Our Impact

Investing in the next generation of golfers

Empowering young golfers through opportunity.

Since 2018, the Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity has worked to create opportunities for young golfers across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding region. Founded in honor of PGA Professional and retired U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer Jack O’Neill, the organization continues his belief that golf can help shape character, discipline, integrity, and confidence in young people.

The organization was established to support and advance junior golf through tournaments, scholarships, and charitable events serving youth primarily throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama Gulf Coast communities.

Supporting Junior Golf across the Gulf Coast region.

One of the organization’s most visible contributions is the annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Junior Championship, a multi-day junior golf tournament held at The Club at Diamondhead. The tournament welcomes junior golfers from across the region and beyond. Mississippi residency is not required, helping expand opportunities for young competitors throughout the Southeast.

The inaugural championship in 2021 featured more than 40 junior golfers ages 12–18 competing over 36 holes. Local organizers noted that Jack’s passion extended beyond golf instruction itself to the life lessons the game teaches young people.

Scholarship Opportunities

Providing access to education is a key part of JONMC’s impact on junior golfers and their families throughout the Gulf Coast region.

Fueling academic and athletic growth.

Since 2019, the Jack O'Neill Memorial Charity has awarded annual scholarships to junior golfers pursuing college opportunities, helping young athletes continue both their academic and athletic journeys. These scholarships reflect Jack O’Neill’s lifelong belief that golf teaches integrity, discipline, perseverance, and confidence — values that extend far beyond the course.

Recipients are selected in partnership with organizations such as the BC Cup Foundation, while additional scholarships are supported through a collaboration with Pearl River Community College. Over time, the number of scholarship recipients has continued to grow, expanding JONMC’s reach and long-term impact within the communities it serves. Through scholarship support and junior golf initiatives, JONMC continues to invest in the future of young golfers while honoring Jack’s enduring legacy of mentorship, opportunity, and service.

Impact
Figures

10

Junior Golfers Reached

20

Tournament Participants Since 2018

$5000

Scholarships & Financial Support Awarded

2019-2025

Impact Timeline

Our Impact Timeline highlights the scholarships, tournaments, and financial assistance that have supported junior golfers across the Gulf Coast. Each year reflects real opportunities created, real athletes helped, and the growing reach of our mission.

2025

  • 2025Scholarship Awarded

    A JONMC annual scholarship was awarded to Samantha Schultz.

    The JONMC scholarship sponsored by Silver Slipper was awarded to Lilly Hutchinson.

    PRCC scholarships were awarded to four recipients: Joseph Ashley, Seth Tubb, Abby Beth Ford, and Lara Smith.

  • March 2025Fifth Junior Tournament

    The Fifth Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Junior Golf Tournament scheduled for January had to be postponed due to weather and was then played on March 8-9.

  • March 2025Sixth Fundraiser Tournament

    The Sixth Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity Fundraiser Tournament was played on the Cardinal Course in Diamondhead. Lunch and awards followed the play.

  • November 2025Teddies for Tots

    JONMC, in partnership with the local Marine Reserve Unit and the Diamondhead Golf Shop, marked another successful year of the Gobbler Golf Tournament and Teddies for Tots event.

2024

  • 2024Scholarships Awarded

    A JONMC annual scholarship was awarded to Nikki Chase.

    The JONMC scholarship sponsored by Silver Slipper was awarded to Jacques Holloway.

    PRCC scholarships were awarded to Hunter Kuhn and Elizabeth Purvis.

  • January 2024Fourth Junior Tournament

    The Fourth Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Junior Tournament was scheduled for January 27–28. Heavy rain made Saturday unplayable, but conditions improved on Sunday and the juniors delivered strong performances.

  • March 2024Fifth Fundraiser Tournament

    The Fifth Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity Fundraiser Tournament was held on the Cardinal Course in Diamondhead with lunch and awards following the play.

  • 2024Financial Assistance

    JONMC and DWGA joined forces to provide financial assistance to local Junior Girls golfers needing support for tournament travel or golf equipment, awarding grants to Katie Estridge and Carissa Hester.

  • November 2024Teddies for Tots

    JONMC, working with the local Marine Reserve Unit and the Diamondhead Golf Shop, held the Gobbler Golf Tournament and Teddies for Tots event.

2023

  • 2023Scholarship Awarded

    JONMC awarded a scholarship to Andrew Payne of Ethel, LA.

    Claire Chauvin of Hammond, LA received the JONMC scholarship sponsored by Silver Slipper.

    JONMC also entered into a partnership with Pearl River Community College (PRCC), providing annual funding for scholarships awarded to local junior golfers entering college.

  • January 2023Third Junior Tournament

    The Third Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Junior Tournament was played on the Diamondhead Pine Course. The event was a great success, with nearly sixty players competing and performing well despite challenging weather.

  • March 2023Fourth Fundraiser Tournament

    The Fourth Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity Fundraiser Tournament was played on the Cardinal Course in Diamondhead. Lunch and awards followed the play.

  • July 2023Financial Assistance

    Junior golfers Rowdy Foster and Karstyn Altese qualified to compete in the Drive, Chip & Putt regional competition in Houston, Texas. JONMC made a contribution to their families to help offset travel expenses.

  • November 2023Teddies for Tots

    JONMC, together with the local Marine Reserve Unit and the Diamondhead Golf Shop, launched the Gobbler Golf Tournament with a Teddies for Tots event in Jack’s honor.

2022

  • 2022Scholarships Awarded

    JONMC awarded a scholarship to Drew Silman of Zachary, LA.

    Preston Giroir of Slidell, LA received the JONMC scholarship sponsored by Silver Slipper.

  • January 2022Second Junior Tournament

    The Second Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Junior Golf Tournament, sponsored by JONMC, was played on the Diamondhead Pine Course

  • March 2022Third Fundraiser Tournament

    The Third Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity Fundraiser Tournament was held on the Cardinal Course in Diamondhead with lunch and awards following the play.

2021

  • 2021Scholarship Awarded

    The Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity Scholarship was awarded to Mateo Jiménez of Diamondhead, a senior at Hancock High School.

  • January 2021First Junior Tournament

    JONMC sponsored the First Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Junior Golf Tournament, which was played on the Diamondhead Pine Course.

  • March 2021Second Fundraiser Tournament

    The Second Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity Fundraising Tournament was played on the Cardinal Course at Diamondhead. The event sold out in six days.

  • July 2021Financial Assistance

    Junior Golfer, Rowdy Foster competed in the Under-Armor Junior Golf Tournament in Orlando, Florida. JONMC made a contribution to his family to offset travel expenses.

2020

  • 2020Scholarship Awarded

    $2500 scholarship went to Katelynn Altese, who then attended Troy University.

  • March 2020Fundraiser Tournament Canceled

    The Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity Fundraiser Tournament was canceled due to the pandemic; however, thanks to the generosity of donors and players, enough money was raised to continue our charitable work in 2020.

2019

  • 2019Scholarships Awarded

    The first JONMC scholarships were awarded to two outstanding junior golfers: Kelsey Dill, Pearl River Central High School ($2500) and Callee Breland, Loyola University New Orleans ($1000).

  • March 2019First Fundraiser Tournament

    The First Annual Jack O’Neill Memorial Charity Fundraiser Tournament was held on the Diamondhead Cardinal Course with 30 five-player teams competing.

  • August 2019Financial Assistance Award

    Three junior golfers from Diamondhead Country Club won the privilege of going to the regional competition in the Drive, Chip and Putt at Pinehurst Golf Club in North Carolina. JONMC helped the parents with travel costs.

  • September 2019Financial Assistance

    Two of these golfers went on to qualify for the Eastern Area Regionals in Arkansas. One junior, Karstyn Altese, excelled to earn a spot in the 2020 Masters Drive, Chip, and Putt competition in Augusta.

  • November, 2019Inaugural Governor's Cup

    Diamondhead Country Club hosted a Governor’s Cup Team Match Play event between Mississippi and Louisiana junior golfers, with support from JONMC.

Your support helps provide scholarships, tournament opportunities, and lasting experiences for junior golfers.

Make an Impact

JONMC remains committed to responsible stewardship in support of junior golf.