NEW YORK, NY—Golf Digest magazine announces its 2007 Junior Development Award winners in the May issue (on newsstands April 10). The Junior Development Awards are presented annually to a municipality, association, individual, club and corporation in recognition of their efforts in building junior golf programs.
Since the inception of the awards in 1984, junior golfers and programs for them have increased dramatically. According to the PGA of America, nearly two million kids annually attend PGA-sponsored clinics and The First Tee has 1.4 million junior golfers worldwide as participants.
Municipal Award: The City Parks Foundation of New York City
The City Parks Foundation in New York City provides free golf instruction for children aged 5-16 at 14 public parks. Last summer nearly 1500 kids participated in the eight-lesson sessions for beginners and intermediates.
Association Winner: Spirit of Golf Foundation
The Spirit of Golf Foundation, based in Orlando, provides certification and resources for coaches, P.E. teachers and youth counselors who oversee scholastic golf programs.
Individual Winner: Terry Nelson, Whitefish, MT
Terry Nelson has been the head golf coach at Whitefish High School in Whitefish, MT, since 1985. Last year his boys’ and girls’ teams celebrated state championships. Nelson attributes his success—13 state titles for the girls, six for the boys—to free summer lessons for Whitefish kids.
Club Winner: Colbert Hills Golf Course
Colbert Hills Golf Course in Manhattan, KS, hosts a series of junior programs, including The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy in July. Nearly 100 kids from First Tee facilities around the country are chosen to attend this weeklong clinic.
Corporate Winner: Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha is the title sponsor of The Golf Channel’s Drive, Chip & Putt competition. The free golf-skills competition for kids 7-14 will be contested in 105 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Last year over 11,000 junior golfers participated in the program, hoping to reach the finals in Orlando.
Contact:
Andrew Katcher
212-630-2488, Andrew.Katcher@golfdigest.com
Bret Hopman
212-630-2490, Bret.Hopman@golfdigest.com
