The Doral Publix Junior Golf Classic begins Sunday, and tournament director Charlie DeLucca Jr. has many fond memories from the event’s 30-year history.

One is presenting the trophy in the 8- to 9-year-old division in 1998 to Rory McIlroy, who had just won his first tournament on U.S. soil. McIlroy of Northern Ireland is No. 2 in the world and the current U.S. Open champion.

Was that DeLucca’s best moment? Not even close. In fact, the really important moments don’t have anything to do with golf.

“The tournament is not about becoming a golf pro,” DeLucca Jr. said. “It’s about becoming a good person.”

DeLucca’s son, Charlie III, who helps run the event, said, “Do we get tour players out of this tournament. Absolutely. We get lucky. But we focus on teaching these kids life skills, and golf is our avenue. We don’t live and die with golf. A PGA player is the aftereffect.”

The DeLuccas have a perfect example of that at the tournament this year. His name is Joel Thame, 33, and he played in the tournament before graduating from college and becoming a successful businessman in Georgia.

“He didn’t even do particularly well in this tournament,” DeLucca Jr. said with a laugh.

However, because of the impression the DeLuccas and golf left on him, Thame drives from Georgia to Miami every year to help out at the event.

“Basically, I’m a gopher,” Thame said. “I’ll do anything it takes to make this thing go. He [Charlie Jr.] told me, ‘Joel, if you ever make it, you have to give back. If you don’t make a contribution to society and invest in young people, it’s wrong.’ He has taught me so much as a mentor and a person.”

DeLucca’s words had a way of sticking with Thame — and many others. The father of another former player in the tournament drives from Ohio to lend a hand. Another person, who used to chase range balls, came back and donated $5,000 recently.

The DeLuccas hope to keep core values as the foundation for the tournament, which has grown into the world’s largest junior international event with more than 700 entrants.

This year’s edition at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa will begin with the 13-and-under divisions Sunday and Monday.

On Tuesday, there will be a Challenge Cup, with Florida players taking on opponents from five New England states. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday there will be the 14-15 and 16-18 boys and girls playing.

In the tournament, which is free to the public, there are 42 countries and 38 U.S. states represented. Entry into the tournament is not particularly easy because it is based upon both golf handicap and grade-point average.

“We’re trying to teach more than golf,” DeLucca Jr. said.