Eaton Corporation’s Golf Pride Grips will take over title sponsorship of the Golf Pride Junior Classic for three years, the American Junior Golf Association announced Thursday.
The 2004 edition of the 54-hole stroke play event will be held July 19-22 at The Peninsula Club, in Cornelius, N.C.
“We are excited to have Golf Pride, the industry leader in golf grips, join the list of AJGA sponsors,” said Jason Etzen, the AJGA’s executive vice president of development.
Golf Pride is the leading supplier of grips to the club industry and is the top choice in the golf market for grip replacement. The 2004 season marks Golf Pride’s first year with the AJGA.
“As the number one choice in grips among professional and amateur golfers worldwide, Golf Pride is delighted to support players who represent the future of golf,” said Jim Ulrich, Golf Pride marketing manager.
During its 17-year history, the event has attracted the top talent from around the Southeast and the nation. The event was previously held in Myrtle Beach, S.C., for 14 years, and produced champions such as Beth Bauer and Charles Howell III.
In 2001, the tournament moved to The Peninsula Club, a Rees Jones-designed course that features a par-3, 132-yard seventh hole in which juniors are forced to hit over an inlet of Lake Norman.
Last year, two-time first-team Polo Golf Junior All-American In-Bee Park of Eustis, Fla., tied the AJGA Girls Division record for lowest 54-hole total with rounds of 65-68-67—200.