News
PGA Junior Golf League
From the Local Greens to the National Stage by Ann E . Butenas , contributing writer
In the verdant fairways of the Kansas City Country Club ( KCCC ), a remarkable story has unfolded , one that speaks volumes about the talent , dedication , and spirit of young golfers nurtured in a supportive and enriching environment . At the heart of this narrative is the club ’ s PGA Junior League golf team , a group of young athletes whose journey to the national championships last year not only spotlighted their burgeoning skills but also underscored the vital role of dedicated coaching and community support in shaping the future stars of golf .
The Kansas City Country Club ’ s PGA Junior League Golf program has emerged as a fertile training ground for aspiring young golfers . With divisions for players aged 13 and under and 17 and under , the program caters to a vibrant group of about 40 young golfing enthusiasts . The journey of these young players begins each April , marked by a season of intense training , participation in local tournaments , and a steady honing of their skills and understanding of the game . This rigorous preparation lays the groundwork for their ascent to larger , more competitive stages , most notably the 2023 PGA Junior League Championship held in Albuquerque , NM , in early November last year .
“ Coaching involves a lot of encouragement ,” explained Midwest Section PGA member Hooser . “ But these young players had the right attitude going in and enjoyed the competitions . It was challenging and disappointing , but they all have a good work ethic towards their passion for golf .”
The path to the national championships was a testament to the young team ’ s talent and teamwork . After a series of successful matches at local and regional levels , the 17 and under team , which included Conner Vickers , Helen Jones , Stuart Boulware , Hudson Bennish , Porter Howard , and Jack Grant , earned its place at the nationals . This achievement was particularly significant , given the competitive nature of junior league golf and the high skill level and composure required to succeed at such an advanced level .
At the 2023 PGA Junior League Championship , the KCCC team , comprising five boys and one girl , took to the Twin Warriors Golf Club to compete against some of the best junior golfers in the nation . Their performance there , culminating in an 11th-place finish in the qualifiers , was a powerful demonstration of their abilities and a clear indicator of their potential to rise even higher in the ranks of golf .
PGA Junior League Coach Paul Hooser
Behind the team ’ s success were KCCC coaches and golf professionals Paul Hooser and Evan Scobie , Director of Instruction , whose philosophy of encouragement and continuous improvement has been instrumental in guiding these young players . Their emphasis on enjoying the game and learning from every experience has helped the players develop not just in their technical skills but also in their approach to the game and life itself .
Beyond the competition , the national championship provided these young golfers with a taste of the professional golfing experience . The PGA ’ s provision of team bags , uniforms , and a dedicated practice range offered the young athletes a glimpse into the world of professional golf and an invaluable experience that undoubtedly contributed to their growth and confidence as players .
This journey was as much about personal development as it was about competitive achievement . The team ’ s unique composition , solely of players from their own club , brought forth a commendable attitude and spirit . They embraced the fun and challenge of the competition , learning valuable lessons in sportsmanship , resilience , and the art of balancing ambition with the enjoyment of the game .
12 February 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE