February 24, 2011; Phoenix, Arizona — When the PING Junior Interclub (PJI) season got underway last weekend, for many of the golfers it was their first taste of organized team play and hearing their name announced on the first tee. That’s the idea behind PJI, now in its third season: to give young golfers the opportunity to experience team competition. In most cases, it isn’t until tryouts for their high school squad that junior golfers can join a team.
PJI is a competition among eight-member teams of juniors who represent participating golf courses. Season three swung into action Feb. 20 (and concludes in mid-May) with 35 teams from public and private courses in the Phoenix area, plus 10 more in Tucson, totaling more than 400 players. That’s a big jump in league size from 2009, when PJI formed with eight teams. Interest is running high, and growth is expected to continue.
“PING has a long affiliation with juniors because we feel that learning teamwork, knowing the rules, and developing golf skills should start at a young age,” said John Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “PING Junior Interclub is a wonderful training ground for teaching these values, which will serve kids throughout their life.”
PJI founder John Souza said his goal is to provide more playing opportunities for kids while introducing them to the camaraderie of team play. “Playing team golf is just a whole lot of fun, especially if you can gather a group of friends to play on your team,” he said. “Plus, there’s a sense of pride when you’re playing for your club.” Souza added that kids who understand team dynamics are better prepared for high school and college golf.
A range of skill levels participate, from pre-teens who are new to organized golf to accomplished high-schoolers who aspire to play at the college level. In fact, top finishers receive exemptions to American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournaments, and could catch the eye of high school or college coaches. (In addition to the AJGA partnership, PJI is a “Friend of the Association” of the Golf Coaches Association of America. Both organizations monitor PJI tournament results.)
New this year is a less-competitive nine-hole format for boys and girls ages 6 to 14 (parents are welcome to caddy), along with the standard 18 holes for ages 10 to 18. Teams are organized into five-team divisions and play five events, one at each team’s course. The top two teams and individuals in each division qualify for post-season play, with the state champions receiving a PING traveling trophy.
PING is the presenting National Partner of PJI. Official Partners are Under Armour, Aldila, CMC Golf, The Thunderbirds, and the PGA Southwest Section. Golf World magazine serves as the Media Partner, and Association Partners are the GCAA and AJGA.
Junior Golf University is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to promote junior golf. At present, JGU is running the PING Junior Interclub.
For match results and more information, visit www.juniorgolfuniversity.org or contact John Souza at jsouza@ juniorgolfuniversity.org.
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