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

You’ve probably heard stories about the younger 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. Perhaps you’ve seen images of Scheffler sitting and watching, quietly, like Colt Knost or Justin Leonard hit shot after shot from the sand.

The newest version of Scheffler was a regular at Royal Oakspassionate as can be about golf, and studying under the tutelage of the coach he still employs today: Randy Smith. Smith has coached a long list of pros in the Dallas area, but none of them like Scheffler, the undisputed best golfer in the world, who has decided to give back big time.

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

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

Scheffler teased one of the intriguing elements of this tournament in that quote. The tournament is not about competition nor about keeping score, but rather about teamwork, learning the rules and fundamentals 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 tournament is to provide a joyful step into the game where every child feels welcome, supported and celebrated.”

The first season of the game will include 10 to 12 tournaments where participants will be grouped into four-player teams, with high school players leading the game. By 2027, the hope is to grow the tournament to 20 events or more.

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