PGA Junior League Golf…Growing in New England

Brian Bain, PGA

 

Part 2 of our 2017 Guest Blog Series – This post is written by Brian Bain – Regional Manager of the PGA of America Player Development in New England

 

PGA Junior League Golf (PGA JLG) is a fun, social and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls, ages 13 and under, to learn and enjoy the game of golf. The program is designed for kids of all abilities and skill levels, which gives juniors the opportunity to play a sport that they may not ordinarily have the opportunity to play.

What sets PGA JLG apart from other youth team sports is the fact that kids are learning from the experts in instruction – PGA and

LPGA Professionals, who serve as team Captains. Parents also play a big role in the program, making it a great way to spend time together as a family. PGA JLG is a great way to introduce your kids to the game – it may even inspire moms, dads and grandparents to learn, making golf an activity the entire family can enjoy together for a lifetime. There are not many activities that a 7-year old and an 87-year old can enjoy together.

What strikes me as the most meaningful benefit of PGA JLG is the mentorship the older kids offer to the younger ones. The friendships kids make on the team will grow as they continue golfing well into adulthood.

Teams play four, nine-hole matches in two-person scrambles for competition. The scramble format emphasizes teamwork and truly makes learning and playing the game a nurturing and low-pressure process.

It’s been very exciting to witness the program’s booming popularity and growth. Last year, 36,000 kids participated on 2,900 teams in 47 states – a 300% increase in participation from the 9,000 kids playing on 740 teams just three years earlier in 2013. I’m thrilled to see the program continuing to grow in New England!

 

 

 

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