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Where
Does All this Stuff Come From? |
The
role of sponsorship in the development of golf's next generation |
By
Tonya Oskarson
Director of Corporate Communications
A 17-year-old golfer with hopes of attaining a college golf
scholarship decides he is ready to take his game to the next
level after excelling at the local and regional level. He decides
to enter into a few American Junior Golf Association events.
After playing in a few Open Events, he is very impressed with
the way he was treated. He can't believe that there is at least
one meal, and most of the time two, provided at every event
compliments of the tournament. He is excited every time to see
the awesome gifts he receives, the dozen Titleist golf balls,
Polo Golf shirt, Ahead hat and tournament towel, and the amazing
golf course he plays.
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| At
every AJGA tournament, every participant receives a dozen
Titleist golf balls along with other gifts provided by
numerous sponsors. |
He sets a goal of qualifying for the Rolex Tournament of Champions,
one of the country's premier junior golf events. After a lot
of hard work, he places third at an event and earns an invitation
to the prestigious tournament. He is on top of the world and
then he realizes the event is on the other side of the country,
in Sun River, Ore. How will his family be able to afford the
wonderful opportunity that has been presented to him? After
all, this is his chance to impress more than 70 college coaches
in attendance.
He reads the tournament information and discovers that a travel
stipend is being provided along with food and beverage every
day. He quickly realizes that one of his dreams is about to
come true. He is going to tee it up with the nation's top junior
golfers at a top golf course in front of numerous college coaches.
These opportunities and many others are provided to many talented
golfers who participate in AJGA events because of the generous
support of the Association's sponsors. These sponsors, both
private donors and corporate sponsors, account for over 60 percent
of the AJGA's budget.
“None of this (the golf courses, staff, presents, tournament
food, stipends, etc.) would be possible without the tremendous
support of AJGA sponsors,” said Morgan Pressel, an AJGA
member. “We and our families feel so indebted to all of
our sponsors. The cost of junior golf at the national level
is very expensive for our families, and it would be prohibitive
without the very generous support of AJGA sponsors. They have
made it possible for thousands of junior golfers to compete,
make many friendships and obtain college golf scholarships.”
The AJGA estimates that the Association’s cost for each
playing opportunity in a tournament costs $958. If you multiply
that number by the 4,400 playing opportunities provided each
year, you get an astounding number and you understand the importance
of the AJGA’s supporters. With each opportunity, participants
play four rounds of golf at an outstanding venue and gain exposure
to college golf coaches, a competitive experience and social
interaction.
“The AJGA is very fortunate to have such wonderful supporters,”
said Jason Etzen, executive vice president of development. “Because
of them, we are able to keep the costs down for our membership
and provide more opportunities.”
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| Pictured
are gifts given to every player at the 2004 Rolex Girls
Junior Championship |
Perhaps no one appreciates the reduced costs and the increased
opportunities more than the parents.
“Every drink or hot dog, ice cream bar or spaghetti dinner
that is donated or sponsored is money that didn’t have
to come out of that parent’s pocket,” said Leslie
Brown, AJGA parent of three junior golfers. “Those dollars
add up in a hurry and can frequently mean that the money is
available to add another event.”
One of the Association’s main supporters is Rolex Watch
USA, the AJGA’s inaugural Premier Partner.
“Entering its third decade of support with the AJGA, Rolex
has had the opportunity to sponsor championship level events
and, by becoming the inaugural Founding Partner of the ACE Grant,
has provided greater access for junior players to participate
in top tier tournaments throughout the year,” said Allen
Brill, President & CEO of Rolex Watch USA. “Through
its Premier Partnership, Rolex has been able to further the
mission of the AJGA of developing young men and women interested
in earning college golf scholarships through competitive golf.
And by providing recognition and support for junior players
today, it allows Rolex to be associated with the ideals of sportsmanship
and the wonderful traditions in golf that are so important to
the future. The AJGA reflects the highest standards of the game,
which makes it an ideal match for Rolex.”
Another sponsor benefit for the juniors and their parents is
the added safety the AJGA is able to provide by investing in
state-of-art equipment such as the weather detection devices.
Having this equipment allows the staff to evacuate the golf
course in a timely manner before any danger is near.
The AJGA also prides itself on the professionalism and education
of its well-trained staff. The tournament operations staff is
able attend the USGA Rules School and 11 of the current staff
members are USGA Rules Certified, assuring participants that
the AJGA is upholding the standards set forth by the USGA and
everyone is treated fairly.
As you can see, the AJGA is very fortunate to have such wonderful
supporters of junior golf. In turn, the Association's members
have a wonderful tournament experience and even better opportunities
to earn college golf scholarships.
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