The Vaughn Taylor Championship has been named the American Junior Golf Association’s (AJGA) 2024 Open Tournament of the Year. Since its inception in 2011, the event has been a staple on the AJGA schedule, and 15 years later, it continues to set the standard for junior golf excellence.
"It’s an incredible honor to recognize the Vaughn Taylor Championship as Tournament of the Year. From start to finish, it represented the very best of what junior golf is all about with unmatched hospitality, strong community support, a championship caliber venue and a team that went above and beyond to create a memorable experience for everyone involved. We’re proud to celebrate their commitment to excellence and the lasting impact they’ve made on our players, their families and the community."
The Vaughn Taylor Championship has been held at Bartram Trail Golf Club, a public golf club in Evans, Georgia, since 2023. Jason Page, the course owner, saw the potential for the course when he acquired it.
"The Vaughn Taylor Championship has earned a great reputation in the area, and when I acquired Bartram Trail, I wanted it here. We were successful in getting the tournament here and it has won an award each year culminating with this year's Tournament of the Year. This is a testament to the quality of the course, the hard work of our staff and a group of hard-working volunteers. We are proud of the award and the recognition. We are ready and looking forward to this year's event.”
The tournament prides itself on its exceptional treatment of the junior golfers. The Players Only area had complimentary breakfast and lunch every day for the junior golfers, and both junior golfers and Junior-Am participants were given additional gifts.
Additionally, tournament host Vaughn Taylor, a PGA TOUR player, was on-site throughout the week and participated in the social activity alongside the junior golfers. For Taylor, interacting with the junior golfers is the highlight of his experience at the tournament.
"From the day I became involved with this tournament, it has continued to be recognized as a tournament that players wanted to participate in. I am so excited that it has been again recognized as the Tournament of the Year and look forward to spending time with the up-and-coming golfers that will be here this year."
The quality of the Vaughn Taylor Championship is pristine. Ever since Taylor became a part of the tournament, he said he has seen nothing short of an exceptional experience for junior golfers.
“Jason and his staff have the course in great shape, and the volunteers and sponsors continue to make this a great event for the players. The level of this tournament never ceases to amaze me year after year! Thanks to the AJGA for this well-deserved recognition."
The manpower behind the event makes the Vaughn Taylor Championship what it is. Year after year, the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and the committee never fails to exceed the AJGA’s expectations. Dan Troutman, the tournament chairman, attributes the tournament’s success to the people behind the event: the volunteer staff, the venue and tournament host Vaughn Taylor.
"I have been fortunate enough to be involved with the Vaughn Taylor Championship since the 2011 season, and this is the tenth time the tournament has been selected for an annual award. This is absolutely due to a great team, from our host, Vaughn Taylor, great venues and a volunteer staff that wants this to be the best tournament possible. To be selected for Tournament of the Year for a second time is a great honor!”
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 provided complimentary meals for AJGA staff throughout the week, including a cookout at Bartram’s home. The event’s net proceeds reached just under $40,000.
This year's Vaughn Taylor Championship will be held on June 16-19, 2025, at the Bartram Trail Golf Club in Evans, Georgia.