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Most Improved: IZOD AJGA Championship

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Under the title sponsorship of IZOD and with the support of alum Webb Simpson, the IZOD AJGA Championship was named the 2013 Most Improved Tournament by the American Junior Golf Association. The Most Improved Tournament Award is given annually to the tournament that has significantly improved all aspects of an AJGA championship and gives tournament participants and parents a superior experience.          

Each year, the AJGA presents awards to the tournaments with the best individual hospitality, Junior-Am fundraising tournament, charitable giving and volunteer base. Awards are also given to the events with the highest media and social media participation. Finally, the AJGA recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and general manager, as well as the most improved event, best new event, best Junior All-Star tournament, best Invitational and overall tournament of the year. Awards will be presented at the J.R. “Digger” Smith Awards Banquet in Braselton, Ga., on March 8.

“As a first-year title sponsor, we are pleased and honored to have the IZOD AJGA Championship recognized as the Most Improved Tournament in 2013,” said Mike Kelly, Executive Vice President of Marketing for PVH Corp, owner of the IZOD brand.  “The AJGA is such an important organization to help nurture the next generation of golfers and we have seen first-hand the type of golfers it can help produce – including our own Webb Simpson.’ 

In 2013, the Greensboro, N.C., event welcomed IZOD as the title sponsor, heightening the tournament experience for participants and their families. Tournament gifts were tailored by the high-tech golf wear company and included a travel bag, three shirts, socks, a bowtie and extra golf balls. IZOD also improved player hospitality by providing breakfast and lunch for all players and guests for each day of the tournament.

“IZOD’s support of the event was all-encompassing,” said Ryan Tahara, AJGA Southeast Regional Director. “When IZOD became title sponsor of the tournament, the company took a critical look at all aspects and asked how it could improve upon them. The result was a tremendous tournament experience for all players, parents, coaches and volunteers.”
 
Through its partnership with PGA TOUR professional Webb Simpson, IZOD welcomed the four-time Rolex Junior All-American on-site. Simpson, who has supported the event held in his home state since 2010, visited the field after second-round play, signing autographs and taking pictures with juniors. 
 
In addition to its commitment to the tournament, IZOD extended its support to the AJGA by making a donation to the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program, which provides financial assistance to junior golfers who have the skill to compete, but lack the resources.

The tournament will find a new home at The Club at Irish Creek in Kannapolis, N.C., Aug. 11-14.

Complete list of 2013 Tournament Awards.