The game of golf can be played for fun, but it is also fun for kids to compete in organized events. The world of junior golf offers many opportunities for kids of all ages and skill levels to participate and enjoy. The important thing is that you find the appropriate place for your junior to start competing that fits their ability and what they can handle. This approach insures they are not overwhelmed by the experience. There are competitions for players as young as 5 up to age 18. Events take place locally, statewide and nationally. Starting your junior in the best place for them is imperative to insure their growth in the game as well as their enjoyment.

When I feel that a child is ready to start competing, depending on the age of the junior, I usually suggest they start with US KIDS Golf. Other local organizations include Atlanta Junior Golf and the Georgia State Golf Association. All of these tours are developmental and are usually one-day events with opportunities for girls and boys, beginners to advanced, 9 hole events and 18 hole events. They are also affordable and typically do not involve travel expenses.

A typical progression of competition is as follows:

• US KIDS Golf/State Golf Association/Atlanta Junior Golf
• All American Tour/Georgia Junior PGA
• Southeastern Junior Tour
• American Junior Tour

As your junior progresses and matures you may want to look at other tournaments in the state as well as national events. Once your junior progresses beyond these events, they must to be able to compete tournaments that span multiple days with 18 hole rounds.

For example the next level of competition after Atlanta Junior Golf would be the All American Tour and the Georgia Junior PGA. In these events, juniors play 36 holes in two days and there are different age divisions for boys and girls. Juniors usually score 90 or better in these events with the winners scoring close to par (72 – 75). Scores will vary depending on the age divisions in the event.

The next step up would be the Southeastern Junior Tour which competes in the South East. This tour is considered to be a stepping-stone to the highest level of competition for juniors, the American Junior Tour. If your junior is 12 and older and seems to be consistent in their scoring and is being competitive in Georgia PGA and All American events, then you may want to look at the Southeastern Tour. This tour involves more travel and more of a commitment of time.

The ultimate test for a junior golfer is the American Junior Golf Tour. This tour is not only where all the best juniors play, it is also one that juniors have to qualify for and be eligible by performance. Most of the other events and tours are first come - first serve. The American Junior Golf Association has events that juniors may qualify for and events that are by invitation only. This tour is played nationally from coast to coast in the US.

All of these tours involve membership fees and an entry fee, which is also something that you want to consider when you are looking for tournaments for your junior to play. These tours are played throughout the year, especially in the south.

Other helpful resources to understand the various tours:

• Southeastern Junior Golf Tour
• All American Junior Golf Tour

There are other options for juniors to compete that do not involve joining a tour. Most states have golf associations that host junior events, usually in the summer. Also, there are independent events that you can find throughout the year, mostly in the summer. The best place to look is Junior Golf Scoreboard