American Junior Golf Association (AJGA):
The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) 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." It is considered by the vast majority of leaders in the golf industry to be the premiere junior golf organization in the world, as evidenced by its financial support from such organizations as Titleist (its National Sponsor), Rolex (a Premier Partner), the United States Golf Association (Association Partner), and Official Partners such as Canon, hp, and Polo Golf.
The AJGA has been running elite tournaments for junior golfers of both sexes in the United States since 1978 and as of 2006 it stages roughly 75 a season. It is headquartered at Chateau Elan Resort in Braselton, Georgia. It focuses more on developing elite golfers of both sexes than on fostering the recreational side of the sport, as is made clear by its mission statement.
It is considered by the vast majority of leaders in the golf industry to be the premiere junior golf organization in the world, as evidenced by its financial support from such organizations as Titleist (its National Sponsor), Rolex (a Premier Partner), the United States Golf Association (Association Partner), and Official Partners such as Canon, hp, and Polo Golf.
Junior golfers between the ages of 12 and 18 are eligible to play in AJGA events. Players can qualify to take part through local and regional tournaments via the AJGA's Performance Based Entry system. Players who have the ability but not the financial means to play may qualify for the AJGA's ACE Grant program, which provides financial support for players who need help covering the expenses of national junior golf competition.
The idea behind the AJGA:
The idea behind the AJGA was conceived in the mid 1970s by Mike Bentley, a sportswriter in DeKalb County, Georgia. Bentley first formed the DeKalb Junior Golf Association in 1974, which eventually evolved into the Atlanta Junior Golf Association. Bentley soon realized the need for organized golf at the national level. At the time, there existed several national junior golf tournaments but no cohesive administration of junior golf events on a national scale. Bentley envisioned such an organization, and created the American Junior Golf Association to meet the need.
The AJGA conducted its first national junior golf event in 1978, the AJGA Tournament of Champions, at Inverrary Country Club in Lauderhill, Fla, and later that same year conducted its second national event. The AJGA also named its first Junior All-Americans in 1978, and has done so every year since.
In 1984, Stephen Hamblin was hired as Executive Director, the role he continues in today. The AJGA's first permanent home was built in 1983 at Horseshoe Bend Country Club, and the Association moved to a new facility in September of 2000.