Watch the On-Course Coverage
Len Kennett’s legacy isn’t just a piece of history—it’s a living, breathing celebration carried forward by the juniors who play, the families who support them, and a dedicated community keeping the spirit alive.
Experience the energy, the sights, and the sounds from the course by watching our full event coverage and individual leader interviews below:
If you drive up to Lakewood Golf Course during the annual Len Kennett Junior Golf Championship, you can instantly feel the history. Now in its 69th year, this historic event—proudly run by SCGA Junior—has expanded into a two-day celebration spanning both Lakewood and Los Verdes. It is a massive milestone powered by the exact same heartbeat that Len Kennett started back in 1955.
To truly understand how Len's legacy lives on, Green Side News caught up with tournament leaders, local coaches, and community advocates right on the course to hear what carrying the torch means to them.
The Visionary: Bob Livingstone on Golf for the "Average Person"
For Bob Livingstone, keeping Len Kennett’s spirit alive means fiercely defending the community of public golfers that Len dedicated his life to.
"Len had a phrase—he called them 'Joe Six-Pack,'" Livingstone shared. "That was the public golfer that he was passionate about. He started selling component clubs that were reasonably priced so that the public golfer could purchase them. It’s tough to find someone more passionate about getting the average person onto the golf course."
That public golf portal is flourishing. While this tournament has historically served as a proving ground for icons like John Merritt and Tiger Woods, the competitive spark in today’s youth field is burning brighter than ever.
"We have a hundred kids this year, compared to about 70 last year," Livingstone noted, pointing out how the post-COVID golf boom has fueled a massive surge in passionate young players. "If Len were still here, he would absolutely love the number of people we have out here. The passion is definitely still there."
The High-Class Standard: Jorge Badel on Honoring the Tradition
If you stand near the first tee starter box, you will spot SCGA Junior leadership carrying on one of Len’s most iconic, elegant traditions: starting the field in a formal coat and tie. Even on a blistering summer day, the aesthetic remains a core piece of the tournament's heart.
"Nobody can replace Len Kennett," said Jorge Badel. "But we're here to honor him and to honor the kids. When we tell the kids the story of why Mr. Kennett stood here for 67 years in a coat and tie starting the kids off, you can tell they are very interested. They smile, and we think this is something they will remember hopefully forever."
Beyond the style, Badel emphasizes that the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation has focused heavily on keeping the event accessible. The entry fee remains the lowest known price for a competitive multi-day event on two premier regulation courses. Furthermore, a dedicated endowment ensures that financial barriers never keep a kid from competing.
When asked what advice he gives to young players who might feel intimidated by the immense history of the event, Badel's answer is simple:
"It’s a cliché, but it is absolutely to have fun. As Len used to say often, he was not trying to create the next Tiger Woods—he was trying to create upstanding individuals. Enjoy the journey, enjoy the walk, and hit lots of great golf shots."
The Full Circle: Troy Grant on Becoming the Mentor
For local coach Troy Grant, standing on that first tee is a surreal experience. Decades ago, he was just one of the kids waiting for Len to call his name.
"Coming back here today and being in his footsteps on that first tee announcing the juniors... it’s pretty surreal for me," Troy reflected. "I was one of these kids back in the day playing in this event. It’s a huge honor."
For Troy, the goal is to pass down the exact tenets of sportsmanship, etiquette, and camaraderie that Len instilled in him. "He made them feel welcomed and appreciated in his events, just as students. Seeing all these kids of so many different skill levels out here is incredible. They are out here because it's comfortable. He always provided a welcoming environment."