STUDIO CITY, CALIF. (Feb. 3, 2014) – For the third straight year, top California female junior golfers will be paired with LPGA legends for an inspirational round of golf on Monday, March 31 as part of Kraft Nabisco Championship week at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. The KNC Champions Junior Challenge will reward the junior low amateur at the event with a sponsor’s invitation to play in the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship, one of the LPGA Tour’s five major championships, April 3-6. Champions already confirmed for the event include Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with the Kraft Nabisco Championship and provide Southland girls with this kind of unique opportunity,” said SCGA Youth on Course Executive Director Kevin Gigax. “Over the past two years, a number of iconic KNC Legends and incredible junior golfers have participated in this event, which for many is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Once again, the Junior Challenge will showcase the best junior girls in the state, provide legends the opportunity to share the game and its values with the younger generation, and inspire girls to continue to pursue their dreams in golf.”
The juniors participating in the KNC Champions Junior Challenge, formerly known as the Legends Junior Challenge, will be chosen by a selection committee led by SCGA Youth on Course, which will also supply tournament administration support for the event. The event will be played on the Arnold Palmer Course and, for the first time in its three-year existence, include junior girls from all of California, not just the Southern region.
“It is an honor to again partner with the SCGA on such a unique event,” said KNC Tournament Director Gabe Codding. “In the 42-year history of the Kraft Nabisco, 32 women have emerged as champions, 12 of which are World Golf Hall of Fame members. Giving girls ages 13-18 the chance to meet and be mentored by the former Kraft Nabisco Championship winners is something really special.”
Last year, Angel Yin of Arcadia fired a 5-under par 67 to win the Junior Challenge at age 14. She was coached by World Golf Hall of Fame member Donna Caponi. Yin went on to make the cut and finish T55 in the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
Junior applicants will be evaluated based on their golf resumes and their community and leadership involvement. Those interested in applying may learn more at scga.org/champions.
About SCGA Youth on Course
The mission of SCGA Youth on Course is to promote the education and character development of Southern California youth through golf. Through its programs, SCGA Youth on Course focuses its efforts on creating affordable access to golf, instilling integrity and responsibility in youth through the game and providing educational opportunities for youth from fifth grade to college. Learn more at scga.org/yoc.
About the Kraft Nabisco Championship
The Kraft Nabisco Championship is golf’s first major and one of the LPGA Tour’s most prestigious events. Founded in 1972 by David Foster and Dinah Shore, the Kraft Nabisco Championship earned the designation as a major tournament in 1983. Contested at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., since its inception, the Championship holds the distinction of being the second oldest golf tournament continuously held at the same course. For many, the event is most distinguished by one of golf’s most beloved traditions: the champion’s leap into Poppie’s Pond, located adjacent to the 18th green. In 1988, the first champion’s leap into Poppie’s Pond was taken by Amy Alcott, and since has become one of the most anticipated and memorable traditions in golf. For more information on the Kraft Nabisco Championship, please visit www.KNCGolf.com or call 760-324-4546. To follow the Kraft Nabisco Championship, go to www.facebook.com/KNCGolf or www.twitter.com/KNCGolf.
Contact:
Julia Pine, Southern California Golf Association, jpine@scga.org, 818-980-3630 x321
