SentryWorld Golf Course recognized for delivering an exceptional championship experience
BRASELTON, GA. – The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) has named the Rolex Girls Junior Championship the 2025 Invitational of the Year, recognizing the event’s outstanding support, championship atmosphere and commitment to providing a memorable experience for players and families. SentryWorld Golf Course hosted the award-winning tournament in 2025.
The Rolex Girls Junior Championship, one of the AJGA’s premier invitationals, is contested at a different host venue each year. In 2025, SentryWorld welcomed the championship for the first time and quickly established itself as a premier venue on the AJGA schedule.
“We’re incredibly honored to be named the 2025 Invitational of the Year for the Rolex Girls Junior Championship,” said Mike James, General Manager at SentryWorld. “This recognition reflects SentryWorld’s commitment to excellence and our readiness to host top junior talent from around the world.”
“We are proud to recognize the Rolex Girls Junior Championship as the 2025 Invitational of the Year and to celebrate the outstanding partnership with SentryWorld Golf Course,” said Ryan Flanagan, Senior Regional Director, Midwest. “From exceptional course conditions to a first-class player experience, SentryWorld set the standard for what an AJGA Invitational can be. Their commitment to junior golf and willingness to invest in these young athletes made a lasting impact on everyone involved.”
From the moment players arrived, SentryWorld created a first-class environment throughout tournament week. Sentry hosted a welcome party along the 13th fairway, where players had the chance to fish in the ponds and hit shots at floating greens using vintage clubs. Players also had access to a dedicated lounge stocked with snacks, drinks and games during the tournament.
“This recognition from the AJGA means a great deal to our entire team at SentryWorld,” said Danny Rainbow, PGA Director of Golf at SentryWorld. “It reflects the dedication and care that goes into every aspect of hosting this championship, from course preparation to the overall player experience. It also reinforces our commitment to supporting junior golf at the highest level.”
Each participant received a custom painting of the par-3 16th hole, designed by a local artist, as a keepsake from the week. Sentry executives also played an active role during the tournament, serving as starters each day, including Sentry Chairman Pete McPartland.
The championship also left a lasting impression because of the level of competition and atmosphere throughout the week.
“Last year’s event offered a glimpse into the future of women’s golf,” James said. “The level of play and course management at such a young age was impressive and speaks to the depth of talent coming through the game.”
“Beyond the exceptional golf, I’ll always remember the vibrant atmosphere throughout the week,” Rainbow said. “Seeing these young women compete at such a high level, while also supporting each other, created a truly special environment.”
The partnership between SentryWorld and the AJGA has helped create new opportunities for elite junior golfers while showcasing one of the country’s best championship venues.
“We’ve greatly valued our partnership with the AJGA and the exceptional players they represent,” James said. “The organization brings a high level of structure, preparation and experience, which aligns well with our approach to hosting championship-level events.”
“The AJGA and SentryWorld share a common passion for nurturing talent and developing future leaders through the game of golf,” Rainbow said. “We believe in investing in the future of golf, and the AJGA is the perfect partner to help us do that.”
SentryWorld has hosted several major championships, including the 2023 U.S. Senior Open and the 2019 U.S. Girls’ Junior, and the Rolex Girls Junior Championship added another successful chapter to that history. SentryWorld is also scheduled to host the 2028 U.S. Senior Women’s Open and the 2034 U.S. Senior Open.
About the AJGA
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 10,000 members from 50 states and 51 international countries and territories. Through initiatives like the Liberty National ACE Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.
TaylorMade and Rolex are the AJGA’s Global Partners, supporting the AJGA for more than 60 years combined. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004 and assumed the Global Partner position in 2026. adidas has been with the AJGA for many years and became a Premier Partner in 2026.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,000 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang.
Emily Kmiec
AJGA Communications
ekmiec@ajga.org
