Junior golf series, or junior tours as they are often called, are offered in virtually every state and in most metropolitan areas. Just like their counterparts in other sports, such as AAU Basketball or Little League Baseball, junior golf tournaments are a fantastic way to introduce kids to competitive golf. Likewise, contrary to what some recruiting services may lead parents and kids to believe, they are also the best way to catch the eye of college coaches and programs.
Purpose of Junior Golf. To be sure, the main purpose of youth golf is to teach golf's fundamentals and instill a love of the game. Kids who become involved in competitive golf should first have a strong desire to play. Without such a desire, the rigors of competition, even at the junior level, may dampen their enthusiasm.
Introducing Kids to Tournament Golf. At the age of around seven or eight, kids can begin competing in junior tournaments. Generally, junior golf tournaments and junior tournament series are broken into age groups. For example, the San Diego, California Junior Golf Association age groups are divided in this manner:
- Girls/Boys - Ages 7 and 8
- Girls/Boys - Ages 9 and 10
- Girls/Boys - Ages 11 and 12
- Girls/Boys - Ages 13 and 14
- Girls/Boys - Ages 15, 16 and 17
In contrast to San Diego, the Atlanta, Georgia Junior Golf Association, which involves girls and boys age 7 through 18, generally divides their competions into just two groups: Boys/Girls 12 and under; and Boys/Girls 13 and over. Atlanta has divisions for different skill levels, which have internal age group divisions that vary a bit.
Also, Atlanta Junior Golf, like most junior golf associations, keep season-long results and statistics. For a child who is ready for competition, statistics can be a great motivator. Published statistics are also the means by which a young golfer can be first noticed by a college golf coach.
Great Exposure. Anyone who has played golf knows their swing on the practice tee is often not the one they take onto the golf course. What is most revealing to a college coach, infinitely more so than video of a golfer on the driving range, are results from the heat of competition. Kids who consistently finish and rank near the top in junior tournaments become the top ranked college recruits, as long as they have the grades to match their game. Also, kids who demonstrate consistent participation are evidencing a willingness to stick with the game and a toughness appreciated by coaches.
Many recruiting agencies and consultants may tell parents and kids that services such as video productions, letters to coaches and campus visits, all arranged by their agencies, of course, are equally as important. Although they may have some utility, real participation and real results in real competition are worth their weight in gold. Or in green, depending on your favorite color.
If you liked this article, visit the Suite 101 Youth Golf Index for quick links to other junior golf articles, blog posts and discussions.
