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How to Navigate the World of Junior Golf
Where to Start – Do a little research
The world of junior golf is full of opportunities for all kids that wish to start the game, progress in the game, advance and compete in the game. If you are a parent looking to get your junior started in the game of golf, you should be able to find a program that fits your needs and goals in your area. At the Country Club of Roswell we offer clinics for all ages and skill levels. We offer camps for different skill levels, private coaching, instruction and a summer program for members of the club. Most private clubs offer a program similar to this at some level, as do most public golf courses. If you are serious about getting your child in the game, you can go to the following websites and find a program in your area:
Hook a Kid on Golf – Programs are all over the United States and provide communities with a comprehensive youth golf program that helps overcome obstacles to learning the game. (800 729-2057)
The First Tee – This program has chapters in all corners of the United States and was formed to offer the opportunity to kids from all backgrounds to start the game of golf. This program also provides life enhancing values through the game of golf.
Total Golf Adventure – This program is available in 23 states including Georgia. There are after school programs that teach kids the game of golf and life skills from kindergarten through middle school.
Junior Links – The official junior golf website of the PGA, LPGA, USGA, NGCOA that provides information about programs and events involving junior golf.
US Kids Golf – This Company manufactures golf equipment for kids starting as young as three and up to early teens. They also offer information about coaching kids in the game, including listing the Top 50 teachers in the US for kids. They also provide competition for juniors ages 6 – 12 using modified courses.
Play Golf America – This is the PGA, LPGA, USGA and other golf associations’ initiative to grow the game. Check for upcoming junior programs in your area.
Next Step – Choose a Coach
If you have a junior who has more than just a casual interest in the game and seems to have some ability, you may want to continue their progress with private instruction and some tournament play. US Kids Golf may be one of the best resources to start with. They list the top 50 Teachers in the US for kids as well host golf camps. They also host competitions for juniors as young as 6 (from modified tees) and host one of the largest tournaments in the world for kids (“US KIDS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP”). This event has kids competing from all over the world. US Kids Golf is one of the best systems for getting your junior more involved in the game of golf.
You may also go to The PGA and go to “Pro finder” to find a PGA professional in your area that may teach and coach juniors. You may also call your local PGA chapter and ask them to recommend a professional in your area. In addition, The LPGA provides a list of the top 50 teachers in the US and in your area.
Next Step - Competing
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 more advanced, 9 hole events and 18 hole events. They are also affordable and typically do not involve travel expenses.
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 in multiple days tournaments, 18 hole rounds and be able to shoot scores good enough to be able to compete at the next level.
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 AJGA 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.
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. Tournaments can be found by searching time of year, state and gender.
Next Step – Check out other resources
