The days are getting warmer, the grass is growing greener, lunch hour is heralded by the rusty clanking of irons, Big Break V is on the air. We all know what this means. Golf season has begun! For some, golf season is the long-awaited opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while playing a beloved game. For others, golf season is accompanied by higher blood pressure and the insatiable desire to hurl shiny new equipment across a neatly manicured course. But for the American Junior Golf Association, golf season is life.

Throughout the year, the organization prepares for the golf season; a time which passes by in a frenzy of interns, tournaments and hard work, and like all seasons, this time is characterized by new talent and fresh faces. From year to year, fresh faces fade, and talent is replaced by the next generation. However, one factor persists. Amidst the fluidity of time, there remains the AJGA’s steadfast dedication to its players. Whether junior golfers play for the simple enjoyment of the game or for a chance at earning a college golf scholarship, the AJGA is dedicated to providing its members with the opportunity to play golf at a competitive level.

During the past few years, the organization has demonstrated its incomparable dedication with the implementation of the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program. When it comes down to it, participating in golf tournaments is an expensive undertaking. There are the costs of training, equipment, entry fees, not to mention travel, food and lodging. The ACE Grant program is designed to assist juniors who have the desire to compete at the national level of junior golf but lack the financial resources.

In its earliest days in 2003, the ACE Grant was awarded to 12 juniors totaling $35,750. After only two years, the program expanded at an astounding rate allowing the AJGA to commit $195,750 in grants to 55 junior golfers in 2005.

Not only does the ACE Grant program allow junior golfers to play a level of golf they would not have been able to afford otherwise, but more importantly, it creates an opportunity for players to enhance their future. Since the inception of the ACE Grant program, 27 junior golfers have accepted financial assistance for their college education.

Although the AJGA’s concern for its players is indeed admirable, the ACE Grant program would not be possible without the overwhelming support from the organization’s friends and donors and the AJGA staff which committed more than $6,000 in 2005!

The most recent addition to the ACE Grant program is the Links program, which allows donors and ACE Grant recipients to build a more personal relationship. In the past, ACE grant recipients have proved to be some of the most talented as well most gracious players on and off the course. Through the Links program, these players can express their gratitude. Furthermore, donors can serve as mentors for the juniors they support and potentially establish lifelong bonds.

In the spirit of the new season, the ACE Grant program offers many junior golfers a bright beginning on and off the course. As the days get warmer and the grass grows greener, these juniors anticipate the chance to play a beloved game and gaze ahead to a fresh season ripe with possibilities.

If you are interested in supporting a junior golfer from your area please contact Bob Miller at (770) 868-4200 or bmiller@ajga.org.

Please check out the following links!

• Make a Donation Online
• Have a Donation Form Mailed to You
• Learn About the ACE Grant Program