About Us

Since 2004, hundreds of Jackson (MI) area kids have been introduced to competitive golf on the RW Mercer Jackson Junior Golf Tour. 

Founder Dave Gilpin ran the Tour for 22 summers until his death in 2025. 

The Tour hosts weekly 9- and 18-hole events at various courses in the Jackson area. Players compete in divisions based on age and gender. The Tour is open to kids ages 8-18 with younger kids playing from modified tee boxes set an age-appropriate distance. Participants should have some basic golf knowledge, be able to take care of their own equipment, and have some experience on a golf course. We strive to provide them a fun, competitive environment where they can learn the game and develop a passion for golf.

In 2026 the Tour will be transitioning to a 501c3 nonprofit entity. 

Dave Gilpin was one of the best golfers in Michigan during the 1970s and 1980s, playing in some of the state's top amateur events before competing professionally. 

Growing up on a golf course, Dave fell in love with the game early on, and knew how important it was to get kids involved as early as possible. After his playing days ended, he devoted himself to introducing future generations to the game.

Dave’s commitment to youth golf in Jackson is unparalleled. After years of coaching high school golf at Hanover-Horton High School, Dave recognized a need for more opportunities for youth golfers. In the early 2000’s, he worked with local teaching professionals to organize affordable lessons for kids at Golf Jackson, the former “golf dome.” Every Monday night from January through March, local golf instructors helped shape swings of kids of all ages.

After several years of organizing those winter lessons, Dave realized he wanted to do more - to provide kids opportunities to demonstrate their skills in competitive summer events. Dave approached Kirk Mercer of the RW Mercer Company who eagerly offered sponsorship, and hence, the Mercer Jackson Junior Golf Tour was born in 2004.

Over the past 22 years, thousands of kids from Jackson, and surrounding areas, teed up balls in his weekly events. With the enthusiastic support of sponsors, golf course owners, and volunteers, Dave kept his events affordable, and available to kids of all abilities  ages 8-18.

The impact on the Jackson community has been huge. Over the years, Jackson has been a hotbed for youth golf. Jackson-area high school golfers have been well-represented at State Finals events, and many have gone on to play collegiately.

In his final weeks, Dave Gilpin reached out to Ray Hill, asking him to take over the Tour's reins. Working closely with the Gilpin family, Ray is seeking to continue Dave's work with Jackson's junior golfers. Ray recently retired after 29 years of teaching at East Jackson High School, and continues to coach boys and girls golf there. He also works part-time at Ella Sharp Park Golf Course, and is on the executive board of the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association. His two children played on the Tour in its early days, and he has funneled many EJ golfers in that direction over the years. 

"I am honored Dave trusted me enough to ask my help to continue his work, and am excited about the future of the Tour."