Since the partnership's inception in 2020, U.S. Kids Golf and the American Junior Golf Association have teamed up together to build a pathway for U.S. Kids players with top-tier Priority Status to receive AJGA PBE Stars, in-turn gaining entry into AJGA events. This partnership has provided talented junior golfers with a greater opportunity to be exposed to college coaches.
Currently, through the U.S. Kids Golf's policy for AJGA PBE Status , U.S. Kids Golf tournament players, ages 12 to 18, who attain at least one of the top three Priority Status levels (Levels 11, 12, or Lifetime) will receive AJGA Performance Based Entry (PBE) Stars for the following AJGA season. Players who earned U.S. Kids Priority Status in 2022 will receive four PBE stars to use in 2023.
We are excited about our continued partnership with the AJGA and the opportunity it provides to develop young players from an early age to college.
Beginning in 2024, the AJGA will be expanding this opportunity to recognize players within the top four Priority Status levels (Levels12 - 14 and Lifetime) with the PBE Stars. These stars are awarded at the beginning of the year and are valid for the calendar year only. Priority Status-based PBE Stars are earned in addition to the PBE Status earned from top finishes in U.S. Kids Golf major tournaments and membership stars.
Having fun and learning how to play golf. That is what it’s all about. #LongleafJr #USKidsGolf pic.twitter.com/52dEArgEKi
— AJGA (@AJGAGolf) September 3, 2020
The joint efforts of U.S. Kids Golf and the AJGA has benefitted the overall growth of junior golf. In the three years this partnership has grown, over 1,000 U.S. Kids Golf players have received PBE Stars from their Priority Status. With this continued support, the AJGA has had the opportunity to host multiple events at U.S. Kids Golf's facility, Longleaf Golf & Family Club . These AJGA events help provide more junior golf opportunities to our membership.
"U.S. Kids Golf does a great job of providing players with a platform to showcase their talents at an early age," said Mark Oskarson, Chief Operating Officer of the AJGA. "Partnering with U.S. Kids Golf has allowed us build a bridge between our two organizations and help juniors strengthen their skills in a competitive environment."
Many players who earn PBE Stars from their U.S. Kids Priority Status go on to play in their first AJGA event the following year. Earlier this year, one U.S. Kids junior had the opportunity to play in his first AJGA event at the AJGA Dallas Junior All-Star event. Brantley Moore of Memphis, Tennessee was awarded PBE Stars from his U.S. Kids Golf Priority Status Level in 2022. This AJGA event allowed Moore to showcase his skills in a competitive atmosphere, finishing in the top-16 of the 60-player Boys Division field.
Playing in AJGA and US Kids golf tournaments is a great combination of competition and fun. Every tournament is a joy to play in and I look forward to future events to improve my game.
About U.S. Kids Golf
U.S. Kids Golf is the world’s leader in helping grow golf among youth and their families. Founded in 1996, U.S. Kids Golf offers three distinct lines of equipment in up to 11 sizes. The U.S. Kids Golf Foundation hosts more than 2000 tournaments globally – including the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships held annually in Pinehurst, N.C.; and its Coaches Institute includes over 1800 members around the world. The Foundation also owns and operates Longleaf Golf & Family Club in Southern Pines, N.C., a “Living Laboratory” of golf’s best practices and newest ideas to make golf a better game for everyone. In both 2018 and 2020, U.S. Kids Golf was honored by the National Golf Foundation as one of the “Top 100 Businesses in Golf” based on influence, innovation, and social good, among other criteria.