For Immediate Release – 2018 will be a year to remember for junior golfers who participate in Drive, Chip and Putt and PGA Jr. League. With all of the world-class facilities Wisconsin has to offer, it has become a coveted golf destination, and juniors from around the country will experience more unique playing opportunities than ever before.
In 2012, the PGA of America, addressed the state of the game by rolling out a comprehensive plan to maximize golf’s growth potential by creating innovative ways to introduce people to the game. Drive, Chip and Putt and PGA Junior League are two examples designed specifically to introduce golf to younger generations and convert them to lifetime golfers.
Drive, Chip and Putt is a joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association, and the PGA of America. This FREE nationwide junior golf development competition focuses on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. Girls and boys ages 7-15, compete with their peers in qualifiers throughout the country. Participants attempt to advance through three stages of qualifying to earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National the Sunday before the Masters Tournament.
PGA Jr. League is the flagship youth pillar program of PGA REACH, with the goal of making the program accessible to all interested kids ages 16 and under. The program focuses on fun, recreation, good health and sportsmanship. PGA Jr. League is recreational and developmental in nature and works with PGA Sections and local youth organizations across the country to offer an alternative, social golf format. Kids play a scramble format with their friends while wearing numbered jerseys, much like other youth sports. This unique approach highlights team play versus individual competition and serves as a feeder system to transition youth golfers to existing junior golf programs.
Participants for the Drive, Chip and Putt Competition advance through Local, Sub-Regional, and Regional qualifying. “We are very excited to host the DCP Regional! Over the years Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run have been one of the biggest supporters of the WPGA Junior Foundation. It just made sense for us to host this prestigious junior event,” says Kohler’s Tournament Director and PGA Professional, Ed Elsner. He also serves as the President for the WPGA Junior Foundation.
Whistling Straits has hosted 3 PGA Championships and is the home of the 2020 Ryder Cup. The Drive, Chip and Putt Regional comes to Whistling Straits on September 8th.
Likewise, Beloit Club is the proud host of a PGA Jr. League Regional site. The winning teams from Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin will compete against each other for a spot at the National Finals in November at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ. “We are excited and honored to host the 2018 Regional Championship at the Beloit Club. The competition, sportsmanship, and excitement for the players, coaches and spectators is second to none. I encourage people to come out and support this great event that is growing the game,” remarks Travis Becker, PGA of the Beloit Club. He is the facility’s Director of Instruction and was the PGA Jr. League All Star Captain of the state champions in 2013 & 2017.
Beloit Club, founded in 1909, receives many high accolades from the surrounding community and has hosted many state tournaments, charity events, and outings throughout the years. In 2016, Beloit Club was recognized as Golf Inc.’s “Most Improved Private Club.” The PGA Jr. League Midwest Regional is set for September 15th-16th.
