Make It Double: Jase Kaylor Punches Ticket to Prestigious Junior Golf Championship
LaGrange, MO – Eleven-year-old Jase Kaylor is about to take the biggest swing of his young life. The talented golfer from Lewis County has earned a spot in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship in Miami, Florida—one of the world’s most respected youth golf tournaments. It’s an incredible opportunity, but one that comes with a significant financial cost. Now, his family is turning to the local community for support.
A Golfer in the Making
Jase has been golfing since he was just six years old. He started by tagging along with his dad to the course, gradually developing a passion for the game. “I just started going to the course with my dad when I was little,” he said. “I improved my game over time and have come to love the game.”
For the past three years, Jase has been part of the Hot Shots Junior Golf League, sharpening his skills at his home course, the River Valley Community Golf Course in Canton, Missouri. He’s also played in several benefit tournaments and trains weekly, either on the course or in his backyard. “I’m at the golf course several days a week,” Jase said. “Otherwise I’m in my backyard swinging clubs and working on my chipping. I’ve also taken lessons at R&R Golf in Quincy, Illinois.”
He credits his growth in the game to several key influences: “My dad, Briar Megee, and several of the members at River Valley have been helpful throughout the years.”
Jase’s interests don’t stop at golf. He’s been active in 4-H shooting sports for four years, finishing 7th in the state last year in archery for his age group. He’s also a strong student, receiving the Citizenship Award the past two years at Highland Elementary.
Earning a Spot on the Big Stage
Jase’s tournament journey began at the Optimist Qualifier in Quincy, Illinois—his first major competition. He won first place in the Boys 10–11 Division and advanced to a second qualifying event in Decatur, IL, where he once again topped his division to officially qualify for the Miami championship.
“This is an opportunity I never thought I’d have,” Jase said. “I’m excited. It’s very exciting to know that I will be playing against kids from all over the world. I hope this is just the beginning of my golf career.”
About the Championship
The Optimist International Junior Golf Championship is one of the largest and most prestigious junior golf events in the world. Held at the Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, it draws more than 600 of the top junior golfers from over 40 countries each summer.
The event runs from July 15–30, and Jase will compete in the Boys 10–11 Division from July 15–20. Hosted by Optimist International, a service organization based in St. Louis, the tournament is focused on providing young athletes with competitive experiences and lifelong memories.
Many golf greats—Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Bryson DeChambeau, Lexi Thompson, and more—once played in this same tournament. Jase said the chance to follow in their footsteps is both humbling and inspiring. “I’m shocked to have this opportunity. I am proud to represent Lewis County while doing something I love.”
How to Help
The tournament entry fee alone is $1,950, and that doesn’t include travel. Jase and his family need to raise the funds before June 22, and any amount of support is deeply appreciated.
Donations can be sent or dropped off at:
River Valley Community Golf Course
P.O. Box 203
Canton, MO 63435-0203
Or sent via Venmo to:
@Alanna-Kaylor (C/O Jase Kaylor)
Even if you can’t donate, you can still help by sharing this story with others. Every share and every dollar brings Jase closer to this unforgettable opportunity.
