Nike Golf and the AJGA have agreed to a four-year sponsorship of the AJGA Nike Golf Junior All-Star Series. Since its inception in 1998, the Series has given thousands of AJGA members (boys and girls ages 13-15) the chance to compete at the national level.
Seven events are planned for 2003, including a season-ending championship near Nike Golf’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., over Labor Day Weekend. The Series is slated to expand over the next few years and will eventually grow to 20 events by the 2006 season.
“We’re thrilled Nike Golf has agreed to sponsor this important Series,” AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin said. “With Nike Golf’s support, we will be able to increase the number of quality playing opportunities we offer our younger members and better fulfill our mission.”
Each tournament in the Nike Golf Junior All-Star Series features 54 holes of stroke play and a Day of Education, an event unique to the Series. At the Day of Education, the AJGA staff educates participants on the rules of golf and HealthSouth reviews proper exercise techniques and offers nutritional information.
“The Junior All-Star Series is a perfect fit with Nike Golf’s initiatives to grow the game of golf and build a deeper connection with the future leaders of the sport,” said Nike Golf General Manager Chris Zimmerman. “The Series will give these kids a rare national platform to showcase their talents. We are proud to be sponsoring the Series and to be associated with the AJGA.”
Some of the AJGA’s brightest stars have emerged from the Junior All-Star Series. Former participants include Ty Tryon, Casey Wittenberg, Jonathan Moore, Brittany Lang and 2002 Polo Golf Junior Players of the Year Seung Su Han and In-Bee Park.