August 31, 2020

Scholarships for junior golfers

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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. 

August 19, 2020

Diversity & Inclusion shine at National Invitational

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The High School Golf National Invitational is one of the most diverse and inclusive national junior golf tournaments. This year’s event saw over 340 of the top high school golfers from 40 states & territories in attendance at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. The National Invitational is an event dedicated to celebrating and showcasing high school golfers at the highest level. Public or Private. Division 1A or 6A. All high school state championship team, individuals, and their families are welcome at the Invitational. 

This event highlights what makes high school golf so unique. Families, teams, and coaches from all different cultural and financial backgrounds, races, religions, gender identities & sexual orientations. No two players or teams alike.

“The Invitational this year is even more special considering every state that sponsored spring golf did not compete due to COVID-19. In many respects, this event serves as redemption and one last time for seniors to compete with their friends before heading off to college.” – Chris Noble NHSGA Manager. “We are just ecstatic to provide this opportunity to these deserving young men and women to compete at the home of American golf.”

For many, this was their first trip to Pinehurst Resort and an opportunity to experience world-renowned courses with family and friends. The players competed on Pinehurst No. 6, No. 8 & No. 9 for the 3-day 54 hole event at close to 7,000 yards for boys and 6,000 yards for the girls. Seven boys finished at even-par or better and Anawin Pikulthong (2023 grad from AZ) firing an impressive 10-under-par 3 day total. On the girl’s side, we had thirteen girls finish at 10-over-par or better and Loralie Cowart (2021 grad from GA) won medalist honors with an even-par 3 day total. 

“I will tell anyone that has a chance to play in this event not to miss it, the best thing for high school golf, right at the top and just as exciting as winning a State Championship” -Moses Smith head coach for team North Carolina. Coach Smith’s team captured the NC 3A state championship in 2019 and their story is a tale of course management of humankind.

Lance Christenson, a 17-year-old from South Dakota, has a story that embodies an incredibly relentless and fighting spirit. Growing up in one of the poorest parts of the country, to capturing his state championship and punching his ticket to compete at Pinehurst – his story is one that any high school golfer, parent or coach can look up to.

Emily St. Aubin, a four-time North Dakota state champion and incoming high school senior, didn’t have a spring high school golf season this year. An independent non-sanctioned showcase tournament was held in ND and Emily captured the title qualifying her for the National Invitational. “It’s not every day you get to come and play Pinehurst,” Emily said.

The team that traveled the farthest to compete at Pinehurst was Guam, who won their island championship. A 23-hour plane ride and an opportunity for the first team from the island to compete in a national event kept the team’s spirits high. “This thing that is going to happen in Pinehurst is a one-of-a-kind tournament for Guam” – Mark Nanapei coach for Guam. “I’ve been on Guam since 1989 and we’ve never had a high school team play against state champions from The United States of America.”

The High School Golf National Invitational is conducted by the National High School Golf Association (NHSGA), a division of Nextgengolf, which is a subsidiary of the PGA of America. For more information on the NHSGA and the National Invitational, please contact Chris Noble at Chris@highschoolgolf.org

July 7, 2020

Junior Golf Hub helps high school golfers navigate the…

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For the second year, the National High School Golf Association (NHSGA) is pleased to welcome Junior Golf Hub as a partner for the 2020 High School Golf National Invitational held at Pinehurst Resort on (August 3-5th). The National Invitational is one of the premier national junior golf tournaments with a field made up of the top high school golfers from across the country. Nearly all 50 states are represented.

“Here at Junior Golf Hub, we appreciate the work that the NHSGA has done to celebrate and develop high school golfers across the country. Our goal is to provide a unique opportunity for all Invitational participants looking to play golf in college and stand out toy college coaches,” says Rick Dowling, Customer Success Manager of the Junior Golf Hub. “Because travel is limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for all junior golfers to have a digital resume and a platform to aid with exposure. This is why every National Invitational participant will receive a free, digital Junior Golf Hub Profile to increase their visibility to college golf programs.

This year’s field will be made up of more than 350 of the top high school golfers from 40 states and territories. With the cancellation of this year’s spring high school golf season, this will be an opportunity for many to seek validation. For seniors, this may be their last time to compete before heading off to college. The excitement level around this year’s Invitational is at an all-time high thanks to the current climate along with the chance to compete at Pinehurst.

In addition to providing Profiles, Junior Golf Hub staff will be on-site to answer specific questions regarding the recruiting process for players and families. “Our staff is excited to be at  Pinehurst where we will be hosting  “The Hub” –  a dedicated area at the course for parents, players, and coaches to refresh, relax, connect, and most importantly learn about the journey to college golf. Everyone’s journey is unique, and for most it’s important to discuss the big milestones, layout a game plan, and discuss specifics with the player and their family.” 

Further, JGH is excited to announce the launch of the Player Development Index (PDI) Self Assessment, a free tool for a junior golfer to self-assess their strengths and weaknesses to enable better self-awareness surrounding their mental game, resilience, golf skills, physical performance and nutrition – the elements that contribute to success. The Self Assessment is available in the Player Development area of the Junior Golf Hub Profile. The digital Profile, complete with academics, golf scores and your PDI gives coaches the clearest most detailed look at a prospects information.

If you are interested in learning more about Junior Golf Hub and how they can help your family navigate the college golf recruiting process, please visit their site or contact Rick Dowling at rick@juniorgolfhub.com

June 25, 2020

New Hampshire high school golfer engages girl’s golf community

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Delaney Nadeau has been golfing for as long as she can remember, and she isn’t planning on leaving the game anytime soon. She started golfing competitively through PGA Jr League, Drive, Chip and Putt, and the NHGA Junior Tour. Although she loved playing competitively, she noticed a problem. “Growing up competing in these events, there were always more boys than girls. I also knew the girl’s golf group in New Hampshire was small.” Delaney needed a way to both connect with female golfers her age in her area and inspire more girls to get involved with golf. 

At just 10 years old she created NHGolferGal, a blog Delaney is using not only to connect her to other golfers her age in the area but also to grow the girl’s golf community. She used the Arnold Palmer Invitational to get her blog off the ground in 2017. She was headed to the event with her family and decided to write to Morning Drive asking if she could interview the hosts, Cara Robinson and Lauren Thompson, for her blog. “I was shocked. I initially thought there was no way they would let me do that, I didn’t even expect them to answer. They ended up saying yes, we watched them tape the show, I interviewed them, and it was awesome!” link to morning drive interview. Although the interview was a once in a lifetime experience, that was not the highlight of her day. As she was leaving the set, Gary Williams asked if she wanted to meet Annika Sorenstam, Delaney’s favorite golfer!

During quarantine, Delaney has kept engaged with her followers by doing an interview series. Young, local golfers submit questions for her and some of her other girl’s golf friends to answer. She is looking forward to the end of quarantine and the next chapter of her blog, high school golf! Delaney will be a freshman this fall at Oyster River High School in NH. “Right now my biggest concern is if we will have a season.” While she might be worried, she is excited and preparing for tryouts. “I am really excited to be on a team, my middle school didn’t have a team. I am mostly looking forward to new experiences.” After her first year on the team, Delaney wants to lower her handicap and be one of the top scorers on the team. 

Delaney is playing high school golf for comradery, new experiences, a chance to qualify for the National Invitational, but she is always looking towards the bigger picture. Her ultimate goal is to become a professional golfer. If being a professional golfer doesn’t work out, she wants to become a teaching professional or coach. When asked about her aspirations, she always came back to the same point, growing the girl’s golf community. Delaney wants to grow the game and inspire girls to play golf throughout her entire career. NHGolferGal is just the start of Delany’s campaign and commitment to engaging girls in golf no matter their age or skill level. 

June 5, 2020

What to expect at the 2020 High School Golf…

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We are excited for the 2020 High School National Invitational to take place at Pinehurst August 3-5th.  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.  The NHSGA team is looking forward to a great event and we are here to help you prepare and answer any questions.  

2020 High School Golf National Invitational Event Plan 

We are working with Pinehurst on a daily basis to determine the best procedures to follow all required guidelines.  The Pinehurst Reopening page outlines their operational practices, protocols, and recommendations for the full resort. 

The National Invitational will be following Back2Golf, North Carolina state, and Moore County local guidelines.  Players, parents, and spectators should consult their state and local guidelines as well as the RDU Airport guidelines for those flying to Raleigh.

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 provided to all participants (hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks).  It is encouraged that players bring additional PPE
• Social distancing will be a priority for everything done on-site. Gatherings will not be permitted.  Social Distance signage from Back2Golf will be prominently displayed
• Players are asked to use masks/coverings when they are unable to socially distance including when they are using the practice facilities
• Practice rounds will be conducted similar to tee times at a local course. Sanitized carts are optional for players – Players may only share carts if paired with someone in the same household. Players will receive their own carts if not paired with someone in their household
• 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.
• All registration gifts (golf balls, towel, hat) will be sanitized by NHSGA staff and gift bags will be handed out by a staff member wearing proper PPE 
• Competition rounds are scheduled as double tees in the mornings and afternoons with 10 or 11 minute intervals between tee times
• Temperature screenings will be taken prior to each competition round.  Players must record a 100.4 degree temperature or lower to be able to compete that day.  If players subsequently screen under the required temperature on the same day they will be permitted to compete in a different pairing or with a marker
• 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 documents will be sent to players electronically prior to tee off.
• Players will be receiving lunch vouchers instead of prepared food. The pre-tournament registration buffet dinner has been cancelled and all players will receive gift cards to use on F&B at the resort
• 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. Removing the flag the first time constitutes a warning. A two shot penalty will be given for each subsequent offense
• Scoring will be conducted socially distanced with no physical scoreboard
• Spectators must adhere to all social distancing guidelines
  • Spectators should not arrive at the course until their player’s tee time.
  • 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

Pinehurst Daily Guidelines

Daily Check-in and Pre-Round

• Players are asked to arrive no earlier than 60 minutes prior to their tee time
• Upon arrival players must proceed directly to green NHSGA tent for a temperature screening
• Players are asked to be at their starting hole 15 minutes prior to their tee time
• The starter 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 encouraged to use masks on the practice range and putting green and follow Pinehurst’s socially distance regulations 

During the Round

• Rules sheets, hole locations, and pace of play policy will be provided electronically
• Live scoring will not be conducted in 2020
• Players are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water for the course. However, water will be available for players at Pinehurst water stations (sanitized by Pinehurst daily).  Optional bottled water will be distributed at the NHSGA tent at registration
• Push carts are permitted – players may bring their own or rent on a first come first serve basis from the clubhouse
• Players are asked not to use ball washers or other shared items not removed from the course
• Bathrooms on the course will be open and cleaned throughout the day. Players should wash their hands after using the bathroom and use hand sanitizer if they touch the door

After the Round

• After scoring is complete, no gatherings will be allowed in clubhouse or any other common area
• Scoring will be done near the 18th green of each course. 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 will be encouraged to leave the course and limit any post-round practice. Practice facilities close each day at 5:00pm
• After the final round awards will be provided in a socially distanced manner for the top 10 girls and boys along with the top 3 teams in each event

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 or socially distance in the clubhouse
• 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
• In the event of a shotgun start has to be used to complete a stipulated round, rendezvous points will be utilized to get players out and in from starting holes.  Most players will walk back but sanitized carts will be used to transport players at further points from the clubhouse.  Shotgun staging will follow strict social distancing

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

March 31, 2020

Most Inspiring high school golf stories

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Why do you play high school golf? Is it because you are able to be with your friends? Spending time outdoors? Or maybe because you just love competing? There are over 224,000 high school golfers that play across the country. Each year, many have overcome adversity, challenges, and setbacks to perform at the highest level. Let’s take a moment to showcase some of the most inspiring high school golf stories. 

Drew Charter High School 

Drew Charter Academy, an all-black high school in Georgia achieved history last spring. The team became the first all-black high school golf team to win a state championship in GHSA history. With their state championship win, they represented the state of Georiga at the 2019 NHSGA High School Golf National Invitational at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Not too long ago, Drew Charter could not field a full team of players to compete in a match. Many other local schools wouldn’t consider scheduling a match with the team. This season, the team expects more than 35 kids to try out.  Coach Joe Weems explained his coaching philosophy. “It’s not just golf, it’s about having someone they can go to throughout the day just in general. I’m real big on culture and climate. The culture is having a winning attitude, but the climate is about family and taking care of one another.”

Max Roberts – from homelessness to a state championship

Max Roberts was a typical high school student from Oklahoma with an exceptional golf game and love for the sport. Before his senior year state championship in the spring of 2019, he experienced a setback that would cause adversity for any high school golfer. Max’s parents underwent a messy divorce that essentially left him and his mom without a home and place to go. 

Before the state championship, Max gathered his team to fill them in on what was happening at home in his personal life. His teammates assured Max that they had his back, no matter what. Max opened the state tournament with rounds of 72-70 and had a two-shot lead going into the final round. He fired a 71 for the final round and ended up winning the state tournament by four strokes.

 Max finished in a tie for 15th at the 2019 High School Golf National Invitational with rounds of 72-74. His community rallied around his family to raise the funds needed for them to travel to Disney last summer. “A house is just a house,” he says. “Your family, your friends … that is your real home.”

Jordan Spieth inspires Massachusetts high school golfer to a state championship

Austin Vogt, a 2019 high school senior did not make his high school golf team for the past three consecutive years. Discouraged, he just about gave up his hopes of representing his school on the golf team. As fate would have it, Austin had an opportunity to meet with his golfing hero, Jordan Spieth after a PGA Tour event in Boston. Spieth not only encouraged Austin to work at his game, but shared a story in which he faced challenges during his high school career. Vogt was instantly inspired by his encounter with Spieth and vowed to rededicate himself to his game. 

During the tryouts his senior year, Vogt finally made the golf team. As team captain, he led his team to a second-place finish in the state tournament and a trip to the NHSGA National Invitational. Vogt’s determination and a little helpful inspiration from one of his golfing heroes propelled him to accomplish one of his goals. 

High school golf is so special because you have teammates, coaches, and friends around you at all times. In times of adversity or challenge, golf can help bring out the best in all of us. Have a story that you would like to share with the NHSGA? Please email NHSGA Manager Chris Noble at Chris@highschoolgolf.org