The comprehensive ranking system was introduced in 2005, but its usage was limited to finalizing AJGA Invitational fields, and providing a resource for the selection of Rolex Junior All-America Teams. The Polo Golf Rankings played a much greater role in 2006. The criteria for each AJGA Invitational was scaled back, as the AJGA relied more heavily on the rankings to fill these fields.

Also in 2006, to determine the Rolex Junior All-America Teams more objectively, the Polo Golf Rankings were the major factor in the selection process. The Rolex Junior All-America Teams will be announced on October 25. With the Polo Golf Rankings viewable to the public, the selection process will be much more transparent and players will know where they stand on a year-round basis.

Additionally, the Canon Cup teams will be determined solely on the Polo Golf Rankings, eliminating captains’ picks. The Polo Golf Rankings are available at ajga.org and are updated after the completion of each week’s ranked tournaments.

“We are thrilled here at Polo Ralph Lauren to continue to expand our partnership with the AJGA – this is truly the future of golf and our future Polo Golf customers," said Denny DeMarino, National Sales Manager, Polo Golf.

Polo Golf, the “Official Sportswear of the AJGA,” outfits the AJGA staff and Canon Cup teams with products that represent the highest quality and design in the golf industry. Polo Golf, who is in its 12th year of sponsorship with the AJGA, also sponsors one of the AJGA’s top invitational events, the Polo Golf Junior Classic, which will be held November 18-24 at Sea Island Golf Club in Sea Island, Ga.

“The AJGA is very excited about this new partnership with Polo Golf,” said Jason Etzen, AJGA executive vice president of corporate partnerships. “Polo Golf has been a wonderful partner of the AJGA for the past 12 years and we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership.”

AJGA Juniors Successful at Honda International Junior Championship

Top-ranked AJGA junior Philip Francis of Scottsdale, Ariz., led the U.S. boys to victory at the Honda International Junior Golf Championship Sunday. The three-day competition was held at Wild Duck Country Club in Kamisu, Japan. Over 150 individuals competed in the event with four country teams looking to take home the top prize as well.

The AJGA employed its current rankings to identify the top 2007 high school graduates to represent the United States. In its inaugural year of selecting this team, the AJGA set a precedent of sending only high school seniors so different players will have a chance to compete in future Honda International Junior Championships.

In the Boys Division, Francis shot a 3-under-par 71-70-69–210 to finish first. The rest of the U.S. Boys Team didn’t finish far behind. Rickie Fowler of Murrieta, Calif., and Arnond Vongvanij of Bradenton, Fla., tied for fifth with 219 tournament totals. Drew Kittleson of Scottsdale, Ariz., finished tied for eighth with a 221. The team combined for a 1-over-par 640 tournament total to finish 17 shots ahead of second-place Japan.

In the Girls Division, Taylore Karle of Scottsdale, Ariz., was the highest finisher with an 8-over-par 220 tournament total. She finished fourth for the event. No. 1 AJGA ranked girl Esther Choe, also of Scottsdale, finished sixth with a 224 total and Lizette Salas of Azusa, Calif., finished seventh for the competition. The U.S. Girls Team finished third in the team division, four shots back of the South Korean champions.