A new, free golf tour for children ages 6-12 is being created by the Northern Texas PGA Foundation, in partnership with World No. 1-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler and his wife, Meredith.
It’s appropriately named the Randy Smith Tour, in honor of the Royal Oaks pro emeritus and PGA of America Hall of Famer who has taught Scottie Scheffler since age 6 and has mentored hundreds of players during the past five decades.
The tour is scheduled to start late in the spring of 2026 and will be a newly created level of the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour. Initially there will be 10-to-12 events across East Texas, North Texas and West Texas, growing to 20-to-25 events starting in 2027.
The Randy Smith Tour will be in addition to the almost 500 Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour events the Foundation already runs each year for kids ages 6-19.
From Thursday’s NTPGA news release:
A Tour Built on Values
The Randy Smith Tour is not about competition at this entry level of our Junior Tour; it is about fun, family, and mentorship. Modeled after the values that defined the Scheffler family’s own journey in junior golf, the mission of this tour is to offer a joyful step into the game, where every child feels welcomed, supported, and celebrated. The Randy Smith Tour aims to deliver mentorship and shared experiences.
“This tour is about giving kids the same gift Randy gave me,” said Scottie Scheffler, three-time Ryder Cup team member, four-time major championship winner and former Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour member. “He taught me that golf is about more than just scores. It’s about character, respect, and the people who help you along the way. That’s the legacy that Meredith and I are excited to pass on. We are proud to help start the Randy Smith Tour.”
Tour Highlights
No charge to play
Ages 6-12, divided into age groups (6-9 and 10-12 for boys and girls)
Par-3 courses utilizing 6 or 9-hole formats
4-player teams (play your own ball)
Trained high school golfers to guide each group teaching etiquette, safety, introductory rules and sportsmanship
Events emphasize fun, learning, and the basics of tournament golf
Parents are invited and encouraged to spectate, but they are not permitted to caddie
Non-competitive “stamp scoring” system celebrating effort and teamwork
End-of-round ice cream celebrations for every participant and their family
“This is about where it all began,” said Randy Smith, PGA Head Professional Emeritus at Royal Oaks Country Club. “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 that forward, and I am beyond excited about the countless kids that will be introduced to the game through this new addition to the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour.”
“Randy’s fingerprints are all over our Foundation and have been for more than four decades. He’s been the connective tissue behind so many relationships and milestones that help define who we are today,” said Mark Harrison, CEO of the Northern Texas PGA. “In 1983, he started a yearly fundraiser that has raised more than $2.3M for our growth of the game initiatives. Randy then introduced us to Justin Leonard, our first Junior Tour spokesperson nearly 30 years ago, and to Fin Ewing III, whose partnership through Ewing Automotive has powered both the Ewing Charity Classic and our Junior Tour for 20 years. About a decade ago, Randy also connected us with Dr. Bill Blair, whose impact on our Foundation has been extraordinary. The Growth of the Game Pavilion on our campus is the Randy Smith & Dr. Bill Blair Who’s Next Pavilion. Along with Scottie and Meredith, Dr. Blair was instrumental in helping us endow this new level of our Junior Tour. When I think of Randy, I think of junior golf. It is only fitting that our new tour bears his name.”