PGA Jr. League, which is reporting a 16% year-over-year increase in participation, is launching initiatives to increase diversity, expand global reach, offer scholarships, and create an online store. The Junior Players Golf Academy offers full-time golf coaching from August through May, with housing, meals and transportation included, and has announced its 2018 programming.
PGA Jr. League, introduced in 2012 with a recreational team format for kids, has seen a 16% year-over-year increase in participation, with 42,000 boys and girls playing on 3,400 PGA Jr. League teams in 2017.
Of these players, 80% identified as beginner or recreational golfers, speaking to the developmental nature of the program. Additionally, 25% of players were girls.
“Thanks to the efforts of nearly 2,300 PGA and LPGA Professionals captaining PGA Jr. League teams, kids are engaging in golf in a welcoming format that fosters a lifetime love of the game,” said PGA President Paul Levy. “We’re encouraged by the growth of the program and look forward to seeing it further impact youth golf participation as a whole.”
PGA Jr. League brings friends and family together around a fun, team golf experience with expert coaching from PGA and LPGA Professionals. Boys and girls of all backgrounds and skill levels learn and play together in a supportive, two-person scramble format that encourages mentorship, builds confidence and promotes sportsmanship.
Key PGA Jr. League initiatives to be highlighted in the 2018 season include:
• Increasing Diversity: In 2016, PGA REACH partnered with national African-American fraternity Sigma Pi Phi, with the aim of increasing racial and ethnic diversity in PGA Jr. League participation. In its second year, the program grew to nearly 340 youth of color across 10 markets nationwide.
• Global Expansion: In 2017, PGA Jr. League expanded to China in partnership with NLN, LLC, a joint venture between the Nicklaus Companies, a global marketing, licensing and golf course design company; League Golf, the original partner developers of the PGA Jr. League format; and NPlay Golf, a golf technology company.
• Scholarship Program: Through PGA REACH’s partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter grant, scholarships are available to players who meet financial need requirements and apply for assistance. The scholarship program launched in 2017 and nearly 400 under-resourced youth have been able to participate because of it.
• National Car Rental Support: Announced in November, National Car Rental will serve as the Proud Supporter of PGA Jr. League, which will be added to National’s existing role as Presenting Sponsor of the PGA Jr. League Championship. This partnership will be focused around National providing season-long benefits and enhancements for players, Captains and parents.
• New Team Gear and Online Store: National Car Rental’s support of PGA Jr. League has also helped provide each player with two high-quality Garb jerseys to represent home and away games (one orange and one blue), available in boys and girls sizing. Players will also receive a performance t-shirt, bag tag, stickers, hat and drawstring bag. As well, an online store is opening, allowing parents to order additional team gear.
• Endemic Support: Additional partner support includes Titleist & FootJoy, TaylorMade, Callaway, PING and COBRA PUMA GOLF. Through the support of these partners during the regular and post-seasons, PGA Jr. League is a better experience for everyone involved.
• New Post-Season presented by National Car Rental: A new, schedule-friendly post-season presented by National Car Rental will be introduced during the 2018 season.
Consumers can visit PGAJrLeague.com to find a team and register.
Junior Players Golf Academy (JPGA), a full-time, intensive and student-focused junior golf coaching organization, has announced its full line-up of programming for 2018.
In addition to the Full-Time Academy and Post Graduate Program for athletes looking to improve their game before entering college, various JPGA Junior Golf Camps are available year-round.
The Full-Time Academy runs from mid-August through the end of May with housing, meals and transportation included. Students receive daily individualized coaching from a staff never exceeding a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio and have access to five courses on Hilton Head Island and three in Orlando.
The Academy also provides Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) fitness training, weekly video analysis and Trackman sessions, college counseling and placement, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) membership and nine entries to HJGT events (including travel, accommodations and coaches). Interviews are required for prospective Full-Time Academy students.
To complement the Full-Time Academy and Post Graduate Program, JPGA will offer four seasonal camps in 2018. Program specifics, duration and pricing vary based on the selected program and are as follows:
• Full-Time Academy Post Graduate Program: Tailored to high school graduates in pursuit of a scholarship or pre-collegiate game improvement, the post graduate program focuses on competitive play and preparation for the next level. The program, which follows the Full-Time Academy schedule from mid-August until mid-May, includes TPI fitness training, weekly video analysis, college counseling and placement assistance, HJGT membership and access to nine HJGT events. Interviews are required for prospective Post Graduate Program students.
• JPGA Spring Break Golf Camp: The five-day intensive camp features daily golf coaching, video analysis, housing, meals and evening activities. Camp dates begin on March 5 with the last one starting April 23. Rates range from $1,395 (commuter) to $1,895 (residential).
• JPGA Summer Break Golf Camp: Available for eleven weeks from May 23 through August 6, summer camps include daily golf coaching, video analysis, housing, meals and evening activities. Rates range from $1,395 (commuter) to $1,895 (residential), with discounts available for multiple week campers.
• JPGA Summer Players Camp: Separate from the Summer Break Golf Camps, the Players Camp is a multi-week camp designed for players to train throughout the week and compete on weekends. Three separate programs offer three hours of daily coaching on each aspect of the game, video analysis, 18 holes with an instructor joining for nine holes, teaching course management technique and tournament play tactics. Rates range from $3,695 to $7,995 depending on the selected camp.
• JPGA Holiday Golf Camp: Players can choose between a three-day or five-day camp, which includes daily golf coaching, video analysis, housing, meals and evening activities. Three-day camp rates range from $1,125 (commuter) to $1,525 (residential) and five-day camp rates range from $1,395 (commuter) to $1,895 (residential).
To learn more about JPGA and its 2018 programming line-up, visit www.jrpga.com or call 843-686-3355.
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