Preparing Youth for Success

Get ready for the annual Dr. James Cash Junior Invitational! This event is all about helping young golfers unlock their full potential, both on and off the course. It’s more than just a golf tournament – it’s an exciting experience that’s all about encouragement, support, and giving players the tools they need to take on the challenges of competitive golf. The Invitational also honors Dr. James Cash, a true trailblazer known for breaking color, athletic, academic, and professional barriers. His incredible legacy shows us that pushing boundaries opens doors to success and creates opportunities for everyone to thrive.

For junior golfers, their first competition can be intimidating and stressful, especially when it happens later in their career when the pressure is on. That’s why this tournament is designed to give golfers early exposure to the competitive side of the game. The aim is to build confidence and help players feel more prepared when they step up to bigger challenges down the road.

Dr. Cash learned early that “everyone has the will to succeed, but not everyone has the will to prepare.” That drive to prepare is what helped him achieve Academic All-America honors while leading Texas Christian University (TCU) to a 1968 Southwest Conference Championship in basketball. After TCU, he earned his master’s and doctorate at Purdue University before making history at Harvard Business School as the first Black faculty member to get tenure. Recently, Dr. Cash was honored with a building named after him at Harvard and a statue outside TCU’s Schollmaier Arena. His journey shows that mastering the art of preparation isn’t just key to athletic success – it’s a skill that sets you up for success in life, too!

  • 56% participated in their first-ever golf tournament.

  • 85% reported feeling more confident after participating in the tournament.

  • 94% felt supported and encouraged by our staff and volunteers.

  • 91% reported they were likely to play in another golf tournament in the future.

  • 79% reported they had fun.

2024 RESULTS

2024 DEMOGRAPHICS

  • 46 youth registered to play.

  • 70% of youth participants are African American, 24% Caucasian, and 6% Asian/Pacific Islander.

  • 30% of youth participants are female and 70% are male.

  • 6% of youth are ages 8-9, 48% ages 10-12, 40% ages 13-15, and 6% ages 16-17.

June 7, 2025

East Potomac Golf Links

972 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024

Tee times begin at 8:00am, Lunch Reception to follow the completion of tournaments

Red Course

Format- 9-Holes, Stroke Play, Invitational

Course-Par 32 - 1,148 yds, 9-Holes range from 80-200 yards each makes this course a good challenge for beginner golfers

Eligibility- Ages 8-13, For juniors who have completed 5 or fewer individual competitions, access to golf clubs

Cost- $25 parter rate, $50 non-partner rate, scholarships available

White Course

Format- 9-Holes, Stroke Play, Invitational

Course- Par 34 - 2,420 yds, 9-Hole Open layout executive course with short par 4s make this course perfect for intermediate golfers

Eligibility- Ages 8-17, For juniors who have completed 5 or fewer individual competitions, access to golf clubs

Cost- $25 parter rate, $50 non-partner rate, scholarships available

Blue Course

Format- 18-Holes, Stroke Play, Invitational

Course- Par 72 - 6,500 yds, 18-Hole Open layout course makes this a good fit for intermediate and advanced juniors

Eligibility- Ages 10-17, For juniors looking to gain more experience in formal 18 hole golf tournaments, access to golf clubs

Cost- $50 parter rate, $100 non-partner rate, scholarships available

Get Involved!

Make a Difference!

Get Involved! Make a Difference!

Play

As an invitational tournament, all participants must be referred by a partnering DC metro area youth golf program and meet the eligibility criteria outlined above.

If you would like to apply for a scholarship to play in this tournament because of financial hardship, please complete our Scholarship Application here.

Sponsor

There are various sponsorship packages available that include recognition benefits and the opportunity to support CitySwing Foundation’s programs year-round.

Donate

We offer low entry fees because of generous donor contributions. Donations help to cover the costs of tournament entries and all CitySwing Foundation programs.

Volunteer

We’re looking for dozens of volunteers, both with and without competitive golf experience. Be part of this special event by donating your time and expertise.

FAQs

  • First priority will be given to participants currently enrolled in our partner junior golf programs. We will notify you if space becomes available to register. Please join our wait list here.

  • The Red Course division is designed for true beginners in competitive golf, with short yardages and only 9 holes. This is suitable for young golfers who are consistently making solid contact with the ball, but who may not have much experience playing a full round.

    The White Course division is designed for players who may have more experience playing rounds of golf, but are not yet ready for an 18 hole tournament based on either skill or stamina. This is a 9 hole course with longer yardages than the Red Course. 

    The Blue Course division is designed for players who are prepared for an 18 hole competition and are at an advanced skill level. Players in this division should know how to play an 18 hole round independently.

    If you are unsure of which division is the right fit, please work with your child’s golf instructor or partner organization to determine which division is best.

  • We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available including scorers, set-up and clean-up volunteers, guest services, and more.

  • CitySwing Foundation makes golf more fun and accessible for underrepresented and underserved groups. We provide introductory and ongoing youth golf programming throughout the DC metro area.

  • No, we are not allowing participants to have caddies, but each group will be paired with an experienced golf guide to help support the players during their round. 

    Spectators are allowed.

  • We will provide light breakfast including fruit and granola bars, as well as snacks throughout the round. There will be beverage coolers on the course as well. Lunch will be provided for participants and their families following the event.

  • Yes! If you are in need of financial assistance to ensure that your child can participate in this event, please contact Kendall Rae Dunovant at KendallRae@cityswingfoundation.org  to express your financial need.