As a World Junior golfer, Louis Molina has competed at some of San Diego’s finest golf courses, including those on military bases.
In his seven years of golfing, the 17-year-old remembers one specific tournament the most.
He doesn’t recall the details of his game, what his score was at the end of each round or if he even won.
What he remembers at that tournament on a military base is meeting injured men and women of the armed forces and hearing their personal stories of combat and survival.
After hearing these stories Louis knew he wanted to help America’s injured soldiers.
“I met plenty of veterans who had been severely injured in combat,” Louis said.
“I always remembered hearing their stories, I always felt a lot of sympathy for them and their situations. And as I remembered that, I thought they (the Wounded Warriors Foundation) would be a great cause to help. “
The St. Augustine High School junior from Otay Ranch, hosted a golf fundraiser at Colina Park Golf Course in City Heights on Jan. 12.
Proceeds from the golf tournament went to the Wounded Warriors Foundation, an organization that increases the awareness of wounded warriors in America.
In total, the golf tournament, combined with a raffle and a putting contest, raised $4,022 for the organization, Louis said.
To raise that money, Louis charged about $50 per player to compete in the tournament.
He estimated that 50 people participated.
The Wounded Warriors Foundation weren’t the only ones to benefit from the fundraiser.
Louis said he paid for all of the players’ course fees, about $9 per player, and that money went to the golf courses kids academy.
Louis said he was shocked to see all the community support he received for the cause.
“I thought possibly we would hit like one or two grand but four was outstanding to say the least,” he said. “ I was thoroughly satisfied with the outcome of the tournament.”
He said with the help of sponsors, donors and volunteers it cost less than $200 to host the event.
“It definitely was one of the most unique and satisfying experiences I have ever had in my life.”
