[1] Initially modest in significance, only 27 boys from seven states participated in the first International Jaycee Junior Golf Tournament held in Spokane, Washington, which was won by Al Mengert.
States competed for team titles and a Junior Chamber International match was staged between the top entries of each of the countries entered.
The top four (some years five) players from each state competition were eligible to play at the International Jaycee Junior Golf Tournament with expenses paid by grants and sponsors.
The golfing talents of the International Jaycee competitors were among the best in the world with many players eventually turning professional.
Among winners of the tournament, four players were elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame: Gene Littler, Jack Nicklaus, Raymond Floyd and Ben Crenshaw.