Headline: Junior Amateurs Encouraged to Register for Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship; Final Day to Register Online is Thursday, June 3
For Immediate Release: May 24, 2010
Norton, MA — Time is running out for the state's young golfers to reserve their spot in one of the most exciting junior tournaments in the Bay State. The entry close date – the final day for interested participants to submit an application for the Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship – is set for Thursday, June 3.
Photo Caption: One year ago, Nick
McLaughlin became only the third Pre Junior Division player in 17 years to capture the overall Massachusetts Junior Amateur title.
This year's event is sure to be one to remember as it will allow some of the state's young players to compete in an MGA Championship event and prepare themselves for the next level of competition. Interested competitors who are 17 years old and younger are encouraged to register (click here to get started) as soon as possible.
In addition to a unique MGA Championship experience that includes qualifying and championship rounds managed by a field of experienced staff and rules officials, this year's event features some key changes to the format.
New for 2010, all competitors who are 14 through 17 years of age will compete in a Junior Division while those who are 13 years and under will vie for the Boys Division title. Following 18-hole qualifying rounds scheduled from June 28 through July 1, the top 120 Junior Division and 30 Boys Division competitors will advance to Championship Proper on July 27-29 at Foxborough Country Club. While the Junior Division will compete in 54 holes (through three days), the Boys Division competitors will take part in a 36-hole championship on July 28-29.
"We already have a great field and we are looking to maximize the number of entries this season," said Jesse Menachem, the MGA's director of rules & competition. "This is one of the most affordable and inviting events on our schedule and we are committed to growing the field and the level of interest with each passing season."
To Menachem's point, the entry fees are $50 and $35 for the Junior and Boys Divisions, respectively, and it boasts top qualifying sites located in all parts of the state such as The Blandford Club (Blandford), CC of Billerica (Billerica), Tatnuck CC (Worcester) and The Ledges GC (South Hadley).
In addition, the Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship is part of the AJGA's Performance Based Entry program, which enables 12-18-year-old members to earn their way into AJGA Open tournaments based on performances at the national, regional and state levels. The Massachusetts Junior Amateur champion will earn two exemptions into AJGA events, while the top 10 finishers will earn one exemption.
Instrumental in many of these changes and enhancements was the work of a Junior Golf Advisory Committee – comprised of golf instructors, former and current top competitors and junior golf leaders – that was formed last fall in order to help evaluate the current structure and suggest changes that would allow more junior amateurs to take part in the MGA Championship experience.
"The Junior Golf Advisory Committee was active, thoughtful and diligent and provided great insight and suggestions," said Menachem. "The changes that were made this year will allow us to stay true to our mission to not only crown the top junior amateur in the state but to provide a positive and enriching experience for competitors of all ages."
Introduced in 1914, the Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship boasts a rich history of memorable moments and champions. Included in that list of past champions are Ray Ouimet, Fred Wright, Ed Lowery and current PGA Tour players Kevin Johnson and James Driscoll.