The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation develops an inclusive golf community that enables kids to thrive on
and beyond the course. Through innovative, nationally recognized programming, it ensures that all
SoCal youth have opportunities to learn and pursue the game in addition to developing character and
learning from mentors.
This year, the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation has created a unique partnership with the 2023 U.S.
Open, the USGA and the host club, Los Angeles Country Club, to drive a unique community legacy
from the championship. This campaign will expand the capacity and reach of the SCGA Junior Golf
Foundation to benefit underserved and underrepresented youth, providing more opportunity and a
better future for kids in Southern California.
John E. Kobara, SCGA Jr Golf Foundation President
More than anything, John considers himself a facilitator of change. He is a social entrepreneur
specializing in building and growing organizations through change management and
innovation with a focus on positive social justice outcomes.
John is currently the managing partner at Random Acts of Progress, where he helps
organizations and individuals build a more joyful, equitable, just and compassionate world.
He coaches donors, foundations and for-purpose leaders to align their work to their passions
and priorities.
Prior to his retirement in 2020, John worked primarily in the nonprofit arena, interrupted by
for-profit start-ups and public-sector jobs. He served for 12 years as EVP and COO for the
California Community Foundation (CCF). It was his 18th position since graduating from UCLA.
John worked for UCLA Chancellor Charles Young for a decade serving as Vice Chancellor of
External Affairs and Executive Director of the UCLA Alumni Association.
John has held volunteer leadership positions at a wide variety of regional, national and
international nonprofit organizations in the arts, education and philanthropy. John is the
President of the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation. He serves on the boards of the MLK
Community Hospital Foundation, Cities4Peace, Japanese American National Museum and
Walden University.
He and his wife Sarah serve as Executive Producers of the recently released and awardwinning
documentary: The Race Epidemic-The Resurgence of the Yellow Peril, a unique and
timely film catalyzed by the virus of hate and violence against innocent Asian Americans.
John was a Coro Fellow in Los Angeles and earned degrees from UCLA, USC and Occidental
College.
Kevin E. Gigax, SCGA Junior Golf Foundation Executive Director
Kevin Gigax is the Executive Director of the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation and a member of the
SCGA Executive Leadership Team. Kevin joined the SCGA in 2006 to develop the Junior Golf
Foundation, which now operates a $3M budget with more than 60 employees.
Working alongside the Board of Directors, he has developed and launched programming
initiatives of the organization, including the SCGA Junior Golf Club x Youth on Course
program, the Player & Youth Development program and the college scholarship program.
Since 2008, the SCGA Foundation has helped more than 20,000 kids practice and play 800,000
times for just $1-5. More than 130 Southern California golf facilities participate in this
initiative that supports affordable access for kids. In that same time, the SCGA has awarded
$1.25M in college scholarships to participants, based on financial need and academic
readiness.
In 2012, the SCGA recognized the continuing need for affordable access to instruction and
launched its Player & Youth Development program, which has served more than 5,000 youth
and provided 50,000 hours of programming. The program utilizes the Titleist Performance
Institute’s junior golf curriculum while intentionally instilling positive youth attributes utilizing
intentional coaching techniques and langauge.
Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Colorado at
Colorado Springs and a Development Certificate from the internationally recognized Fund
Raising Management program at Indiana University. He is also a certified Titleist Performance
Institute Junior Golf coach, as well as an associate certified coach through the International
Coaching Federation. He began his career at the United States Golf Association as a fellow in
its grants office where he helped monitor and distribute $6M annually in grants. He briefly
worked at First Tee’s national office prior to joining the SCGA.
Kevin is an avid golfer. He has a passion for serving youth and has previously served on the
Youth Mentoring Connection leadership board and the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of
Commerce’s Summer Games committee, where he chaired and organized the annual
basketball tournament for several years.

Cost: Free

RSVP HERE!