The Jack Burke Jr. Invitational has been named the AJGA's 2021 Newcomer of the Year.
Each year, the AJGA recognizes top tournaments, committees, and individuals who produce outstanding work during the previous AJGA season in 15 categories. Awards distinguish the effort of local supporters who make each quality tournament experience possible.
The tournament was hosted at Champions Golf Club, which proved themselves to be an excellent first-time host of the AJGA. The golf club donated their facilities for the week and alleviated significant expenses. The excellent tournament committee was also fully committed to raising money for the tournament and association. Their Junior-Am was able to raise $98,000 in its first year. In total, the tournament earned a net proceed of $50,000. In addition to having great coordination with Junior-Am teams, the tournament committee was also able to fill all positions. This is an incredible achievement that further proved that the tournament is well-received within the community. Following the invitational's success in 2021, Champions Golf Club announced they would like to make the Jack Burke Jr. Invitational an annual event.
We are really excited not just for the tournament committee, but for Champions Golf Club. There is such a rich history here with Jackie and his family, and I am just so happy for the recognition of all their hard work. Our committee has really been focused on the player experience and I think this award solidified for us that we are hitting the mark. We want to continue to provide a top notch experience at a world class venue for years to come.
Jack Burke Jr., the oldest living Masters Champion, was on-site at the tournament to greet groups and take photos. This was an amazing experience for both the juniors and the parents to have met Jackie. In addition to the typical AJGA registration gifts, Under Armour also provided gift packages to each player, which further enhanced the tournament experience. Champions Golf Club also supported the AJGA's "Project Zero" initiative, which sets out to eliminate costs stemming from lodging, staff food, transportation, and others. The golf club was able to provide reduced on-site housing for the AJGA staff, which was found to be thoughtful and considerate of one of the organization's missions.
The 2021 Jack Burke Jr. Invitational was a spectacular example of a positive and welcoming committee. From the hard work and dedication of the Champions Golf Club staff to the well-involved tournament committee, this tournament was built for success from the initial planning days all the way to the awards ceremony. This tournament was a world-class event and the AJGA is beyond excited for upcoming years.
AJGA tournaments are annually honored in the categories of hospitality, fundraising, charitable giving, volunteers, engaged media, and social media. The year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and golf course executive are honored alongside the most game-changing overall event, best new event, and top honorees in each tournament ‘series’ (Preview, Ninja Junior All-Star, Open and Invitational). Awards are presented on-site during the tournament week.
2022 event details: The 2022 Jack Burke Jr. Invitational will be held at Champions Golf Club on August 9-12. 72 of the top-ranked boys in the AJGA Rolex Rankings will compete in a 54-hole stroke-play tournament.