The Lanto Junior Championship has been honored with the American Junior Golf Association’s 2024 Hospitality Award.
Each year, the AJGA honors tournaments for exceptional hospitality, Junior-Am fundraising, charitable giving, volunteer support and media engagement. Awards are also given for the most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and golf course executive, along with recognitions for the best new event, most game-changing event, best AJGA Preview Series tournament, best Ninja Junior All-Star Series tournament, best Invitational and overall Tournament of the Year.
The Lanto Junior Championship, held annually at Blacksburg Country Club in Blacksburg, Virginia, since its inception in 2021, continues to set the standard.
“This award is a true testament to the dedication and passion the tournament committee brings to every aspect of this event. Year after year, they go above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, especially the junior golfers and AJGA staff. It’s truly inspiring to see how this event consistently exceeds expectations, and we are incredibly proud to recognize and honor them with this award.”
Professional golfer and AJGA alumni Lanto Griffin said the award is a “great honor” because of his own personal connections to the Blacksburg Country Club and AJGA.
"Blacksburg Country Club and its members generously gave me the opportunity to chase my dreams as a junior golfer, so it’s incredibly special to share this award in a full-circle moment. I’d like to thank the AJGA for the opportunity to host this wonderful event.”
The unwavering support of Blacksburg Country Club and the surrounding community played a key role in the tournament’s success.
"Blacksburg and the Blacksburg Country Club have really come together to support the juniors playing in the AJGA tournament here, and our volunteers are excited to participate. I love working on timing stations where you see great golf and meet the players and parents. It's rare that a player doesn't thank us for our participation.”
Griffin echoed the sentiment, underscoring the dedication of many individuals to ensure the smooth execution of the tournament.
“It wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our tournament committee, our amazing volunteers, and the entire BCC staff from golf operations to food and beverage, and the agronomy team. A heartfelt thank-you to the members, sponsors and the players and their families who chose to be part of our tournament in Southwest Virginia. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Beyond the tournament itself, the AJGA Hospitality Award also highlights the event’s commitment to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for young golfers. Griffin was on-site for the Junior-Am and the first round of the tournament to engage directly with players. In addition, junior golfers were given exclusive access to Virginia Tech’s football and basketball facilities for a special social activity.
Additionally, the tournament committee and community supported the AJGA’s “Project Zero” initiative, a project aimed 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. The committee also provided complimentary meals for AJGA staff throughout the week.
The Lanto Junior Championship was an outstanding experience for AJGA players, families and staff members alike, becoming a staple within the AJGA and the junior golf community. The 2025 Lanto Junior Championship will be held June 2-5, 2025, at Blacksburg Country Club.