High School Golf News

Junior Golf 101: Help for Parents and Coaches

If you are new to the junior golf landscape, my guess is that you are finding out there is a lot of information available and it is difficult to decide what is best for you and your junior golfer. If you coach, train, advise or have a junior golfer in your family, the below tips and advice should be helpful for you to determine a good path forward and some of the best companies who can help you navigate your journey. This Junior Golf 101 article breaks down equipment, lessons, camps, discounts, tournaments, and recruiting. The National High School Golf Association helps golfers who are primarily between 14-18 years old who are in high school, but junior golf can start as early as age 5.

Golf Equipment

If you are new to golf, you should not buy clubs unless your son or daughter likes the game and wants to dedicate himself or herself to playing golf. One of the most important things for golf equipment is making sure you have the right size golf clubs. Unfortunately, golf clubs will need to change frequently as kids grow quickly. There are a number of organizations out there that sell junior golf clubs, but one of the best is US Kids which has a sizing chart and can help your child get fit for clubs. It’s best to buy used clubs versus new since you probably need to buy new clubs every year or other year. This article highlights some of the best places to buy and sell used clubs.

Golf Lessons & Clinics

If you are new to junior golf and just learning the game, a local PGA Professional can help guide you at the golf course. Even though many moms and dads know how to play the game, investing in golf lessons is important than trying to teach your kids bad habits. Starting off in junior golf group clinics might be better than individual lessons in my opinion since these clinics will cost you a little bit less and your junior golfer will have others learning the game with them versus individual instruction where they might need to focus more 1 to 1. Hopefully, group golf clinics are more fun and enjoyable.  

Golf Camps

Going to a golf camp is a great introduction to golf. There are many golf camps that take place primarily during the summer, but there are also weekend golf camps and clinics which take place throughout the year too. Depending on your budget, the time of year, and where you live, the options available to you will vary. This platform of where to find golf camps might be helpful since it outlines the different golf camp options in every state. There are more advanced golf camp options on college campuses and through elite golf academies for more advanced players.

Greens fees & Golf Discounts

Many golf courses offer discounts for junior golfers. The best bang for your buck is getting a junior golf membership if your child loves the game of golf. If you are not sure if a golf membership is worth it, there is an organization called Youth on Course which helps make golf affordable for everyone. You can join Youth on Course for a small membership fee and then it only costs less than $5 per round to play golf after that. Learn more about Youth on Course

Golf Tournaments, Events, and Competitions

The competitive junior golf landscape is vast and there are a ton of options which exist for beginner golfers all the way to elite junior players who are trying to play varsity college golf. Below highlights the best options for tournaments if you are looking to get involved in the competitive landscape.

Beginners – PGA Junior Leagues – This event series takes place at the local level where kids are part of a golf team, just like a little league baseball team where they can meet friends, compete, and learn the game. Juniors will play in local events against other golf courses in the area and if your team is strong, you will be able to make regional qualifiers and then there is a national championship for the most elite players.

Developing Players

If your junior golfer is really enjoying the game, joining a junior golf tour and competing in the local area is a good start. It is important to note that all competition should start at the local level. If you can win locally, try state-wide competitions. If you can do well at the state level, then you should think about regional and national competition. Here is a link to where you can find junior golf tournaments in every state.

Elite Competition

If you are an elite player, you will want to play in an elite competition that is ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard. This type of competition is quite expensive and time consuming since you will need to travel to many events. The best elite competition for junior golf is run by an organization called the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). Learn more about the AJGA.

College Golf Recruiting

Most junior golfers will not play college golf. To be more specific, there are about 224,000 boys and girls who play high school golf. Less than 7% of these boys and girls will play college golf at any level. The good news is that there is an organization called the National Collegiate Club Golf Association which governs collegiate club golf and helps make it a reality for 93% of juniors to play college golf at the club level. If you are thinking about playing college golf at any level, there are many companies out there to help you including Junior Golf Hub which is one of the leading organizations to help families with college golf recruiting.

The National High School Golf Association is dedicated to helping high school golfers, junior golfers and their families. If you have questions about this guide or need more advice, feel free to send us an email at Info@highschoolgolf.org.

High school club champion golfers competing for a national…

Winning your club championship is a big deal. Winning it while you are in high school, remarkable. Two high school golfers, Alyssa Buist a senior at Ridgeline High School in Utah, and Emma Abramson, a sophomore from Massachusetts, join elite company by adding their names to their respective club championship titles while still in high school. With their wins, Alyssa and Emma will both make history competing in the inaugural PGA National Club Championship at Pinehurst Resort this March. We caught up with them both as they gear up to compete for a national title. 

Can you tell me a bit more about you, your golf journey, club champ winning details?

Emma – “I love having the opportunity to excel on and off the course. In the classroom, I have utilized my leadership and communication skills by serving as Class President for the past two years. I am also a Sports Illustrated Kids Kid Reporter (1 of 10 selected across the country) where I’ve had the amazing opportunity to interview prominent professional sports figures including Coach Krzyzewski, Bobby Orr, Suzy Whaley, Ben Crenshaw, Jane Blalock, Brad Faxon, and recently Vanderbilt’s football sensation Sarah Fuller. Golf has always been my greatest passion, but up until a couple of years ago, I also played on competitive soccer, basketball, and dance teams and I love to ski.

Team sports have made me a better golf teammate and mentally tougher. Coming from Massachusetts, I’ve been known to play (a lot!) in 30-degree weather in my snow pants and a wooly hat or take my shovel to the driving range! Over the last few years, I have become friends with many of the early morning maintenance workers and late-night crew at my home course.”

Alyssa – “I am a senior at Ridgeline High School in Logan, UT. I have played mostly basketball and softball my whole life until I discovered golf. I live in Logan with my parents and sister and two dogs. I enjoy outdoor activities that include not only golf, but skiing, hiking, and rock climbing. 

I started playing golf seriously when I was 14 years old. I chose to try out for my high school golf team in 9th grade and made the team. I was able to earn a spot on the Varsity team as a Freshman and have been able to play in each Varsity tournament since then. As a Freshman, I was able to play in our state championship and ended up being ranked 32nd in the state. My sophomore year my high school won the state championship and I was able to move up to 15th in the state. Unfortunately, my junior golf season was canceled due to COVID, but the state Jr PGA put on an individual state tournament that I was able to play. I placed 5th in the state. Over the past summer, I played in many UJGA and Jr PGA tournaments. At the end of the summer, I placed 3rd in Jr PGA for my age group. All of this has led up to the Club Championship at Logan River Golf Course.” 

How did it feel to be the youngest winner ever in the club’s history?

Emma – “This past summer I had the chance to play in our 36 hole stroke play Women’s Club Championship. The women were very welcoming of me and I really enjoyed my time out there on the course. On the final 9 holes of the tournament, neighborhood friends and members came out to watch and cheer me on. On the last hole, I had a 40 yard shot out of a bunker I had never been in before to a par 5 green surrounded by water. I was able to get it on and two-putt for par to win by 5! Winning at age 14 was really cool as this was the first non-junior event I played at my club. I now get to have my name etched on the wall of past club champions and get to go to Pinehurst!”

Alyssa – “The Club Championship was a two-day tournament over a two week period. At the end of the first day, I was in 3rd place with a score of 82. That morning I had another tournament at a different golf course. So I ended up playing 36 holes that day. On the second day of the tournament, I was paired with the two people ahead of me at that point. One of them being the current and 4-year consecutive winner of the Club Championship, Julie, and the other had also won the Club Championship in the previous year. I was 5 strokes behind the leader, Julie, going into the round. I was pretty intimidated because all of the women are way more experienced than I am. I think it is pretty cool that someone that is young and doesn’t have as much experience can be the champion. The other women in the association were pretty excited for me being so young and to have a new champion.”

What are you looking forward to most about Pinehurst?

Emma – “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to go back to Pinehurst, but this time to be playing in a competitive tournament. In spring 2017, I went to Pinehurst on my first father-daughter golf trip with my friend and her dad. We got to play courses 4, 8, and 9. It was an amazing experience playing the unique golf courses, bonding with my dad, and getting to eat at the 1895 grill! Now to return to Pinehurst several years later, with my dad caddying for me, I am excited to have fun, use my new skills, attack the courses, and take on the Donald Ross challenge!”

Alyssa – “I am excited for a few reasons. I have watched tournaments on TV at Pinehurst and am so excited to play at such a famous course. I can’t believe that I am going to get to play on Course No. 2, the same course as the best golfers in the world have played on. My dad has been a HUGE part of my golf career and success and I am excited that he is going to caddy for me and we are going to be able to play a practice round together before the tournament.” 

Wishing Alyssa and Emma all the best next month as they compete at Pinehurst Resort for the PGA National Club Championship while making history in the process. The NHSGA will also be heading back to Pinehurst in June for the 2021 National Invitational. If you have a club champion that you would like to recognize, you are able to submit them on pgaclubchamp.org

Massachusetts high school golfers shine at Shaker Hills

On Sunday, November 7th the National High School Golf Association along with the New England Section of the PGA and Mass Golf hosted the 2020 Massachusetts High School Championship at Shaker Hills Country Club. In an effort to provide a canceled postseason tournament for high school golfers in Massachusetts, the championship showcased 104 of the top high school golfers in the state. Dan Brooks, a 2021 grad from Shepard Hill earned medalist honors with a two-under-par 70. We sat down with Dan to learn more about his high school golf journey and what he has his sights set on in college and beyond

● Can you tell us a little about how long you’ve been playing golf for & how you got into the game? 

“I have been playing golf since I was four years old. My Dad was also a golfer and got me started. I really started focusing on golf as my main sport starting in 8th grade.”

● What do you enjoy most about playing golf? 

“I enjoy the challenge of playing golf. No matter what level I reach I know that there is always room to improve.”

● You’ve been playing high school golf for three years now, what is your favorite thing about playing high school golf compared to just individual tournaments in the summer? 

“High school golf is a great opportunity to represent your school and community in a way that individual summer tournaments do not offer. In individual tournaments, usually, my name is shown while in high school golf your school is listed as well. I love having that opportunity to represent my high school and community.”

● What does high school golf mean to you? 

“High school golf has meant a lot to me. Through high school golf I made friends, was able to represent my school, and was given the opportunity to compete at a high level against the many of the best in Massachusetts.”

● What did it mean to win the Mass High School Championship with no state championship this year? 

“It was an honor to win this unique championship, especially with this year being my senior year. I can’t thank the NHSGA and everyone who played a role in putting on this championship enough.”

● Can you tell me about a time when you had to face some adversity in your life or game and how you dealt with it? 

“In golf, I have found that there are high and low points in everyone’s games. I have learned that it is important to move on from bad tournaments and to understand that there are too many tournaments to get hung up on one poor performance.”

● Are you looking to play golf in college? 

“I am committed to play golf at Siena College.”

● What are some of the goals that you have set for the rest of your high school/junior golf career? 

“Now that my college decision is over, my main goal for the rest of my junior golf career is to get myself prepared to be successful at the collegiate level.”

● Any advice that you would give to other high school golfers out there that are looking to better their games? 

“My advice would be to practice more and to believe in your own ability. Playing confident and being committed to shots will lower scores.”

What to expect at the 2020 Massachusetts High School…

We are excited to host the 2020 Massachusetts High School Golf Championship at Shaker Hills Country Club on November 8th.  In preparation for the event, we felt it would be important to explain how the event will be operated given the unique nature of 2020.  Below you will find the Operational Guidelines along with on-site operations. 

2020 Massachusetts High School Golf Championship Event Plan 

We are working with Mass Golf, the New England PGA and Shaker Hills to determine the best procedures to follow all required guidelines.  The Mass Golf Reopening guidelines outline the operational practices, protocols, and recommendations for tournament play in the state.

The Massachusetts High School Championship will be following Back2Golf, Massachusetts state, and Worcester County local guidelines.

Operational Guidelines with Covid-19 Considerations

• NHSGA Staff and volunteers (reduced from normal quantity) will be wearing mandated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and will practice social distancing
• PPE will be available to all participants (hand sanitizer and wipes). Players are required to bring masks
• Social distancing (6 ft) will be a priority on-site. Gatherings will not be permitted at any time.  Social Distance signage from Back2Golf will be prominently displayed
• Per the order of the Governor, competitors & spectators are required to use masks/coverings at all times even when social distance can be maintained
• A maximum of two spectators per player will be strictly enforced – we ask that your family plan accordingly
• Registration will be conducted on a rolling basis with no gatherings. Markings on the ground will help socially distance anyone who is waiting to complete their registration
• Temperature screenings will be taken prior to the competition round.  Players must record a 100.4-degree temperature or lower to be able to compete that day.
• The event will be paperless with the exception of scorecards.  Each player will receive a scorecard of another player in the group and scores will be verbally attested adhering to USGA guidelines. Verbal score verification will take place outside with players standing 6 feet apart from one another in designated standing areas.  All rules sheets and other tournament documents will be sent to players electronically prior to tee off. Players are expected to print off any documents personally.
• Players will be receiving a complimentary grab and go meal after the round. Food and beverage for purchase are available to parents and spectators.
• Bunkers will be played without rakes.  Players may lift and clean the ball, smooth the sand, and place the ball within one scorecard no closer to the hole without penalty
• Flagsticks must be left in the hole at all times. Players will receive a warning and could face disqualification if they continue to touch the flagstick
• Measures have been taken by the committee to ensure that the object in the hole will indeed allow the ball to come to rest completely below the surface of the ground and will have as little chance of affecting play. The ball must remain in the hole to be holed
• Scoring will be conducted socially distanced with no physical scoreboard
• The clubhouse is only open for competitors and spectators needing to purchase items in the pro shop, order food, or use the restrooms. Limited seating is available in the indoor dining room only for people that order food
• Spectators must adhere to all social distancing guidelines
  • Maximum of two spectators per player
  • Spectators must wear masks inside or around the clubhouse & on the golf course even when socially distanced from others
  • Spectators should not arrive at the course until 15 minutes prior to their player’s tee time and shall go directly to the tee where the player is starting.
  • Spectators must not congregate before or after their player’s round
  • Spectators are NOT permitted in any practice areas

The NHSGA will not tolerate players or spectators who do not adhere to guidelines put in place. We reserve the right to penalize and/or disqualify players who knowingly, willingly and or repeatedly disregard our policies to promote social distance. Players are also responsible for the actions of their family members or spectators.

The NHSGA staff asks that you take the following precautions:

• Please avoid handshakes or physical contact of any kind
• Wash hands and use sanitizer frequently
• Stay outside as much as possible
• Refrain from touching your face, eyes, nose, lips or mouth
• Please monitor CDC guidelines for best practices
• Please do your best to act in a healthy and responsible manner
• If you feel sick please stay home and report any illness to our staff on-site immediately
• In the past 14 days if you tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 contact the NHSGA staff at info@highschoolgolf.org or 617-396-7021
• If you “test positive” for the COVID-19 virus at any point within 14 days of being at the golf course please contact the NHSGA staff at info@highschoolgolf.org or 617-396-7021

Shaker Hills Country Club Guidelines

Check-in and Pre-Round

• Players are asked to arrive no earlier than 45 minutes prior to their tee time
• Upon arrival, players must proceed directly to the green NHSGA table for a temperature screening and registration.
• The NHSGA Staff will hand each player in the group another player’s scorecard. Scorecards should not be exchanged.  Each player should also record their unofficial score on the card to reference post-round
• Players are required to use masks at all times prior, during, and following their round. Players will be limited to 5-10 minutes on the range to encourage distancing. Players may not use the range more than 45 minutes prior to their tee time
• Players are asked to be at their starting hole 15 minutes prior to their tee time

During the Round

• Rules sheets and pace of play policy will be provided electronically
• Players are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water for the course
• Personal push carts are permitted (no rental push carts available)

After the Round

• After scoring is complete, no gatherings will be allowed in clubhouse or any other common areas
• Scoring will be done near the clubhouse. There will be a table set up for scoring staff. There will not be any chairs and players will review scores socially distanced
• Players will verbally confirm scores with their marker and then visually inspect the hole-by-hole score to confirm accuracy. Once scores are confirmed, there will be a bin to deposit the scorecard
• Results will be posted online only and there will be no physical scoreboards
• Once scoring is complete, players may grab their meal and will be encouraged to leave the course
• After the final round awards will be provided in a socially distanced manner for the top players along with the top teams

Severe Weather and Evacuation Plan

• In the event play must be stopped for a short delay, players will be notified to follow the provided evacuation plan/map to the designated shelter area.  In the event of a longer suspension of play, players will be asked to proceed back to the their cars
• Emails will be sent out when it is safe to return to the golf course
• Due to social distancing guidelines and likely time constraints, practice may not be allowed before the resumption of play

Competitor Travel Guidelines

• To protect yourself and others during your trip, you should clean your hands often.  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with others (Keep at least 6 feet of physical distance from others).
• Avoiding close contact is especially important if you are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19
• Wear a cloth face-covering in public
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Pick up food at drive-throughs, curbside restaurant service, or stores. Do not dine in restaurants if that is prohibited by state or local guidance
• Consider traveling with a protective face covering, alcohol-based sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, tissues and a personal thermometer

Scholarships for junior golfers

Competing in junior golf tournaments requires a lot of time and money. Junior golfers and their families oftentimes struggle to know where to search for scholarships, grants, and programs to help pay for travel and tournament expenses. Fortunately, there are some great programs and organizations that help families that need help with the financial burdens that junior golf entails. 

AJGA ACE Grant

The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) has a program in place, the Achievement Competitive Excellence ACE grant that helps juniors and their families afford to compete in their tournaments. The grant provides financial assistance to young men and women who aspire to earn a college golf scholarship through competitive junior golf. To date, there have been 1,784 junior golfers awarded the grant, and $14.8 million in scholarship dollars received by ACE Grant graduates. 

PGA Reach + PGA Junior League

The PGA of America has a program known as PGA Reach which is focused on impacting the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabaling access to PGA professionals, PGA sections, and the game of golf. PGA reach helps junior golfers and their families take part and afford programs such as PGA Junior League creating opportunities for boys and girls to learn and enjoy the game of golf. The DICK’S Sporting Goods Sports Matter program is making a $500,000 donation over three years (2018 – 2020) to PGA Jr. League, matched by PGA REACH, for children who qualify for financial assistance or are from a military family. Apply and learn more

Youth on Course

Youth on Course provides young golfers from the access to play a round of golf for $5 or less at over 1,400 golf courses throughout the U.S. To date, Youth on Course has helped subsidize over 1 million rounds of golf. Through the Youth on Course scholarship program, high school seniors have the opportunity to continue on a path to success through higher education that might otherwise be out of reach. 

The First Tee

For over 22 years, the First tee’s main mission is to impact the lives of young people through educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. The First Tee scholarship program supports selected alumni throughout their college career through need and merit-based scholarships up to $5,000 per year. The program is open to graduating high school seniors planning to attend college the following year

If you are interested in learning more about scholarships and grants that are available to junior and high school golfers, be sure to check out our scholarship finder page.