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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!

2nd Annual AJGA “Sacramento Junior Championship Presented by Morton Golf Foundation

The 2^nd Annual AJGA Sacramento Junior Championship, Presented by Morton Golf Foundation, was held from April 17 to 20 and was a huge success!

Evan Liu from Rancho Santa Fe, CA won the Overall Winner and Boys Championship with an impressive minus 16.

Victoria Cui from Atherton, CA was the Girls Champion with a score of minus 12.

These are very impressive scores from these juniors!

The skies were shining bright with mild temperatures all week. There was a full field of 96 junior from the ages of 12 – 19 from all over the world.

We are already planning for April 2 – 5, 2026 next year.

Hope to see you there!

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.

LIVE from Pebble Beach at The PURE Championship

LIVE from Pebble Beach at PURE Championship

Once a year the PGA Champions TOUR partners with the First Tee juniors from Chapters across the country.

This year, five juniors were selected from the First Tee – Greater Sacramento to play in this event. They were Sahil Nathoo, Abigail Lin, Gianna Singh, Ish Sodhi, Hannah Stouder.

On Saturday they play once again with their chosen PGA Pro hoping to make the cut so they can play again on Sunday.

Every junior player said the same thing when asked if they were having a good week at Pebble Beach, “This is as close as I have been to playing on the PGA TOUR.” They are all living their golf dream.

L5 Investments Capital Cup 2024 Final

The 10th Annual L5 Investments Capital Cup was held September 13-15, 2024

Jane Siebers, Tom Morton and Mike Woods hold Capital Cup Check for Morton Golf Foundation after tournament

For the past 10 years 32 golfers from our Greater Sacramento have come together to play 3 days of golf to raise money for the charity of their choice.

Morton Golf Foundation is proud to have our President, Tom Morton playing for the Morton Golf Foundation. These players play 3 days straight in a Ryder Cup format with the winning team playing for an additional $100,000.00 split between the 16 team players.

This year Tom Morton along with the Morton Golf Foundation raised $137,439.00 going directly back to local youth, adaptive and underserved.

Since the inception this event has raised $18,105,209.00.

This year alone these 32 players have raised $2,626,522.00!

The 2025 goal is set at raising over $20million for the total 11 years.

Next year the date for the 11th Annual Capital Cup is set for September, 2025. Looking forward to growing our charity along with this event.

Special Olympics Golf Regionals Held at Haggin Oaks on September 13, 2024

Nearly 500 athletes and their caregivers gathered at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex for a day of fun, and skill-building, and camaraderie at the Special Olympics Golf Regionals.

For the past fourteen years Morton Golf Foundation has been a key sponsor of Special Olympics Golf Regionals at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex.

This year, nearly 500 Special Olympics Athletes & their caregivers showed up with a positive attitude knowing they were going to spend a fun morning at the golf course.

Several athletes arrived early to play golf on MacKenzie Golf Course along with a separate group playing a Shotgun scramble on Arcade Creek Golf Course. While they were playing on the course the remaining athletes went to the back of the range to showcase their golf skills. There were 5 different skills stations set up with over 30 Morton Golf Foundation volunteers guiding them through their contest.

The morning ended with the Haggin Oaks famous burger bar to enjoy while they cheered on each Athlete as they received their metal.

Several volunteers have already approached us to make sure they stay on our volunteer list for next year. The first time we ask them and from then on, the volunteers ask us to help.

This event is always our best event of the year as we all believe that the Special Olympics Athletes are the real winners. Thanks for everyone’s support & we look forward to seeing you back next September.

Where Are They Now? Cameron Champ

Cameron Champ came to Morton Golf Foundation when he was a Junior in High School looking for funding. His thoughts were to play in International golf tournaments to increase his awareness for his future to play on the PGA TOUR. The rest is history. . .

Cameron Champ and his caddy looking at green

Cameron, now 29 years old graduated from Texas A & M, is married & resides in Houston, TX.

He just finished his 2nd round in the Barracuda Championship with 2 days to go with a score of 20 as they play the Stableford method.

Sacramento, his hometown continues to cheer him and on & wish him well in his PGA TOUR future.

4th Annual Sacramento Valley Women’s Amateur Championship

Muggy skies and 100 degree temperatures couldn’t stop this electric 2-day women’s golf competition.

As this women’s tournament continues to grow each year, this year kicked off with a field of 61 players.

The final group was Kaylyn Noh, Sienna Lyford & Sneha Sharan.

Sienna Lyford poses with her family in front of a golf cart outside the Haggin Oaks Pro Shop.

Sneha Sharan poses with a male friend on the gravel area near the Haggin Oaks scoreboard.

Kaylyn Noh won the overall 1st Place with a 5-under at 139.

Kaylyn Noh was a Morton Golf Foundation College scholarship winner in 2021. She graduated from Rocklin High School & went on to Cal Poly to play golf her Freshman year. She then transferred on to CAL Berkeley for her Sophomore & Junior year. This fall, Kaylyn will enter her Senior year at CAL Berkeley & will graduate in 2025 with a degree in Law Studies.

Kaylyn Noh and Mike Woods posing for the camera after Kaylyn's victory. Kaylyn is holding the glass trophy for the Sacramento Valley Women's Amateur Championship.

Congratulations to Kaylyn and we wish her good luck in her golf & final year at CAL.

We look forward to seeing her back at this event next July to defend her 1st Place Title!

Golf & Guitars XVI

Big names, great people, and a good cause—what better two days could country music fans ask for?

Last week was the annual Golf & Guitars country music festival at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. For two days, country music stars and fans descended upon the course for one heckuva shindig and raise money for a good cause!

On Monday, VIP Golf & Guitars ticketholders were treated to dinner and an intimate evening with several country music songwriters. Before the musicians took the stage, the Morton Golf Foundation announced their 2024 scholarship winners. Once the presentation was over, it was finally time for the country music to begin.

Artists came out in groups of 4, each playing their own songs and assisting the other musicians on stage. Among those featured were Chris Roberts, Craig Wayne Boyd, Johnny & Heidi Bulford, Erin Enderlin, Mae Estes, Amanda Gray, Elena Jane, Austin Jenckes, Lauren Mascetti, Kevin Post, Kennedy Scott, and Scott Stepakoff.

A wide shot of the Singer/Songwriter Night dinner outside the Haggin Oaks Pavilion. In the distance is the empty stage for Golf & Guitars.

The 12 scholarship winners in attendance at the Singer/Songerwriter night are holding their giant checks with their scholarship amounts. They are smiling and looking at the camera.

Tuesday started at 9am with the annual Golf & Guitars charity golf tournament. After mingling with fans before the opening ceremony, the players all hit the links to raise money to benefit charities of their own choosing.

Like always, fans were welcome on the course during the tournament as spectators. There were groups set up on holes, ready to collect their favorite musician’s signatures as they played through. Many of the players took the time to stop and talk with their fans and thank them for coming out (or snap a selfie or two!). The mood was lively, welcoming, intimate, and above all else—fun!

Jason Michael Carroll and members of PGA Hope are being interviewed by Molly Riehl from Good Day Sacramento. The man being interviewed is in a wheelchair while looking at the camera, Molly and Jason are laughing at a joke he made.

That mood carried well on through the day, all the way to the main event. At 5:30pm, bands took the stage to perform. For nearly 5 hours straight, live country music rocked from the stage. Nothing could stop this party—not even a little unexpected rain!

Cripple Creek Band on the main Golf & Guitars concert stage. Behind them is a large sign that reads 'NEW COUNTRY'.

A wide-shot from the audience's perspective of the main show stage. The crowd is packed and the sun is peeking over the trees, causing a lens flare.

Of course, Golf & Guitars is a charity event and the true winners were the charities benefitting from the event. During the main concert, Jason Michael Carroll and KNCI radio hosts Tom and Cody presented a special gift to members of PGA Hope, a non-profit organization that helps wounded veterans. Each PGA Hope member in attendance received a custom PING Hooferlite bag and roaring applause from the crowd. The Northern California PGA also received a $29,000 check for an adaptive cart that their program highly needed.

Next, it was time to announce the winners of the golf tournament. In 5th place was Mae Estes, winning $2,500 for Creativets. Tied for second place were Kennedy Scott, Erin Enderlin, and Eric Gunderson, winning $4,000 for Rahab House, Songwriting with Soldiers, and Augie’s Quest respectively. In first place was Chris Roberts, winning $6,000 to keep the Apollo Middle School Choir’s program.

Members of the Northern California PGA smiling while holding a giant check for $29,000 to pay for an adaptive cart.

Jason Michael Carroll on stage with the PGA Hope members in attendance at the event, all with the PING Hooferlite bags they have been given.

With its sixteenth year behind it, Golf & Guitars has raised nearly $2 million dollars for charity since it’s inception. It is a wonderful event that both musicians and fans are proud to be a part of and this year was no different.

Make sure to follow Golf & Guitars on Facebook to learn when Golf & Guitars XVII will be!

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