By Rob Coleman
Chief Communications Officer

The recent announcement of the AJGA’s partnership with the USGA was the culmination of longtime discussions between the two organizations. The question at hand was how the organizations could work together to benefit junior golfers. In the end, the answer focused on two areas in particular: education and community service.

So, what does the new partnership mean to the members of the AJGA? Here’s a look at some specifics of the initiative.

Education, Part I

As an AJGA member, you will receive a complimentary USGA junior membership. This membership includes a USGA Rules of Golf book, a Rules of Amateur Status book and Rules/Etiquette videos to be created in the future.

Through the Youth Leadership Club, AJGA members will assist younger golfers, as Isabelle Lendl is in Summit, N.J., while at the Lincoln Mercury Junior at Canoe Brook on Aug. 16th.

Visitors to ajga.org may have already noticed the USGA logo on the left sidebar. Clicking on that logo will produce a drop-down menu with links to sections of the USGA Web site related to the Rules of Golf. It is a reminder to our members to know and study the Rules of Golf. Doing so will serve to your advantage in competition.

Additionally, the USGA will establish a Junior Golf Associations Committee and invite an AJGA representative to sit on that committee. Likewise, the USGA will hold a spot on the AJGA Board of Directors.

Education, Part II

This aspect of the education initiative directly affects college students interested in careers in the golf industry. Perhaps this will pertain to AJGA members during their college years.

The USGA’s Boatwright Internship program and the AJGA’s traveling internship program are among the most respected in golf. These programs serve as training and educational opportunities and provide avenues into the golf industry for talented college students and young professionals.

Tommy Chung Hao Mou helps a young golfer at the Lincoln Mercury Junior at Canoe Brook, in Summit, N.J. on Aug. 16th.

In 2006, the USGA will provide four Boatwright Internship opportunities to college students looking to gain experience working at AJGA tournaments. These positions will be available in addition to the AJGA’s numerous other internship opportunities.

Community Service

The heart of this initiative is the Youth Leadership Club. Through this club, AJGA members will be encouraged to serve and inspire those juniors just beginning to learn the game. When signing up for AJGA membership, junior golfers will be asked whether they wish to join the Youth Leadership Club. While fully optional for juniors, but checking yes will provide the opportunity to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of others.

Part one of this program is to connect Youth Leadership Club members with programs supported by the USGA Grants Initiative. Members will have the opportunity to give back to the game and help others within their community to learn and develop through golf.

Part two comes in July, when the president of the USGA will attend the Rolex Tournament of Champions and present the President’s Youth Leadership Club Award to one boy and one girl who have demonstrated leadership skills, character and community service through their involvement in the program.

In the words of USGA President Fred Ridley: “The young people we are reaching today, through AJGA events, USGA Junior Championships and the USGA Grants and Fellowship Program are the game’s leaders of tomorrow. Our joint efforts with the AJGA will benefit the game today and in the years to come.”

Stay tuned to ajga.org for more information on the Youth Leadership Club.