Scholarships

The Sacramento Golf Council funds annual scholarships for Sacramento area junior golfers who have played in junior tournaments sponsored by the Council. We have partnered with the First Tee of Greater Sacramento and Morton Golf Foundation to use their scholarship award process each year. Donations to support the scholarships may be made at any time by sending a check to our Treasurer, Bob O'Neil, 2320 St. Marks Way, Sacramento, CA 95864. Checks should be made payable to “The Sacramento Golf Council” and include a note to indicate the donation is to support the general scholarship fund or the Peggy Dodds Memorial Scholarship fund.

Scholarship Recipients

2025 - Akira Ransin

Peggy Dodds Memorial Scholarship - $3,000
Akira Ransi graduated from Folsom High School with a 3.93 weighted GPA and has been a part of First Tee — Greater Sacramento for 11 years, beginning with classes at William Land Park before joining our Junior Tour. Akira has given over 80 hours of his time teaching life skills classes to peers before tournaments and representing First Tee as an ambassador at special events, where he shares how the program has shaped his life.

Outside of First Tee, he’s active in his community through volunteer work with the Japanese American Citizens League and the local Buddhist church. Akira had the incredible opportunity to spend three months living in Thailand this past year, exploring the culture and playing golf. He enjoys staying active through spikeball, pickleball, Muay Thai, hiking, and spending time at the lake with friends. This fall, he will attend CSU Fresno to play on the men’s golf team and study Computer Information Systems.

2025 - Fatum Soumahoro

Peggy Dodds Memorial Scholarship - $3,000
Fatum Soumahoro graduated from Vanden High School with a 3.9 weighted GPA and has been part of First Tee — Greater Sacramento for four years, playing on our Junior Tour. She has volunteered her time coaching junior clinics, helping introduce younger players to both golf and life skills.

Outside of First Tee, Fatum has contributed over 50 hours through her Book Club, supporting book drives and helping get books into the hands of kids in need. A dedicated student with a love for both learning and creativity, she enjoys reading and making art in her free time. A unique fact about Fatum—she loves horseback riding along the beach. She will be attending Napa Valley College in the fall to study Political Science.

2025 - Marcus Leong

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship - $2,000
Marcus Leong graduated from Vista del Lago High School with a 4.32 weighted GPA and has been part of First Tee — Greater Sacramento for 11 years. He began at our Will Robins Golf program location and has since been a dedicated Junior Tour participant. Marcus has contributed over 80 volunteer hours, serving as a junior coach for RISE clinics, supporting the local U.S. Kids Tour, teaching life skills to fellow participants, and representing First Tee as a youth ambassador, sharing how the program has shaped his journey.

Beyond the golf course, Marcus has completed over 650 hours of volunteer service. He co-created Par for Life: Unified Golf with Lily McGowan—an adaptive golf program designed to support high school students with disabilities. He’s also an Eagle Scout who led troop activities, mentored younger scouts, and organized impactful community projects. Marcus is NYLT certified and a member of the Order of the Arrow. He has tutored nearly 90 students across 18 countries through both in-person and online instruction, developing lessons and leading group classes. His leadership and passion earned him invitations to the Game Changers Academy and the Innovators Forum.

When he’s not volunteering, Marcus enjoys playing music, lifting weights, diving into physics and chemistry, and playing pickleball. And yes—it’s true—he can fit three and a half hard-boiled eggs in his mouth. Marcus will be attending UC San Diego this fall to study chemical engineering.

2025 - Aniruddh Mohan

Morton Golf Foundation Scholarship sponsored by the SGC - $2,500
Aniruddh Mohan is a 2025 graduate of Mira Loma High School.

After taking time to weigh each of his options, he decided to enroll as an undergraduate freshman at UC Berkeley. He was admitted to their Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology (M.E.T.) Program which will allow him to pursue a double major in Bioengineering and Business Administration. He chose this university since their M.E.T. program will allow him to learn through Cal’s College of Engineering and Haas Business School, which will provide him with the interdisciplinary background necessary to pursue a career in Biotech. Additionally, this program is extremely selective (0.5% acceptance rate), only admitting 50 students each year, which means he will learn alongside some of the world’s brightest students in that career field.

Golf has been a sport for him that enabled him to grow as a leader, community member, and pupil. He has learned significant core values, like integrity and courtesy, which he uses on the golf course and will continue to use on a day-to-day basis for the remainder of his life.

2024 - Garrett Harrison

Peggy Dodds Memorial Scholarship - $3,000
Garrett graduated from Granite Bay High School with a 3.34 GPA. He started in First Tee Greater Sacramento on our Junior Tour 7 years ago. During his time with First Tee, Garrett was selected to play in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, partnering with a great tour pro, Stewart Cink. Together, they placed second overall in the tournament!

Not only does Garrett love to golf, but for fun he loves to ski, play soccer with his friends, and plays in the Club Basketball League. Garrett has committed to play on the Men’s Golf team at Washington State University for the fall of 2024, majoring in Business with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship.

2024 - Andrew Ma

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship - $2,000
Andrew graduated from Pleasant Valley High School, ranked number 1 in his class with a 4.82 GPA. He started playing on our Junior Tour about 5 years ago. He is currently ranked 86th amongst the Class of 2024 on Junior Golf Scoreboard. Outside of golf, Andrew is the Vice President of his Chess Team and has been an avid pianist for over 10 years, playing in several recitals and piano competitions.

Andrew plans on attending UCLA in the fall, majoring in Economics. He plans to use economics as a problem-solving tool to understand and improve human welfare.

2024 - Tavia Burgess

Morton Golf Foundation Scholarship sponsored by the SGC - $2,500
Peggy Dodds Memorial Scholarship - $3,000
Tavia Burgess graduated Granite Bay High School after a successful 4 years on the Golf Team and distinguished herself through her academic excellence in a challenging array of courses. Tavia started golf 10 years ago with the 1st Tee of Greater Sacramento. She has volunteered 80+ hours helping the 1st Tee, from handing out medals, to coaching the 5U players. Tavia represented the 1st Tee by playing in the 2023 Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach and the 1st Tee National Championship. She also played in the U.S. Women’s Amateur qualifier at Briarwood CC in June of 2023 and was in a 3-way playoff. This fall, Tavia will attend Morehead State in Kentucky and play on their D1 golf team with a major in Biology/Medicine to become an Orthodontist.

2023 - Haley Wong

Peggy Dodds Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the SGC - $3000
Haley graduated from Oak Ridge High School with a 4.50 GPA. She started with First Tee – Greater Sacramento 11 years ago in the Little Linkers program. She was selected as one of 24 in the nation for the 2023 Class of First Tee Scholars. Haley has volunteered over 200 hours with the First Tee and attended several national First Tee opportunities. She is a lead member of the Junior Life Skills Coaching Committee and has taught life skills lessons on the First Tee Junior Tour for many years. Outside of golf, Haley is a competitive swimmer and an accomplished pianist. This fall, Haley is planning to attend UCLA, where she will major in biochemistry.

2023 - Kenny Castro

Peggy Dodds Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the SGC - $3000
Kenny recently graduated from Jesuit High School. He has been a member of First Tee – Greater Sacramento since 2008 and is currently Ace level in his life skills. Kenny has been a wonderful volunteer. He has volunteered over 200 hours with the US Kids golf program and over 300 hours with the California Eagles program. Away from golf, Kenny has his own aerial photography business that he enjoys. In the fall, he will be attending and playing golf at the University of Puget Sound. Kenny will major in Engineering and Business.

2023 - Nikki Chindavong

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship - $2000
Nikki graduated as a valedictorian from Angelo Rodriguez High School with a 4.49 GPA. She first started with the First Tee – Greater Sacramento 10 years ago. During that time, she has volunteered over 100 hours, reached the Ace Life Skills level and attended First Tee national opportunities; such as the Pure Insurance Championship and the National Championship. Nikki is a lead member of the Junior Tour Life Skills Coaching Committee. She has taught life skills lessons on the Junior Tour for many years. This fall, Nikki is planning on attending the University of Nevada, Reno. She will major in Psychology with a minor in Business.

2023 - Jennifer Chan

Morton Golf Foundation Scholarship sponsored by the SGC - $2500
Jennifer Chan is a graduate of Inderkum High School. She was very successful as a four-year Varsity player on her golf team. Jennifer also exceled in academics and service. She received the Platinum Honor Roll Award all four years of high school for maintaining a GPA of 4.0+. She also received the Presidential Service Award twice. Jennifer will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and plans on receiving a bachelor degree in Political Science with a minor in English. She is an intern at Chen & Lee Law Firm, which is one of the most diverse law firms in Northern California. As a result of this internship, she has become truly inspired to continue a career in the legal field and believes that UCLA will be the stepping stone in achieving her objective.

2022 - Jack Fidler

Peggy Dodds Memorial Scholarship Award - $1500
Jack graduated from Lincoln High School with a 3.4 GPA. He has been a member of First Tee ─ Greater Sacramento since the age of five. During that time, he has worked diligently on the life skills curriculum to become Ace level. In addition, Jack has volunteered over 135 hours with our programs. He was a lead volunteer with our US Kids Golf program and spoken at several fundraising events. Off the golf course, Jack has been in several theatre productions and participated in his school’s welding program. This fall, Jack plans to attend Sierra College. He will be studying business.

2022 - Carter Jones

Peggy Dodds Memorial Scholarship Award - $1500
Carter graduated from Roseville High School with a 4.3 GPA. He first started with First Tee ─ Greater Sacramento eleven years ago at the age of seven. During that time, he has volunteered with our chapter, reached the Ace Life Skills level, and been chosen to apply for national First Tee opportunities. Carter is a lead member of our Junior Life Skills Coaching Committee and has taught life skills lessons on our Junior Tour for many years. Away from golf, Carter has played competitive soccer and enjoys cycling. This fall, Carter is planning to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he will major in accounting.

2022 - Hannah Harrison

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship Award - $1000
Hannah graduated from Granite Bay High School, where she earned a 3.92 GPA. As a member of First Tee ─ Greater Sacramento for the past eleven years, Hannah has been a member of our Junior Tour and volunteered over 50 hours with our US Kids Golf program, at Junior Tour events, and with fundraising events. Nationally, Hannah was chosen for the 2022 First Tee National Championship, 2021 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, as well as, the 2017 Junior Tour Core Value Award for her outstanding character. In the fall, Hannah will be attending and playing golf at Washington State University, majoring in business.

2022 - Rylie Kosney

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship Award - $1000
Rylie graduated from Sheldon High School with a 4.2 GPA. Rylie joined First Tee ─ Greater Sacramento in 2018 and since that time has been a member of our Junior Tour and volunteered over 120 hours with our US Kids Golf Program. Last year, Rylie was honored with our Core Value Award because of her commitment to our core values in all that she does. In addition to golf, Rylie has been very involved with her church’s youth ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and National Honor Society. This fall, Rylie will attend and play golf for Dalton State in Georgia, where she will major in engineering technology.

2022 - Corina Shaw

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship Award - $1000
While attending Bear River High School, Corina earned a 3.27 GPA. She has been a member of First Tee ─ Greater Sacramento Junior Tour for six years. During that time, in addition to her participation, she has volunteered for our chapter, earned Birdie level in her life skills, and was honored with the 2019 Core Value Award for her outstanding character. Outside of golf, Corina has been involved with her school’s dance team and speech and debate club. This fall, Corina will attend and play golf for William Jessup University, where she will major in criminal justice.

2022 - Logan Green

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship Award - $1000
Logan graduated from Davis High School, where he was involved with student government and earned a 3.9 GPA. He has been a member of our Junior Tour for six years. During that time, he reached the birdie level in his life skills, and was awarded one of our chapter’s highest honors, the 2021 Core Value Award for his impeccable character and commitment to our core values on and off the golf course. This fall, Logan is planning to attend and play golf for UC Davis, where he will major in psychology.

2022 - Connor Bowron

Morton Golf Foundation Scholarship sponsored by the SGC - $2000
Connor Bowron is graduating from Inderkum High School with a 3.95 GPA. As a member of the school's California Early College Academy, Connor has been dual enrolled in high school and junior college courses through American River College. Connor didn't start playing golf until his Freshman year but quickly took up the game thanks to joining Youth on Course, First Tee of Greater Sacramento and Junior GA of Northern California, taking lessons and participating in many tournaments since 2018. Connor went from not making the golf team his freshman year to finishing fifth in the league his senior year. In addition to playing, Connor has also coached youth at Haggin Oaks PGA Summer Camps. Connor has been accepted to attend New Mexico State University's PGA Golf Management Program in the Fall.

2021 - Kaylyn Noh

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship Award - $1000
Kaylyn graduated from Rocklin High School with a 4.06 GPA. She has been a member of First Tee ─ Greater Sacramento since the age of five. During that time, she has worked diligently on the life skills curriculum to become Ace level. In addition, Kaylyn has volunteered over 170 hours with our programs. She was a lead volunteer with our US Kids Golf program and helped make that program a success. In 2020, Kaylyn was awarded the Junior Tour Core Value Award: one of our highest honors. This fall, Kaylyn plans to attend and play golf for California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. She will be studying business.

2021 - Ethan Lu

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship Award - $1000
While attending John F Kennedy High School, Ethan earned a 4.46 GPA. He has been a member of First Tee ─ Greater Sacramento for thirteen years, beginning in our programs at the age of five. During that time, in addition to his participation, he has volunteered over 400 hours with our chapter as a junior coach at Bing Maloney Golf Course and represented our chapter at the 2019 Life Skills & Leadership Academy. In addition, Ethan is a member of our Ace life skills class and plans to complete his Ace project before he leaves for college, a huge accomplishment. This fall, Ethan will attend UC Davis, where he will major in biochemistry.

2021 - Ellie Sand

Sacramento Golf Council Scholarship Award - $1000
Ellie graduated from Oak Ridge High School with a 4.14 GPA. She first started with First Tee ─ Greater Sacramento eleven years ago at the age of seven. During that time, she has volunteered over 125 hours with our chapter, reached the Eagle Certification in her life skills, and been chosen to apply for national First Tee opportunities, including the 2020 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Ellie is a lead member of our Junior Life Skills Coaching Committee and has taught life skills lessons on our Junior Tour for many years, as well as been a lead volunteer with our US Kids Golf program. This fall, Ellie is planning to attend and play golf for Santa Clara University, where she will major in computer science.

2020 - Yusuf Ahmed and Mikaela Paracuelles

While attending Vista del Lago High School, Yusuf earned a 3.52 GPA. Yusuf has been a member of The First Tee for eleven years. During that time, he has volunteered over 100 hours with our chapter, been a life skills teacher, and represented our chapter at several national events. While attending the Life Skills & Leadership Academy, Yusuf was awarded one of First Tee’s highest honors, the Joe Louis Barrow Jr. Outstanding Male Leader Award. This fall, Yusuf will attend and play golf at Folsom Lake College, before transferring to a University where he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.

Mikaela graduated from Vista del Lago High School, where she earned a 3.73 GPA. She has been a member of The First Tee for eight years. Mikaela has volunteered over 100 hours with our chapter, and was a representative for us at the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship. In addition, Mikaela was honored with our 2019 Junior Tour Core Value Award for her outstanding character. In the fall, Mikaela will be playing golf and majoring in biological science at UC Santa Cruz.

2019 - Yena Jang

The 2019 Sacramento Golf Council scholarship awardee is Yena Jang. Yena graduated from Granite Bay High School earning a 4.40 GPA. Yena has played in a number of Golf Council junior tournaments, winning the Girls Overall Championship for the 2018 County Junior Championship. She has been a member of The First Tee of Greater Sacramento (TFTGS) for seven years. Yena has been a lead life skills teacher with the TFTGS chapter and is at Eagle level in her life skills. She is a select member of The First Tee Scholars Class of 2019. In addition, Yena played in the 2018 PURE Insurance Championship where she and playing partner, Duffy Waldorf, tied for 1st place. She will be attending and playing golf at Pomona College, where she will major in biology. Yena plans to go to medical school and is currently interested in becoming a dermatologist.