Mission Statement

The Los Angeles County Junior Golf Program (LACJGP) exists to provide today’s youth with an opportunity to experience the game of a lifetime. Our County staff is committed to creating and maintaining a golf program geared to introducing youngsters to County facilities and exposing them to valuable life skills such as integrity, honor, dedication and commitment.

History

The LACJGP originated in November of 2001. Initial funding of $270,000 was provided by Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor Don Knabe. The funds provided were used for all start up costs, including all necessary golf equipment, programming and two years of the Director’s salary. An additional $75,000 from the Supervisor was added at the end of the second fiscal year for continuation of the program. The Supervisor was also instrumental in acquiring the donation of a 15-passenger van, donated by the Cerritos Auto Square Association.

In September of 2002, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation initiated lease agreements with the lessees at all 17 County Golf Courses. These lease agreements secured a $1 fee from every Tournament Round of golf played at County Golf Courses. This $1 fee is deposited into a separate account and is used solely for the LACJGP. Approximately $90,000 in Tournament Rounds is deposited annually.

Programming

The LACJGP is a year round program. The program offers free golf lessons to juniors, 18 and under. Weeklong after school and summer programs as well as one day clinics are offered. The program travels to all five Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Districts, including 17 golf course properties.

In our first year of programming, over 500 juniors received lessons. The second year, over 900 participated. Our third year, over 1,100 joined the program.

The LACJGP is currently expanding and will also offer junior golf tournaments throughout the County. The initial goal of the tournament package is to offer one tournament in each Supervisor’s District, with the top finishers in each tournament being invited to play in the Los Angeles County Junior Golf Championship. This final event will rotate each year to a different Supervisor’s District.

Programming Goals

Initial programming goals included the recruitment of new players to the game, basic beginner instruction and introduction to rules, etiquette and competition. Our Department believes that many juniors have not been afforded the opportunity to experience the game of golf and has continued to provide a unique experience for all juniors, at no cost to them.

Staffing

The LACJGP employs one full time position, Mike McMonegal, Program Director. Mr. McMonegal was hired into the Department after working 14 years as a golf professional at Lakewood Golf Course. His extensive background in junior golf programs and tournaments has led to a great start for the program.

Golf instructors (coaches) are hired on a part-time basis for the program. Each weeklong program requires 5 to 7 instructors, depending on the number of juniors that are participating. The Program Director is responsible for overall management of the program which includes administration, hiring, scheduling, training and evaluation. All equipment purchases for the program and the instructors (coaches) are paid through the Junior Golf Account, which receives its funding from the $1 golf tournament fee.

Our Logo

The logo consists of a green, the sun and the flag with the number 306. The 306 represents the total number of golf holes at all 17 County properties, 19 different golf courses.

Currently, a junior golfer could play all 306 holes of weekday golf for a total price of $85, an average of $4.47 per round.