News - Morton Golf Foundation

Morton Golf Foundation Junior Golfer, Sophia Lee Qualifies for 2025 U.S. Women’s Open

Fairfield’s own Sophia Lee, a proud junior golfer of the Morton Golf Foundation junior programs, continues to make waves in the world of golf. The 18-year-old standout has officially qualified for the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, set for May 28–June 1 at Erin Hills in Wisconsin.

Sophia earned her spot by delivering a stellar performance at the U.S. Open Qualifier hosted at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento. Facing a competitive field of 84 players, she shot an impressive 67-70—137 (5-under), finishing third and securing one of only three qualifying spots.

Local golf fans will remember Sophia not only as the 2024 State Fair Junior Tournament champion but also as a regular on the Sacramento Golf Council’s junior circuit over the past six years. As a longtime participant in Morton Golf Foundation programs, Sophia honed both her golf skills and life skills, growing into one of the Sacramento region’s brightest young golf talents.

“Watching Sophia develop from a young junior golfer into a U.S. Women’s Open qualifier is exactly why the Morton Golf Foundation exists,” said Foundation Representative. “Her success reflects her talent and determination, but also the community that has supported her journey.”

Sophia has verbally committed to Sacramento State University to play on the Women’s Golf Team. But first, she’ll compete on one of the biggest stages in golf at Erin Hills, carrying with her the pride and support of the entire Morton Golf Foundation family.

Congratulations, Sophia — we’re all cheering you on!

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 Presents Morton Golf Foundation With Appreciation Award

PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) recently presented the Morton Golf Foundation with an Appreciation Award.

Three Men and One Woman stand holding framed American Flag

Suzy Schneider, Programs Manager for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), Northern California was invited to speak at a Morton Golf Foundation Board of Directors meeting. Suzy was keeping our board members abreast of all the wonderful golf education that was offered to Veterans in our area.

When Suzy finished telling us how powerful PGA HOPE was with their accomplishments the board voted to give PGA HOPE the money to purchase an adaptive cart for local veterans to use while playing golf. An adaptive cart is the difference between a Veteran with any disability and the chance to play or not play the game.

Morton Golf Foundation is immensely proud of the relationship with PGA HOPE knowing we are helping Veterans in every branch everywhere.

Continued good luck to PGA HOPE as they add more Veterans to their program and grow this wonderful game of golf.

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.

In Loving Memory of Ted Ghallagher, Morton Golf Foundation Volunteer

Teddy Ray Gallagher was born on May 27, 1943, in Oregon. He was the third child born to Ray and Dorothy Gallagher.

The family moved to Ducor, California, and later Aptos, California, after Ted graduated high school. While living in Aptos, Ted attended Cabrillo Junior College for two years. After college, Ted went to work for Wonder World department stores. He became the supervisor for the jewelry, camera, and luggage departments for stores from Fresno to Redding.

Ted met Mary while she was working at the jewelry department in the Redding Wonder World store, and they began to date. Ted left his supervisor position to join the Technicolor company until he and Mary decided to open their own jewelry store, T & M, in San Jose, California.

On June 28th, 1969, Ted and Mary were married in Redding, CA. Ted returned to Technicolor, later bought out by Kodak, and the two moved to Sacramento to start their family. Ryan O’Shea Gallagher was born on September 12th, 1977, and Sean Christian Gallagher came two years later, on September 4, 1979.

Ted’s days were spent working for Kodak in various Raley’s and Bel Air store branches and watching the boys play several sports, from soccer and swimming to tennis and golf. Ted was known for being the guy everyone loved; he put together yearly golf tournaments that were not only successful in raising money, but from all the stories we’ve heard, all who attended had a lot of fun!

Ted had a passion for photography. He could be seen taking pictures at family functions, weddings, holiday parties, and one of his favorites, Grant High School football games. He had a unique way of capturing beauty in all his subjects, leading to memories that could be cherished forever.

After retiring from Kodak, Ted worked for a local senior newspaper and started volunteering for the Junior Golf Program at Haggin Oaks Golf Course. Later, Ted’s grandchildren, Aubrey and Connor Gallagher, would join the program leading to the entire family’s love of golf.

Golf would take center stage for the years to follow. He would be joined by Mary, the boys, and the grandchildren. He had a standing golf date on Mondays and Thursdays with friends at Haggin Oaks, and he organized a monthly tournament for a group of fellow NCGA members.

On Monday, November 11, 2024, Ted passed away in his home surrounded by family. Before he passed, he made the selfless decision to donate his body to the UC Davis Body Donation program.

Ted is survived by his wife Mary (Healey) Gallagher, son, Sean {Cassie) Gallagher, his grandchildren, Aubrey, Connor and Nettie. He was preceded in death by his son Ryan.

2nd Annual Trick or Treat at Haggin Oaks on October 26, 2024

The 2nd annual trick or treat held at Haggin Oaks was attended by over 150 families!

Under beautiful sunny skies Haggin Oaks was turned into a scary haunted Halloween theme by the guidance of Brandy Legay, Food & Beverage Assistant Manager at Haggin Oaks.

Thanks to Morton Golf Foundation volunteers who helped at the 10 candy sites greeting and handing out candy to the little ghosts and goblins. “Trick or Treat” could be heard far and wide over the golf course.

Special activities were set-up near the candy sites. Families were able to stop and spend time having fun before moving on to the next site.

The fun started with 9-holes of free mini-golf on the MacKenzie Putting Course. Then the families proceeded to a coloring station, putting through carved out pumpkin’s along with several photo stops by the 4 “very scary” decorated golf carts.

It was fun to see how creative the families were with their costume selections. The Super Hero definitely won that category.

The buzz as the afternoon ended was families already taking about what their costume will be for next year.

Happy Halloween & see you there!

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.