Age Group Descriptions

Updated: 3-28-09

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When someone refers to "The JGA", they are referring to the four age groups listed on this page. There are many other programs available for juniors including the Junior Golf Leagues, Junior Golf Instructional Clinics, and Competition Camps. Information about these other programs is found on pages 6-7 of the JGA newsletter and they require a separate entry blank. How does one decide which program(s) to enter? The JGA is tournament-oriented, the Junior Golf Leagues are recreational, and the Junior Golf Clinics are instructional. Finding the best program(s) is dependent on the ability of the junior: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. Advanced or tournament players will fit best in the JGA or the Competition Camps. Intermediate or recreational players will enjoy all programs. Beginners should start with a Junior Golf Clinic or the JGA 12 & Under Instructional program and then decide which program they would fit into best after the instruction. Private lessons are offered for all ages and ability levels. Visit www.kalamazoogolf.org/junior for the most updated list of programs available.

JGA 12 & Under Instructional Age Group

The 12 & Under Instructional Age Group meets on Tuesday mornings throughout the summer. The first four sessions are at Grand Prairie Golf Course and focus on rules, etiquette, and instruction about the golf swing. These sessions are generally broken into 3 groups: Ages 8 & under meet from 8:30-9:30, ages 9-10 meet from 9:45-10:45, and ages 11-12 meet 11:00-12:00. Each group is broken down further into 3 stations: putting, chipping, and full-swing. The next four sessions are spent playing on the course at Red Arrow Golf Club with the ages 8 & under group playing three holes and the 9-12 year olds playing six holes. Tee times will be assigned for these sessions and can range from 8:30-11:30. The final Tuesday will be treated as a tournament with awards given to the top boy & girl finishers in each age group. A bonus event for this age group is the 12 & Under Championship at Grand Prairie where any participant ready to play a nine hole tournament will be allowed to play. Parents are encouraged to participate in all sessions for this age group (except the 12 & Under Championship), especially the Red Arrow sessions, where we would like to have at least one adult walk with each group. Parent volunteers are an important part of the success of this age group.

JGA 12 & Under Tournament Age Group

Players in the 12 & Under Tournament Age Group are expected to be able to play under the USGA Rules of Golf, keep score on the golf course, and total and sign their scorecard at the end of each round. These events will be treated as formal tournaments, which will give many participants their first competitive experience. The tournament schedule includes six, nine hole events at some of the area’s shorter courses followed by the 12 & Under Championship at Grand Prairie. We’d like to have an adult walk with each of these groups so please try to arrange your schedule to help during at least one event.

JGA 13-15 Tournament Age Group

The 13-15 Tournament Age Group is designed to prepare participants for high school competition. These 18 hole events will enable the player to feel what it is like to play a full-size course under tournament conditions. Players are expected to know and play by the USGA Rules of Golf. Top players in this age group will be invited to participate in the JGA Championship at the end of the season. Parents are encouraged to help administer these tournaments.

JGA 16-18 Tournament Age Group

The 16-18 Tournament Age Group is designed for the high-school aged player to compete in 18 hole tournaments at quality golf courses throughout the summer. The tournaments are governed by the USGA Rules of Golf and all results will be posted online. Many high-school golf coaches use these tournaments as a barometer of the progress of their players throughout the summer. The season-ending 36 hole JGA Championship is just before the school season starts giving the JGA player a head start on the competition. Field size may be limited in this age group, so sign up early!

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