Nina Caldwell
The definition of a junior golfer varies depending on the competition and the organisation. For example, the PGA Jr. League includes two age divisions: 13 and under, and 17 and under. The minimum age is determined by the local PGA Coach. The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) states that juniors must be at least 12 years old to participate in an event, and once a player starts college, they are no longer eligible, regardless of age. The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) also has different age groups for both boys and girls, with the oldest group being boys aged 16-18. BREC Golf allows juniors aged 6-12 to play golf anytime at any 9-hole course under the supervision of an adult.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | 4-19 years old |
| Golf Clubs | Shorter shafts and lighter heads |
| Golf Balls | Softer golf balls |
| Golf Bag | Lightweight and appropriately sized |
| Golf Glove | Well-fitting |
| Training | Local golf academies or private coaches |
| Tournaments | Boston Fall Finale, Pittsburgh Fall Junior Open, Hilton Head Junior Classic |
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What You'll Learn
Junior Golf Age Policy
Golf is a sport that people of all ages can enjoy. However, for younger players, there are specific junior golf programmes and policies in place to help them develop their skills and gain experience.
BREC Golf
Juniors aged 4 and above are allowed to use the practice greens and driving range under the direct one-to-one supervision of an adult. Juniors aged 6–12 are eligible to play golf anytime at any 9-hole BREC golf course under the direct supervision of an adult. Children under 6 are not allowed on any BREC 9-hole golf course. Juniors aged 4–7 are eligible to participate in BREC's Li'l Chipper Program or the First Tee of EBR Target Program, which teaches golf skills and knowledge of golf etiquette and safety. Successful completion of either programme allows juniors aged 4–7 to play BREC golf courses at off-peak times and other specified hours. Juniors aged 6–17 are eligible to attend BREC Junior golf clinics.
PGA Jr. League
The PGA Jr. League is a youth pillar programme of the PGA of America's 501(c)(3) foundation, PGA REACH. It includes two age divisions: 13u and 17u. The minimum age is determined by the local PGA Coach, but players must be at least 14 years old and no older than 17. All skill levels are welcome, and no prior golf experience is required. Each team is broken down into pairs or a trio if a substitute is included. All games are played in a two-person scramble format, and within a game, pairs play in a head-to-head, 9-hole match.
AJGA
The AJGA offers three membership options: Junior Membership, Junior Plus Membership, and Future Player Membership. The Junior Membership is for those who have not yet reached their sophomore year of high school, while the Junior Plus Membership is for high school sophomores and juniors who plan to play college golf. The Future Player Membership is a non-playing membership for those who are either not old enough (under 12) or who do not wish to apply to play in AJGA events. Members can compete in a maximum of four AJGA Junior All-Star Series tournaments per season, which are designed for boys and girls aged 12–15. Juniors who have not reached their 19th birthday and have not graduated high school as of January 1 of the event year are eligible for events. Once a player starts college, they are no longer eligible, regardless of age.
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT)
The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) has various age groups for both boys and girls divisions. Players can move up during the season if they age up. For example, a 15-year-old who turns 16 during the season will play the remainder of the season in the 16-18 division. Once a player has started college, they can no longer compete, regardless of age.
Junior golfers can gain experience and improve their skills by participating in tournaments, such as the Orlando Fall Junior Open, the Pittsburgh Fall Junior Open, the Boston Fall Finale, and the Hilton Head Junior Classic.
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Golf equipment
Ping is a well-known brand that produces forgiving golf clubs for junior players, with five- and seven-club set configurations, both coming with a bag. The clubs are lightweight, easy to hit, and deliver high flights, making them ideal for junior golfers. The putter, in particular, has a mallet design that offers good alignment and stability. Ping also offers custom sets with specific wedges ranging from 40 to 62 degrees.
TGW also offers a range of junior golf equipment, including packaged golf sets for ages 5-8 and 9-12. Their selection includes individual drivers and complete club sets from brands like Wilson, Cobra, TaylorMade, Mizuno, and Tour Edge. These sets are designed for performance and comfort, with lightweight, easy-to-handle clubs that help junior players develop proper swing mechanics.
For younger golfers, TGW offers the Wilson Junior Profile JGI Red and Yellow packaged sets, suitable for children 40-56" tall. Mizuno also offers a juniors set for ages 8-9 and 12-14.
In addition to golf clubs, junior golfers may also require golf shoes, gloves, and apparel. It is important to measure the player's height and select the correct size when purchasing golf equipment.
Programs like PGA Jr. League and BREC's Li'l Chipper Program aim to teach golf skills and etiquette to juniors, with PGA Jr. League accommodating players of all skill levels, from beginners to competitive golfers. These programs often provide the necessary equipment for juniors to get started in golf.
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Training and tournaments
Training Programs
Junior golfers can access numerous training programs to improve their game and gain a competitive edge. One example is the PGA Jr. League, which welcomes children of all skill levels and provides a safe and organized environment for learning and playing golf. The program emphasizes team play, with local teams consisting of four or more players. PGA Coaches have the flexibility to create customized coaching programs that cater to the needs of their players and families. The PGA Jr. League utilizes a unique scoring format, with pairs of players competing in a 9-hole match play format, focusing on performance rather than traditional score-to-par.
Another notable training program is the First Tee Program, which empowers kids and teens to build self-confidence and actively participate in leadership opportunities. The program emphasizes personal growth and the development of fundamental golf skills. First Tee also offers a College Scholarship Program to provide mentorship and support to its alumni as they pursue higher education.
The International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA) in Orlando, Florida, is a premier golf boarding academy offering a world-class golf course, elite college-prep academics, and renowned coaches. IJGA provides technical, mental, and fitness training for junior golfers, with a focus on functional strength and conditioning to improve endurance, prevent injuries, and promote peak performance.
Tournaments
Junior golfers have a range of tournaments and tours to choose from, offering competitive experiences and opportunities to showcase their skills. The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) is one such example, providing rewarding experiences, friendly competition, and a diverse schedule of events across the nation and internationally. HJGT offers open events, major events, and invitationals, catering to junior golfers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans aiming to impress college coaches.
The BREC Junior golf clinics are also open to juniors aged 6-17, providing structured learning and playing opportunities. These programs help junior golfers develop their skills, etiquette, and knowledge of accepted golf practices.
These training programs and tournaments play a crucial role in the development of junior golfers, offering them a platform to improve their skills, gain competitive experience, and build a strong foundation for their golfing journey.
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Junior membership
AJGA Junior Membership
The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) offers three types of junior memberships: Junior Membership, Junior Plus Membership, and Future Player Membership. The standard Junior Membership is suitable for golfers who have not entered their sophomore year of high school. This membership provides access to AJGA tournaments, with a maximum of five AJGA Open and AJGA Junior All-Star Series events per season. The Junior Plus Membership is tailored for high school sophomores and juniors aspiring to play college golf. It offers an opportunity for younger players to prepare for the recruiting process. The Future Player Membership is a non-playing membership option for individuals below 12 years old or those uninterested in participating in AJGA events. This option allows members to enjoy the benefits of AJGA membership without competing in tournaments.
PGA Jr. League
The PGA Jr. League is a youth golf program that welcomes children of all skill levels, with no prior golf experience required. It features two age divisions: 13U and 17U, with the minimum age determined by the local PGA Coach. The program emphasizes team play, with each team comprising two or three players. Matches are played in a scramble format, fostering an inclusive environment where every player contributes.
BREC Golf
BREC Golf has junior membership policies that vary based on age groups. Juniors aged 4 and above can utilize the practice greens and driving range under adult supervision. Those aged 6-12 are permitted to play at any 9-hole BREC golf course when accompanied by an adult. BREC also offers programs like Li'l Chipper and First Tee of EBR Target for juniors aged 4-7 to develop their golf skills and knowledge of etiquette and safety. Upon successful completion of these programs, juniors in this age group can play at BREC golf courses during specified off-peak hours.
Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT)
The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) offers annual memberships for junior golfers, providing access to competitive junior golf experiences. Their events cater to various age groups for both boys and girls, with yardages increasing as players age up. HJGT tournaments are a platform for junior golfers to showcase their skills and gain exposure to college golf coaches, potentially paving the way for college golf scholarships.
These junior memberships offer a range of benefits, including skill development, competition exposure, and the opportunity to be part of a golfing community. Each organization has its own criteria and programs tailored to support young golfers in their journey.
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Junior Golf programs
One example of a junior golf program is the First Tee program, which is an international youth development organization. First Tee seamlessly integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, helping to shape the lives of young people from all backgrounds. Through their golf-based personal growth programs, kids can build essential life and leadership skills that will empower them in various areas of life, including school, friendships, and eventually, their careers.
Another option is the PGA Jr. League, which is the flagship youth pillar program of the PGA of America's 501(c)(3) foundation, PGA REACH. This program is all about making golf accessible to every child, regardless of their background or circumstance. It includes two age divisions: 13u and 17u, with a minimum age of 14 years old and a maximum of 17 years old. The PGA Jr. League utilizes a team format, with local teams consisting of four or more players. All games are played in a two-person scramble format, where both players in a pair hit drives, and the best shot is selected for the next step.
For younger golfers, the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) offers three different membership options: Junior Membership for those below their sophomore year of high school, Junior Plus Membership for high school sophomores and juniors planning to play college golf, and Future Player Membership for non-players who are not old enough or do not intend to participate in events. AJGA members can compete in AJGA Open and AJGA Junior All-Star tournaments, with the latter catering to the 12-15 age group.
These junior golf programs provide a great opportunity for young golfers to develop their skills, learn valuable life lessons, and have fun while experiencing the game in a safe and organized environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Junior golf is a term used to describe children who are learning or playing the sport.
This depends on the golf course and the tournament. Generally, juniors are considered to be under the age of 18 or 19, but some courses have more specific age brackets, such as 4-7 or 12-15.
Junior golfers should have a lightweight and appropriately-sized golf bag, a well-fitting golf glove, and junior golf clubs with shorter shafts and lighter heads.
There are several junior golf tournaments, including the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT), the Boston Fall Finale at Sandy Burr, the Hilton Head Junior Classic, the Pittsburgh Fall Junior Open, and the PGA Jr. League.
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