History of the Optimist Junior Golf Program

The Optimist International Junior Golf Championship is on the most prestigious junior golf tournaments in the world. Since its inception in 1968 as "Junior World Golf", the event has served as a launchpad for many legendary players including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Scottie Scheffler, Jason Day, Billy Horschel, Lexi Thompson, Brittany Lincicome, Nancy Lopez and others.

Originally founded by the San Diego County Junior Golf Association, it became affiliated with Optimist International in 1978 through the action of soon to be Optimist International President Dudley Williams who expanded the tournament's reach and influence. To expand the tournament, Optimist International moved the event to South Florida’s Doral Country Club in 1995 and renamed the event the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. The next year the event moved to PGA National Resort & Spa. Starting in 2019 the tournament moved back to Doral. The current location is Trump National Doral Resort and Spa in Miami, FL.

Each year, over 6,000 junior golfers aged 10-18 participate in qualifying tournaments across the U.S., Canada and other countries. The championship itself attracts around 600 top players from over 30 nations to compete at Trump National Doral Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida. The event is structured into three phases based on age groups and emphasizes not only competition but also cultural exchange and camaraderie among players and their families. Participants and guests enjoy a comprehensive experience at a world-class resort, including group meals and entertainment. College coaches come from all over to scout some of the best junior players in the world.

Later in the year, the Optimist Tournament of Champions is held. An invitational event featuring the top finishers from Optimist Championships, District qualifiers and other top junior golf events. The Tournament of Champions is a 36-hole event for male and female junior golfers ages 11-18.