Sept. 17, 2012
Mike Alday, Alday Communications (mike@aldaycommunications.com), 615-791-1535, x22
CALIFORNIA CAPTURES FIRST PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
CHICAGO, Ill. – Just a week before the 2012 Ryder Cup will be contested in the Chicago area, a group of junior golfers from California won the first-ever PGA Junior League Golf Championship at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club on Sunday, Sept. 16.
The California team was the only undefeated team in this 2 –day, 3 match Championship with teams from Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, Texas and Illinois competing. The Final on Sunday saw the only 2 teams without a loss playing against each other, with California besting Atlanta 8.5 points to 3.5.
“We offer congratulations to not only the team from California but to all of the teams,” said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. “The PGA of America is proud to bring this recreational youth sports team concept to golf. This was an incredible finale to a great first year, and we look forward to engaging many more young golfers next year.”
Coordinated by The PGA of America and LGI, LLC, PGA Junior League Golf (www.PGAJrLeagueGolf.com) is a new team concept for aspiring young golfers, ages 7-13, similar to “Little League Baseball.” More than 1,800 children competed on more than 120 teams from 22 markets in league play throughout the summer. Five Regional champions, plus a team from Illinois (host market), advanced to the championship at Cog Hill.
The teams each played 3 head-to-head matches. The Champion was decided as the team with the best overall record:
1st 3-0 California, Team Captain Andy Nisbet, PGA (29 Points)
2nd 2-1 Georgia, Team Captain Chuck Scoggins, PGA (23 Points)
3rd 2-1 Texas, Team Captain Aurora Kirchner-McClain, PGA (18 Points)
4th 1-2 Florida, Team Captain Roger Van Dyke, PGA (19.5 Points)
5th 1-2 Illinois, Team Captain Dennis Johnsen, PGA (11.5 Points)
6th 0-3 New Jersey, Team Captain Bill Fox, PGA (7 Points)
The concept brings young players together to learn the game among their peers under the direction of PGA/LPGA Professionals serving as team captains. Parents play an active role, making the program a family activity to create another generation of players to enjoy the game. No previous playing experience is required and players of varied skill levels filled out the teams. Matches are coed, two-person scrambles, reinforcing the team concept and limiting the pressure on any one player. Much like other league sports, Participants play in team uniforms with jersey numbers. The program will be available nationally in 2013.
