WEATHER UPDATE: The Qualifier - AJGA Junior at Innisbrook was cancelled because of weather.

PGA TOUR, AJGA Announce Debut of Junior PLAYERS Championship

Labor Day Weekend Invitational Will Feature World’s Top Junior Boys at TPC Sawgrass

The PGA TOUR and American Junior Golf Association announced today a partnership to introduce a new invitation-only tournament beginning this Labor Day Weekend – The Junior PLAYERS Championship. The event will bring 78 of the world’s top junior boys to TPC Sawgrass, home of THE PLAYERS Championship and PGA TOUR Headquarters.

“Building relationships with the PGA TOUR to support junior golf will be a tremendous asset to the AJGA and the young men who have the opportunity to participate,” said Stephen Hamblin, AJGA executive director. “What a dream it would be for them to compete at the same venue as THE PLAYERS Championship.”

The Junior PLAYERS will bring the top 60 boys in the Polo Golf Rankings, along with 18 of the leading players from foreign countries, to TPC Sawgrass.

“We are looking forward to bringing many of the world’s top junior golfers to TPC Sawgrass for a unique championship experience,” said David Pillsbury, President of PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties. “I’m sure many of these young players watch THE PLAYERS every year and perhaps dream about playing in it someday as a PGA TOUR member. We are extremely pleased to partner with the AJGA to offer them a special opportunity to experience playing THE PLAYERS Stadium Course in tournament conditions. It should be a terrific event.”

The 54-hole stroke play event will feature boys ages 12-18 competing on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, the annual host course for THE PLAYERS. Juniors at the event will be treated to special features found only at THE PLAYERS.

The inaugural event begins on Thursday afternoon, August 30, when a select group of 24 juniors will be paired with amateur partners in a charity Junior–Am event. The 54-hole competition will be played on Friday through Sunday.

A number of social activities will also take place in the new Mediterranean-revival style clubhouse that debuted at THE PLAYERS in May. The home hotel to the event will be the Sawgrass Marriott Resort and Spa.

About the PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world.

In 2007, the three Tours will compete in approximately 110 events for approximately $340 million in prize money. Tournaments are being held in six countries outside the U.S. and in 36 states.

In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR's web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.