We are very pleased to announce that longtime golf industry executive and leader, Derek Freeman, has been named Executive Director of the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation, effective July 1.
Freeman, who is deeply rooted in Southern California and has three decades of expansive experience, will lead the Foundation’s day-to-day operations, strengthen organizational performance and support its robust community impact through high-level donor development and programming initiatives. In this role, he will join the SCGA’s Executive Leadership Team.
“The Foundation’s mission—to create an inclusive golf community where young people can thrive on and beyond the course—represents some of the most important work in the game today,” said Freeman. “I have developed a deep appreciation for the Foundation’s impact, and I look forward to creating meaningful experiences for the next generation of players, which makes this opportunity a natural next step in my career.”
Freeman, who served as the head men’s golf coach at UCLA from 2007-2022, brings a decades-long track record of building elite programs, securing major donor support and developing corporate partnerships that drive sustained growth. Most recently, he founded and operated a collegiate golf technology platform. As CEO, Freeman secured and managed national golf brand sponsorships, generating consistent revenue and platform growth.
“Derek is a respected leader in the Southern California golf community and has built a reputation for bringing people together around a shared mission,” said SCGA Junior Golf Foundation Board Chair, Steve Waszak. “His experience spans every level of the game, including expanding opportunities for young people through golf, and I am confident in his vision, energy and leadership.”
An NCAA Division I national championship-winning coach in 2008 and recipient of the Pac-12 Coach of the Year award in 2011, Freeman’s core strengths include leadership, community building, engagement strategies, donor stewardship and partnerships. He has a passion for bridging the gap between private and public facilities and believes strongly in increasing access to golf opportunities for young people throughout the community.
A native of Oklahoma, Freeman received his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Oklahoma. He and his wife live in Santa Clarita and have two grown children. After taking viticulture classes, Freeman has served as a vintner and winemaker for the past eight years.
Please join us in welcoming him to the team.