE Team Captain, enjoyed her round with six other Veterans.

Morton Golf Foundation is a PROUD sponsor of PGA HOPE where we Help Our Patriots Everywhere.

PGA HOPE is a flagship military program of PGA Reach and the Northern California PGA Foundation.

This is a golf program taught by PGA and LPGA Professionals that have been trained in adaptive golf & military culture.

PGA HOPE is open to all Veterans and Active Duty service members to enhance their overall physical and mental well-being.

We thanks all veterans from all branches of our military with a huge salute for their service.

“The Putting Party” Plus Morton Golf Foundation Scholarship Winners

The evening of Wednesday, May 14^th, at Haggin Oaks was another glorious night. The winds were down; a few clouds were in the sky, and the excitement was high for the 13^th Annual Morton Golf Foundation “Putting Party” fundraiser.

There were 18 5-person TEAMS created to play in a miniature golf course setting. There were nearly 100 putters on the MacKenzie Putting Green, laughing and enjoying the beautiful evening.

When the putting was complete everyone moved on to the Pavilion tent to enjoy a buffet dinner, a small silent auction, and awards.

The 2025 Morton Golf Foundation College Scholarship WINNERS and their parents were invited to join in the dinner and show the 100 donors that our future leaders were in the room.

Frank LaRosa was the emcee of the event and as he announced each student’s name, he told us where they graduated from and which college they had chosen. Frank read a short quote that each student had written in their scholarship application, telling us a little bit about their personality. When the 20 winners stood before us, we were all so proud, and everyone stood up to clap, knowing our future was in good hands.

Hope to see you next year when there will be new scholarship winners and more leaders on the way.

2025 Morton Golf Foundation Scholarship Winners

This year Morton Golf Foundation awarded 20 educational scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

$12,000.00 CATEGORY:

“Dusel Family Scholarship”

Hannah Stouder $12,000.00 / Christian Brothers /Univ. of NV, Reno
“It was hard work on the golf course that taught me how to move from awareness of a problem to action.”

$6,000.00 CATEGORY:

Ishdeep Sodhi $6,000.00 / Vista del Lago HS/ San Jose State
“Golf is more than a sport. It is a mirror that reflects who you are when things get tough. It conveys how you respond to adversity, how you treat others, and how you carry yourself even when nobody’s looking.”

$4,400.00 CATEGORY:

“Pat Mailey Memorial Scholarship”

Sabina Han $4,400.00 / Vista del Lago HS /Univ. of Pittsburgh
“Golf has shaped me into an active, outgoing person who loves to meet and befriend new people.”

“Kevin Sharp Memorial Scholarship”

Lily McGowen $4,400.00 / Union Mine HS / CSU Northridge
“My ultimate goal is life is to create positive change on my campus, the golf course, and in every community I am a part of.”

“Ava Bolima Memorial Scholarship”

Gwyneth O’Brien $4,400.00 / St. Francis / St. Mary’s College
“I am grateful for the way the core value of perseverance has not only helped me out on the course, but also shaped my approach to facing challenges in other aspects of my life.”

$3,500.00 CATEGORY:

“Valley Hi Women’s Golf Group”

Petra Yee $3,500.00 /Pleasant Grove HS / Williams College
“I was determined to work hard in everything I possibly could because I knew it could open up opportunities for me in the future.”

$2,500.00 CATEGORY:

“Jane & Rob Siebers Community Service Award”

Mason Pham $2,500.00 / Franklin HS / Consumnes River
“Through my experiences with the Morton Golf Foundation, I realized my strengths and found confidence in who I am.”

Marcus Leong $2,500.00 / Vista del Lago HS/ UC San Diego
“The single most impactful experience I’ve had in golf was developing the Par for Life Unified Golf Program. Through this program, I had the opportunity to work with students with disabilities, introducing them to the fundamentals of golf while also helping teach valuable life skills.”

“Sacramento Golf Council”

Aniruddh Mohan $2,500.00 / Mira Loma HS / UC Berkeley
“I have learned significant core values, like integrity and courtesy, which I use on the golf course and will continue to use on a day-to-day basis for the remainder of my life.”

$2,000.00 CATEGORY:

“Scenic View Wines Scholarship”

Matthew Kersting $2,000.00 / Bella Vista HS / UCSB
“I believe my passion, for becoming a better golfer and for becoming a better person, sets me apart from others.”

$1,600.00 CATEGORY:

“Murray Family Charitable Trust”

Avery Sousa $1,600.00 / Elk Grove HS / Chico State
“The game of golf has taught me that the biggest advantage you can give yourself is honesty and integrity, because it is how to see what needs to be approved upon.”

$1,500.00 CATEGORY:

“Western Engineering Contractors Scholarship”

Sophie Cook $1,500.00 / Pleasant GroveHS / CSU Northridge
“I’ve always done so many different sports when I was younger, but nothing has taught me commitment and honesty like golf has.”

$1,000.00 CATEGORY:

“Bosley Electric Company Scholarship”

Iliana Mao $1,000.00 / Laguna Creek HS / Consumnes River
“The core values that I have taken from golf include balance and resilience.”

“David Scott Scholarship”

Sahil Nathoo $1,000.00/ Pleasant Grove HS/ College TBD
“Patience is something golf has instilled in me through both success and failure.”

Jayden Lizama $1,000.00 / Franklin HS / Gonzaga Univ.
“My dream and goal ever since I was a little kid was to be playing on the PGA TOUR and winning a Major.”

Akira Ransi $1,000.00 / Folsom HS / CSU, Fresno
“I choose honesty as the most significant of the core values. I see it as a common denominator that connects to other values.”

Leiah Hicks $1,000.00 / Colfax HS / Santa Barbara City
“One of the greatest skills I have learned from golfing is patience.”

Nicholas Le $1,000.00/ Vista del Lago HS / CSU Fullerton
“Golf has also shown me that anything is possible with genuine dedication and consistent effort.”

Mindy Moore $1,000.00 / Monterey Trail HS / UC Davis
“I am forever grateful I decided to join Golf and thankful for the experiences and new doors it opened for me.”

Justin Wallace $1,000.00 / McClatchy HS / UC Davis
“My role as the team captain was to make everyone feel like they were part of an extended family.”

Congratulations to all of our scholarship winners. We look forward to seeing their continued success!

PGA HOPE Receives Adaptive Cart from Morton Golf Foundation

Last year, Suzy Schneider, Program Manager for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) was asked to speak at a Morton Golf Foundation Board meeting regarding their programs and helping Veterans through the game of golf.

When Suzy ended up telling us all the wonderful things that PGA HOPE does one of our board members asked, “What does PGA HOPE need?”. Suzy answered back, “An adaptive cart to continue to help our wounded Veterans play with everyone else”.

When Suzy left the meeting our board of directors voted to buy PGA HOPE an adaptive cart so they could continue their mission.

Just recently a VertaCat cart was delivered to Swenson Park Golf Course in Stockton because PGA HOPE knows that would be the best location to reach as many wounded veterans as possible.

The founder and creator of the VertaCat adaptive cart is Anthony Netto. He was a huge part in making this happen. He is not only the designer of this cart but also spends his time growing the non-profit “Stand Up and Play” Foundation. Their mission is to give wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges the chance to stand up again, to experience the empowerment of looking someone in the eye, and to experience the freedom to play sports. It’s simple. Their goal is to give as many people as possible the gift of standing up.

Morton Golf Foundation continues to be proud of these relationships as we all grow golfers one player at a time.

The Andy Classic Memorial Golf Tournament Benefiting Junior Golf

Andy Paisal, past Golf Rep for GT Golf and Bag Boy passed away last year. Andy was a recognized junior golfer in the Northern California and well known by Haggin Oaks staff.

His family wanted to remember him for what Andy did best, giving back to junior golf. When Andy was ever asked to support Junior golf, he never said, No. Every time he continued to give back and pay it forward.

Last Friday, October 4^th was Andy’s birthday and that was the day his family chose to remember him in a charity golf tournament called “The Andy Classic”.

The proceeds were given to Morton Golf Foundation who will continue to pass it on to local youth, disabled and underserved throughout the year.

Thanks to Andy as he is still putting smiles on the faces as his good deeds continue.