What began as a celebration of one man’s love of golf and music has grown into an 18-year tradition of creating opportunities for others.
Eighteen years ago, Golf & Guitars wasn’t created with a vision of becoming one of Sacramento’s signature charity events.
It started much more simply. We wanted to throw a party for my dad.
Ken Morton Sr. was celebrating his 50th anniversary working at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, an extraordinary milestone for someone who had devoted most of his life to the game of golf and to growing it in our community. When we asked what that celebration should look like, the answer seemed pretty obvious: combining two of his favorite things.
Golf. Music. And doing some good along the way.
Golf and music were two of my dad’s great loves, and rather than simply throwing a party in his honor, we decided to use the occasion to raise money for local junior golf organizations that were doing important work in our community.
How It All Began
At the time, I had been fortunate enough to write for a number of music publications, and through a collaboration with the Music Director at KNCI, we started making some phone calls.
Somehow, that first little idea turned into an unbelievable inaugural lineup that included Tracy Lawrence, Jake Owen, Jimmy Wayne, Jack Ingram, David Nail, Jason Michael Carroll, One Flew South and others.
We had no idea what we had started.
What began as a 50th anniversary celebration became an annual tradition.
And somewhere along the way, the “why” behind Golf & Guitars became much bigger than any of us could have imagined.
More Than $2 Million Raised. But That’s Not the Story.
Over the years, Golf & Guitars has now raised more than $2 million for charity.
But that number, as remarkable as it is, doesn’t really tell the story.
The story is in the kids who get to hold a golf club for the first time because their family couldn’t otherwise afford the opportunity.
It’s in the young golfer with Down syndrome who discovers a game where they can learn, compete and belong.
It’s in children born with heart defects who get to experience the joy of simply being kids.
It’s in golfers who are blind or visually impaired discovering that this game can still be their game.
It’s in someone recovering from a stroke finding confidence again.
It’s in a veteran struggling with PTSD who finds friendship, purpose and a few peaceful hours on a golf course.
It’s in scholarships, junior golf programs, adaptive golf programs and organizations throughout our community that quietly change lives every single day.
That’s the “why” behind Golf & Guitars.
Golf and Music Bring Us Together
Yes, there are incredible concerts. There are unforgettable songwriter performances, great food and wine, and some pretty special days on the golf course.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to welcome extraordinary artists and create memories that we never could have imagined when we planned that first celebration.
But the music was never really the point.
And neither was the golf.
They were simply the vehicles that brought people together. The real purpose was, and continues to be, creating opportunities for people who might not otherwise have them.
I think my dad would tell you that’s what golf has always been about anyway.
Carrying the Mission Forward
For generations, Haggin Oaks has tried to make this game welcoming and accessible, whether you’re a championship player, a junior golfer hitting your first golf ball, someone with a disability discovering that golf is possible, or simply someone looking for a place to belong.
Golf & Guitars became another way to carry that mission forward.
Eighteen years later, it’s amazing to think that something that began as a party for my dad’s 50th anniversary at Haggin Oaks has become something so much bigger than any one person.
Hundreds of musicians have shared their songs. Thousands of people have attended. More than $2 million has been raised.
And countless people have been given an opportunity, an experience or a helping hand they might not otherwise have received.
Why We Keep Coming Back
Every September, we still gather around two things our family has always loved: golf and music.
But now we gather for something even more important.
We gather because doing something you love is pretty special.
Using what you love to change someone else’s life is even better.
That’s why Golf & Guitars exists.
And after all these years, that’s still the reason we keep coming back.
Join Us This Year
Be part of the tradition and experience Golf & Guitars for yourself. Join us this September for another unforgettable celebration of golf, music and giving back.
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