As the 2026 golf season approaches, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and his wife Meredith have made an announcement that’s winning hearts both inside and outside the golf world. The couple revealed plans to launch a free junior golf tour in honor of Scottie’s longtime coach and mentor, Randy Smith — a man who has played an instrumental role in Scheffler’s rise from a talented Texas teenager to one of the greatest players of his generation.
The new initiative, called the Randy Smith Junior Golf Tour, is set to begin in early 2026 and will focus on providing free and accessible opportunities for young golfers across the United States. The tour will offer no-cost entry, training programs, mentorship opportunities, and even equipment support for kids who may not have the resources to pursue the sport otherwise.
According to Scheffler, this project has been in the works for months, born from a shared desire between him and Meredith to give back to the game that gave them so much.
“Golf has given us a life beyond what we ever imagined,” Scheffler said in a statement. “It’s introduced us to incredible people, taught us lessons about patience and discipline, and helped shape who we are. Randy Smith has been there every step of the way, not just as a coach, but as a mentor and friend. We wanted to create something that would carry his influence forward — and help more kids experience the same love for the game that he helped instill in me.”
The couple’s decision to make the tour completely free reflects their awareness of one of golf’s biggest barriers — affordability. While many junior golfers have dreams of reaching the professional level, the costs associated with coaching, travel, and tournament fees often make it difficult for families to support their children’s ambitions.
Meredith, who has been by Scottie’s side since their college days, emphasized that the goal of the new tour is to “remove those barriers and open the door to opportunity.”
“We’ve talked for a long time about wanting to make golf more inclusive,” Meredith explained. “This is a way to make sure that talent and passion matter more than money. Every kid deserves the chance to play, to learn, and to believe they can reach the top — just like Scottie did.”
The Randy Smith Junior Golf Tour will also include educational programs, focusing on character development, sportsmanship, and life lessons — principles that Smith himself instilled in Scheffler throughout his career.
Randy Smith, who has coached Scheffler since his early days at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, expressed deep gratitude for the tribute.
“I’ve always told Scottie, success is about what you give back,” Smith said. “To see him and Meredith doing this in a way that helps others — that’s the real victory.”
The announcement comes at a time when Scheffler continues to dominate professional golf, having captured multiple PGA Tour titles and major championships in recent years. Yet, even at the peak of his career, Scheffler has remained grounded — known for his humility, strong faith, and devotion to his family and community.
As he prepares to begin the 2026 season, Scheffler’s focus isn’t only on trophies, but also on legacy. This initiative marks a new chapter in his journey — one that extends far beyond fairways and leaderboards.
With the Randy Smith Junior Golf Tour, Scottie and Meredith Scheffler are planting seeds for the next generation, ensuring that the game of golf remains open, fair, and full of promise. Their decision to invest in the future of young golfers is a powerful reminder that true champions don’t just play for titles — they play for something bigger.
In a sport that thrives on tradition, Scottie and Meredith’s act of generosity is a fresh reminder of what golf can truly represent: opportunity, mentorship, and the chance to inspire others to dream big.
