A Sneak Peek Into the Start of 2011

As the Polo Golf Junior Classic approaches, the beginning of 2011 is right around the corner. The AJGA has exciting things in store for the season, including a new event in Puerto Rico and an increase in the Polo Golf Rankings point value for Easter weekend events.

To kick off the new year, the AJGA will make its first-ever trip to Puerto Rico for the Puerto Rico Junior Open.  Applications are already open for the new event that will be held over Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend. The tournament will take place on the Championship Course at Trump International Golf Club, and the Boys Division champion will earn a sponsor’s exemption into the PGA TOUR’s 2011 Puerto Rico Open presented by seepuertorico.com.

The Invitationals begin with the HP Boys Championship at Carlton Woods and the ANNIKA Invitational over Presidents Day weekend. While both tournaments offer the perfect setting for the start of Invitational play, activities off the course also highlight the tournaments.

At the 2010 ANNIKA Invitational, hands-on host and hall of fame golfer Annika Sorenstam was on site to provide the girls with media training, golf instruction and to share her experiences and advice at Reunion Resort in Reunion, Fla.

The boys who made the trip to The Woodlands, Texas, were also entertained after a day of competition. Participants were treated to a schedule of events that included a Peeps Long Drive Contest, a performance by ACRODUNK, Glow Golf and an arcade game night.

Easter weekend tournaments provide a chance for juniors to make a big move in the Polo Golf Rankings early in the season. The opportunity will be elevated even more in 2011. Each Easter weekend Open (held in Florida, Texas and Arizona) will be increased to the 150-point level in the Polo Golf Rankings, only 50 points short of AJGA Invitational status.

Historically, Easter weekend has drawn a large number of top players, and with such large field sizes (132-210 players per event), the increased ranking points are warranted.

Including the Junior All-Star at Château Élan and K¹² Qualifiers, the AJGA provided playing opportunities for 888 juniors over the holiday weekend. The AJGA tries to make all the tournaments a special experience and last year each participant received a complimentary pair of FootJoy golf shoes.

With many more tournaments in store, the AJGA is excited to get the 2011 season started. Stay tuned to the AJGA website for the full schedule announcement.