Youth will be served: Sharon Jenkins’ dedication to kids extends beyond Central Oregon

Sharon Jenkins keeps outdoing herself. Besides establishing the Central Oregon Amateur Championship in July (see Page 4) and helping run the Battle @ Bachelor in August (see Page 3), she coordinated her seventh year of junior events at Seventh Mountain Resort this June.

On top of that, “Momma J” also launched the Pacific Northwest Junior Series for kids of all ages throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho. 

“The disc golf motto has always been to grow the sport, and there is no better way to do that than through the youth,” Sharon said.

Fifty kids played at Seventh Mountain on June 27-28. 

Sharon moved to Bend in 2018 from Medina, Ohio, where she had been running junior events. 

“I fell in love with the Seventh Mountain Resort course — a short, 9-hole course filled with trees and grass that makes playing incredibly fun. I felt it was a wonderful course for hosting juniors and women’s events.”

In 2024, she raised money to replace the natural tees with pavers and install tee signs. 

At the two-day event in June, 50 juniors ages 4 to 18 competed. Sharon provided player packs, trophies, raffles, prizes, games, and lunch for everyone involved.

“The kids register with such excitement to play and compete for trophies and prizes alongside peers their own age,” Sharon said. “I’m so proud of every player. They have been so respectful, kind and funny.” 

Sharon attributes their advanced skills to an increase in online video content. “They’re truly fearless when throwing and putting,” she said. “It’s amazing to see them developing such great form and technique.”

This year, with the help of 10 other tournament directors from Oregon, Washington and Idaho, Sharon launched the PNW Junior Series, which kicked off in May and runs through September. The series included the Seventh Mountain events in June and continues with tournaments at Lake Selmac on Aug. 29 and Adair Park in Corvallis on Sept. 12.

Sharon says her goal is to keep entry fees low while providing a fun afternoon for the entire family.

Sharon was inducted into the World Disc Golf Hall of Fame last year, commemorated for having “an innovator’s spark, a player’s drive and a community builder’s heart.” She’s “elevating the sport and inspiring those who follow.”

True to her nature, Sharon is generous with praise of others. 

“It would be impossible without the dedicated help of volunteers, the players who donate items, and everyone who purchases raffle tickets,” she said. "A special thank-you to my sponsors and volunteers."