City of Pasadena Golf Championship Tees Off Friday

While Pasadena prepares to deliver its signature sunny and 75-degree weather, 384 golfers gear up to take their shot at winning the sold-out 85th City of Pasadena Golf Championship this Friday, March 26th – Sunday, March 28th, 2021. All fundraising and 19th hole proceeds benefit the development of youth programs through  First Tee – Greater Pasadena as they celebrate their 15th Anniversary.

First Tee – Greater Pasadena focuses on giving back to the local community while developing the next generation through its Life Skills Education program. It has served over 200,000 youth in the San Gabriel Valley since its inception. During the pandemic when schools were closed and students were forced to stay home with limited opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, the organization swiftly adapted and launched its ‘Let’s Go Play!’ campaign; a six-week program encouraging youth in the community to get outside and be physically active. In partnership with their affiliated program locations, along with stringent COVID-19 safety protocols, they served more than 100 future leaders in late spring and early summer.

In June 2020, South Pasadena High School senior and varsity golf captain, Justin Toshima, was in the final stages of applying to be admitted to the 2020 Pure Insurance Open, a nationally televised PGA Champions Tour, when the pandemic hit, and the tournament was canceled. After completing the rigorous requirements of a personal essay, 30-minute interview in front of panelists, and fine tuning his skills to achieve a 6 handicap or better, he was one of 69 applicants to be awarded $1,000.00 out of hundreds of First Tee members that applied across the nation.

Toshima is a member of the highest level of First Tee – Greater Pasadena program, the Ace Level, and has been working towards this since becoming a member when he was just 7 years old. In addition to being awarded a $1,000.000 scholarship, Justin was granted eligibility to apply for the tournament again this year, which is considered the pinnacle of the First Tee participant accomplishments. To learn more about  First Tee – Greater Pasadena please visit – www.firstteegreaterpasadena.org.

The Pasadena City Golf Championship is a historic championship that dates back to 1929 and has long been one of Southern California’s most prestigious tournaments. Once one of the largest golf championships in the country, it has come back as a force to be reckoned with, selling out and seeing an increased interest during the pandemic by golfers who found comfort in the game and who want to support future players like Justin Toshima. This championship is hosted in collaboration between the Brookside Men’s Golf Club, Rose Bowl Operating Company, American Golf Corporation, First Tee Greater Pasadena and AmateurGolf.com.

In addition to the tournament, participants will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take their shot at the $50,000 prize at 19th Hole experience on the iconic Rose Bowl field and go behind-the-scenes of America’s Stadium with a VIP stadium tour.