For 2012, the PGA of America targeted 16 markets throughout the United States to be supporters of a new Junior Golf concept called PGA Junior League Golf (PGA JLG). Similar to “Little League” in baseball, PGA Junior League Golf offers junior golfers an opportunity to experience competitive golf in a supportive team environment. Four facilities in the Washington D.C. area formed PGA JLG teams – Blue Mash, Country Club of Fairfax, Springfield Country Club and Woodmont Country Club. These four teams competed in regular season matches; then selected members from each of the four teams represented D.C. at the Regional tournament.
The Northeast Regional for PGA JLG was held in Avondale, Pennsylvania at Hartefeld National Golf Club on August 4-5, 2012. With Coach Mike Thomas, PGA (Woodmont CC; Rockville, Md.) leading the way, eight golfers from the D.C.-area teams combined to form their Regional team. Nine year old Brendan Eig, an original member of the Woodmont CC team, traveled to Avondale where he and his new team members competed against three different teams from the state of New Jersey – Central, Shore & West.
Finishing with a 1-2 record, the D.C. team was not disappointed and neither were the supportive parents. Brendan had this to say about his experience, “I learned that golf is about having fun and having good sportsmanship. It’s o.k. if you don’t win but you have to play fairly and try your best.” Brendan’s parents, Jason and Heather, who are members at Woodmont Country Club, had nothing but positive praise in regards to PGA JLG. “It was a pleasure to have our son partake in a sporting event that gave him the opportunity to experience competitive golf in an enjoyable setting,” said Heather Eig.
About the Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America
The Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA (MAPGA), located in Stafford, Virginia, is one of 41 Sections of The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA), headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. As a part of The PGA since 1925, the MAPGA consists of over 1,100 members and apprentices in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and small portions of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Together, the MAPGA golf professionals, volunteers and staff support the mission of The PGA to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to the game’s growth by providing services to PGA Professionals and the golf industry.
Contact:
Stephanie Jennings, PGA
sjennings@pgahq.com
(540) 720-7420 ext. 116
