More than 70 junior golfers from across the Four Corners region gathered at Civitan Golf Course
on July 13 for the annual Taco Bell Junior Classic, making this year’s tournament the largest in
the event’s history.
Open to golfers ages 7 to 16, the Taco Bell Junior Classic continues to provide young players
with the opportunity to experience the excitement, challenge, and sportsmanship of tournament
golf in a fun and supportive environment.
This event has become a summer tradition for many families, but its roots stretch back much
further. After a nearly 20-year hiatus, the tournament was revived six years ago thanks to the
enthusiasm and support of Kenny Anderson and the Taco Bell team. Since then, participation
has grown every year, reflecting the increasing interest in junior golf throughout our region.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Kenny Anderson and Taco Bell for believing in this event,” said
First Tee – Four Corners Executive Director Tina Pacheco-White. “Their commitment has helped
create an experience that many young golfers look forward to every summer.”
This year’s Overall Girls Champion was Parker Yazzie, who fired an impressive 33, while Cam
Edminston captured the Overall Boys Championship with an outstanding 27.
While the champions deserve recognition, the true success of the Taco Bell Junior Classic is
measured by every young golfer who stepped onto the first tee. For many participants, this
tournament represents the chance to take the skills they’ve developed through practice and
lessons and apply them in a real tournament setting. Learning to manage nerves, follow the rules
of competition, demonstrate integrity, and support fellow competitors are all valuable
experiences that extend well beyond the scorecard.
Events like the Taco Bell Junior Classic are an important part of the player development pathway
at First Tee – Four Corners. They provide young golfers with meaningful competitive
opportunities while reinforcing the confidence, resilience, and character that the game of golf
helps build.
First Tee – Four Corners extends its sincere appreciation to Taco Bell, Aspen Leaf, Allen
Theatres and the volunteers, staff, families, and Civitan Golf Course for making this year’s
event another tremendous success. With record participation and another year of memorable
competition in the books, the future of the Taco Bell Junior Classic has never looked brighter.
