SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – Some of the brightest stars in the junior golf galaxy will assemble at National Golf Club for the American Junior Golf Association’s 2007 Golf Pride Junior Classic. Dates for the 54-hole tournament are Aug. 7-9.
The AJGA is the premier junior golf organization in the country, sending more than 90% of its graduating seniors to golf at the collegiate level. Approximately three-fourths of those will receive some form of scholarship.
"You look at the alumni of the AJGA and you’re talking about Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Davis Love III, Cristie Kerr, Lorena Ochoa and Kelli Kuehne," said Tom Parsons, National’s director of golf. "Needless to say, the young men and women who will be here at National Golf Club are among the best junior golfers in the country."
Jack Fields of Southern Pines is the defending champion of the Golf Pride Junior Classic, held at Pine Needles last year. This year he’ll be competing on home turf as his parents are members of National Golf Club.
Other local boys participating are: Patrick Barrett of Pinehurst, Russell Burke of Pinehurst, Robert Hoadley of Southern Pines, Hunter Howell of Raeford, Michael McGowan of Southern Pines and Samuel Packard of Pinehurst. Local girls competing are Darlea Carr of Pinehurst and Sarah Almond of Albemarle.
In addition to the three tournament rounds, there will be a qualifier on Aug. 5 at Mid Pines, and an AJGA Junior-Am fundraiser at National on Aug. 6.
The Golf Pride Junior Classic will have a field of approximately 100. Of that number, 66 boys and 22 girls have exemptions, while the final amount will make the field via the qualifier.
"Thirteen of the past 15 U.S. Amateur champions, both men and women, are AJGA alumni, so this is a pretty big deal," Parsons said. "This is a great event for the area and a great way for us to support junior golf. Also, the public is welcome to come out and watch."
For information on the AJGA Golf Pride Junior Classic, visit www.ajga.org or call the golf shop at National Golf Club at (910) 295-5340.
Contact:
Craig Distl
(704) 377-8622
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