BRASELTON, GA - The Greenwood Junior Championship was named recipient of the 2023 Hospitality Award by the American Junior Golf Association.
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 engaged media and social media participation. Finally, the AJGA recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and golf course executive, as well as the most game-changing event, best new event, best AJGA Preview Series tournament, best Ninja Junior All-Star Series tournament, best Invitational and overall tournament of the year. Tournament awards for the 2023 season will be presented on-site at the 2024 tournament.
This award is a testament to the dedication the tournament committee pours into every aspect of this event. Every year, this event goes above and beyond to provide an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. It is truly inspiring to witness how this event consistently exceeds expectations and we are immensely proud to honor them with the award this year.
The Greenwood Junior Championship has been a staple on the AJGA’s tournament schedule since 2019. In the event’s five years, the tournament committee has continually strived to elevate the standards of hospitality and excellence in junior golf tournaments.
Kelly McWhorter, Executive Director of Discover Greenwood, noted that partnerships with the American Junior Golf Association are part of what makes Greenwood an appealing sports destination.
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with an organization like AJGA, who always strives for excellence for all involved, including the hosting community as well as the players. We are also blessed with a great host club, The Links at Stoney Point, as well as a supportive restaurant and lodging community. We credit their participation and generosity in our achievement of the Hospitality Award for 2023. With a total economic impact well over $1.2 million, our community is grateful for the American Junior Golf Association and their exceptional staff to ensure continued success going forward.
This award recognizes the tournament's commitment to providing a superior experience for players, families, and AJGA staff members alike. The Greenwood Junior Championship stands out for its exceptional hospitality, demonstrated through various initiatives. The event is supported by Visit Greenwood as the title sponsor, which significantly contributed to the event's success.
The tournament committee's and community’s involvement is evident in their support of the AJGA’s “Project Zero” initiative. This project aims to alleviate costs associated with staff lodging, food/water, a medic and transportation to maximize the amount that goes to charity. The committee ensured all staff were able to be accommodated in private housing. Visit Greenwood also provided meals for all on-site staff during the double event. The community’s generosity exemplifies their commitment to hospitality and ensuring a successful event for all. They also treated the AJGA staff by providing kayaks for them to use on the lake during their rest days, further showcasing the tournament's reputation for hospitality and care for everyone in attendance.
The Greenwood Junior Championship was held April 25-28, 2024, at The Links at Stoney Point in Greenwood, South Carolina for the sixth year.