BRASELTON, Ga. -The AJGA presents annual awards recognizing nine tournaments that stand out and excel among the 86 events on the 2009 schedule. The following tournaments were honored for their exceptional performance during the previous tournament season.
Learn why each tournament received its award in the upcoming AJGA Insider on March 18.
The Natural Resource Partners Bluegrass Junior held at Bellefonte Country Club was recognized as Tournament of the Year for the event’s commitment to the AJGA, dedication of the volunteers over the past 26 years and the involvement of the Ashland, Ky., community in one of the AJGA’s longest running events.
The HP Boys Championship at Carlton Woods was presented with the Invitational of the Year Award for the memorable experience the tournament creates both on and off the course. Aside from hosting some of the top boy junior golfers, unique tournament cookout activities propelled the event to the top of the list. The event also received the Junior-Am Award after raising more than $90,000 to expand and create additional activities at the following year's event.
The Valero Texas Open Junior Shootout presented by Pepsi was given the Media Award for their coverage from local media outlets that included newspaper articles, television interviews, video footage and on-air contests. The media attention gives juniors exposure to more college coaches and draws more spectators to the event.
The Rolex Tournament of Champions, which took place at Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, Mo., earned the Volunteer Award. Many of the 400 volunteers had previously volunteered at the Dalhousie Junior Championship, which was an AJGA Open event in 2007 and 2008.
The Junior PLAYERS Championship received the Hospitality Award for sharing “THE PLAYERS Experience” by mirroring the PGA TOUR event. Juniors received access to the locker rooms, the players' dining room, caddies for each round and the opportunity to play a course set up identical to that of the TOUR event.
The 2009 Canon Cup held in Flagstaff, Ariz., was recognized with the Charitable Giving Award after raising $60,124, donating more to charity than any other tournament on the AJGA schedule. The money was raised in support of the Junior Golf Association of Arizona and the AJGA Foundation.
Brian Albertson of Coosa Country Club was named Golf Professional of the Year for his work at the Burgett H. Mooney, Jr. Rome Classic, creating a memorable and seamless event for the players, family and staff.
The 2009 ANNIKA Invitational took home the Newcomer of the Year Award for offering girl junior golfers the opportunity to learn from a golf legend. Clinics and educational activities were held after each round where Annika and her staff offered guidance to tournament participants.
The Trader Joe’s Junior Championship hosted by Pat Hurst was presented with the Most Improved Tournament Award. The addition of the LPGA star to the event’s supporters, the luau-themed cookout and Trader Joe’s donations, created an exciting atmosphere for players and their families.