Local organizers of the AJGA Junior at Centennial, which took
place at Centennial Golf Club in Medford, Ore., July 16—19, 2012, have earned the
Most Improved Tournament Award from the American Junior Golf Association. The Most
Improved Tournament Award is given annually to a tournament committee that has
built a model AJGA championship and gives tournament participants and parents a
superior experience.
Each year, the AJGA presents awards to
the tournaments with the best individual media coverage, Junior-Am fundraising
tournament, charitable giving, volunteer base and hospitality. The AJGA also
recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and
general manager, as well as the best new tournament, best Invitational and
overall tournament of the year.
“After watching the tournament
the past two years, the community wanted to see it become bigger and better so
we formed a committee,” said Anne Jenkins, senior vice president of the Medford
Visitors & Convention Bureau. “Having the strength of a committee to raise
funds and create ideas gave this tournament the opportunity to rise to the next
level.”
The committee’s goal was to make
the tournament “Uniquely Medford” by incorporating local elements to showcase
the community beyond the golf course. After a welcome by Mayor Gary H. Wheeler,
players learned more about the local area through a “Putt-a-Pear activity”, which
highlighted the pear industry specific to the region. The event also included a
special parents’ reception featuring local fare such as food from Medford-based
Harry and David, cheese and wine from nearby vineyards.
“We wanted to share with players
and parents the community and enhance their experience in Medford,” said Angela
Wood, director of sales at the Medford Visitors & Convention Bureau. “The
committee came up with great ideas of how to make this event special and
memorable.”
The AJGA Junior at Centennial
returns to the AJGA schedule in 2013 and will be played Aug. 12—15 at Centennial
Golf Club.
Complete list of
2012 Tournament Awards.