I AM a Golfer Foundation Partners with Ted Rhodes Foundation for 2026 Junior Golf Championship
On Saturday, August 15, the I AM a Golfer Foundation was proud to partner with the Ted Rhodes Foundation to host the 2026 Ted Rhodes Junior Golf Championship – Dallas at the historic Cedar Crest Golf Course.
The championship brought together young golfers from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area for an afternoon of competition, community, and celebration of the game. Participants represented several youth golf organizations, including I AM a Golfer, First Tee, LPGA Junior Golf, NTPGA, and Roaring Lambs.
Despite a hot Texas summer day, our junior golfers brought plenty of energy to Cedar Crest. Players ages 14–17 competed in an 18-hole division, while golfers ages 10–13 took on a 9-hole competition. From the driving range to the final scorecards, it was exciting to see young players challenge themselves, encourage one another, and simply enjoy being on the course.
Celebrating the Legacy of Ted Rhodes
The championship was about more than competition. It was also an opportunity to introduce another generation of golfers to the remarkable legacy of Ted Rhodes, a pioneer who helped create opportunities for Black golfers in the professional game.
In 1948, Rhodes became the first African American professional golfer in the modern era to compete in the U.S. Open. Over the course of his career, he won more than 150 tournaments and became one of the important trailblazers who helped pave the way for generations of golfers who followed.
Rhodes' impact on the game continues today through the work of the Ted Rhodes Foundation and events like the Ted Rhodes Junior Golf Championship, where his legacy can inspire young people to see what is possible both on and beyond the golf course.
Building Community Through Golf
For the I AM a Golfer Foundation, the championship represented another opportunity to use golf as a vehicle for access, opportunity, mentorship, and community.
Our team was grateful to welcome junior golfers and their families to Cedar Crest and to work alongside the Ted Rhodes Foundation to create a memorable experience for everyone involved.
After the final putts dropped, players returned to the clubhouse to cool off with ice cream, celebrate one another, and recognize the boys and girls who earned first-, second-, and third-place honors. Each participant also received a gift from the Ted Rhodes Foundation to commemorate the day.
Most importantly, the smiles, conversations, and moments shared throughout the afternoon showed what can happen when organizations come together around a shared commitment to young people.
We extend our appreciation to the Ted Rhodes Foundation, the participating youth golf organizations, families, volunteers, Cedar Crest Golf Course staff, and everyone who helped make this tournament a success.
We are especially grateful to the young golfers who joined us. Their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and love for the game made the day special!
The I AM a Golfer Foundation looks forward to continuing to create opportunities for young people to experience the game, develop their skills, build meaningful relationships, and become part of golf's next generation.
Check out some of our favorite moments from the championship here: Gallery