Support the 2025 Michigan Optimist Junior Golf Program: A Call for Club Participation and Sponsorship

I am writing to you, as a Club President, to update you on the Michigan District Junior Golf Program. This year’s event will be held at Forest Akers Golf Course on the Michigan State University Campus in East Lansing, Michigan, from June 16 to 17, 2025.

As in the past, we will be hosting upwards of 75 young male & female golfers, in ages ranging from 9-18, for this 2-day event, in partnership with Top 50 Golf. This is an unbelievable event, not only showcasing some of Michigan’s finest junior golfers but also giving them the opportunity to qualify and participate in the Optimist International Tournament held in Miami during the month of July 2025. This is a World Class Event, with over 600 Junior Golfers from around the world participating.

Now this is where you come in. District funds are limited, and without individual Club Sponsored Local Qualifying Tournaments, we are looking for your club’s assistance is making this happen.

Here are a few facts to consider:

1. The cost to register for the Florida Tournament is $700.00 per winning golfer – that is for those winning their respective age-class, and meeting the scoring requirement. In the past, we have helped with providing either the entire Registration cost, or a partial amount, and we would like to continue that practice. Additional golfers from each age-class are also eligible to register, as long as they meet the scoring requirement
2. Last year, we initiated a “Hole Sponsor Sign” program, in which we were able to raise $550.00 from 7 clubs and individuals. We would like to increase the number of participants in this program. As a bonus, we would prepare a “Hole Sponsor Sign” with your clubs (or individuals) name on it, that would be displayed at the tournament.
3. This year, for every dollar the Junior Golf Committee raises through donations via clubs, corporate, or personal sponsorships, the Michigan District has agreed to match whatever we raise dollar to dollar, up to $2,000. We are hoping to raise at a minimum the $2,000 amount, but really would like to raise even more.
4. Michigan Junior Golf costs include trophies for the winners, a $12.00 participation fee for each golfer playing in the Michigan Tournament (which is submitted to the Optimist International Junior Golf Committee, to help defray their costs in running the International Tournament), Sponsor Sign preparation and the Registration fee for the winners.
5. We are asking you to consider participating in this program, to assist these young adults in attaining their dream of playing in a world class event, on a world class golf course, against world class competition.
6. So far this year, we have heard from several clubs that are pledging to participate – and we would like your club to consider participating as well. There is no set amount to pledge, just whatever you think works best for your club.

If you wish to donate, there are two ways to do so:

1. Checks should be made out to “Michigan District Optimists” – Memo: Junior Golf, and mailed to:

2. Donations can be made on the Michigan District Website: https://michiganoptimists.org/store/

Lastly, your District Junior Golf Committee wants to thank you in advance for considering participation in this program and to assure you that all funds go directly toward making Michigan District Junior Golf a success.

Michigan District Junior Golf Committee Co-Chairs,

Tom Longhway  (248) 568-5608

Marc Katz  (248) 219-5949

Juniorgolf@MichiganOptimists.org