U.S. Kids Golf World Championship Coming to Pinehurst, Sandhills July 27-29
VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. (July 10, 2006) – The need for competitive opportunities for kids to improve their performance and sustain their interest in golf led to the establishment of the world’s largest golf tournament for kids 4 to 12, U.S. Kids Golf founder and president Dan Van Horn told a group of North Carolina writers and broadcasters on Monday at the event’s Media Day at Pinehurst Resort.
"Our equipment came out of a need for kids to have clubs that suited their body types in weight, length, and the stiffness of the golf shaft," Van Horn said. "Then we found that kids needed events to learn to play and enjoy the game. This championship represents the next step – the need for competitive play, so kids can improve their games and have something to aspire to."
The seventh annual U.S. Kids Golf World Championship comes to Pinehurst and the Sandhills area July 27-29. The event, which is the world’s largest tournament for kids 4 to 12, will be a "dream come true" for many of the more than 800 participants who are expected, Van Horn said.
"There’s never been as much anticipation for the World Championship as there is for this year’s tournament. The best golfers want to play and compete on outstanding courses, and young kids are no exception," Van Horn said. "The opportunity to play where so many historic championships have been contested over the years has created a new level of excitement for this event."
"This is a community event," said Peter Stilwell, director of business development and events at Pinehurst Resort. "We are thrilled to see the hotels, golf courses and business community embrace these international families and to welcome them as only this area can." A series of open-to-the-public events, including street fairs and carnivals, is planned for championship week.
Several of the players who have qualified for the World Championship took part in a golf demonstration on Monday. Among them was Matthew Kowalewski, a 12-year-old from Charlotte, who hit several drives more than 200 yards.
"I entered the event just to see how well I could compete against other kids," said Kowalewski. "I want to see how well I can play." He will compete against kids from 46 states and 33 countries, as far away as Australia, Kenya, Egypt, Brazil and Japan.
The tournament will be played on the No. 3, 4 and 5 courses at Pinehurst Resort, along with Mid Pines Golf Club, Talamore Resort and Midland Country Club. The courses will be shortened to gender- and age-appropriate lengths (between 1,100 and 5,600 yards) in accordance with the U.S. Kids Golf Personal Tee Learning Program.
Following practice rounds and opening ceremonies on July 26, the three-day stroke play event begins on July 27 in 12 age and gender groups. Rounds are 9 or 18 holes per day, depending on age group. The U.S. Kids Golf World Cup, a Ryder Cup style competition, will be held on July 30 on Pinehurst No. 2 with the top 12-year-olds from the World Championship squaring off in a U.S. vs. international match-play event.
About U.S. Kids Golf
U.S. Kids Golf is based in Atlanta, Ga., and manufactures equipment, apparel, balls and accessories specially for kids. In addition to more than 4,000 golf shops and retail locations in the U.S., the company’s products also are available in Europe, Canada, the Middle and Far East, South America, Mexico and Australia. Through the Personal Teeâ?¢ Golf Learning Program and its Local Tours, Regional Championships and the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship, U.S. Kids Golf also provides opportunities for instruction and competition. For more information, call 1-888-3 US KIDS or visit the company’s web site at www.uskidsgolf.com.
Contact:
Bill Bryant
(678) 366-3232
bbryant@bryantmarcomm.com
