Tournament Spotlight – Donald Ross Junior

TOURNAMENT SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Over the years, my boys have participated in many different junior events – as we progress through this year, I will highlight the events that we have enjoyed the most and recommend for any junior golfer. We just returned from the Donald Ross Junior.

6 Things Your Junior Golfer Should Do During the “Offseason”

THE WHAT, WHERE, HOW, WHEN, ETC…..

The Donald Ross Junior is played every year between Christmas and New Years. It is hosted by the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina and typically has ~300 players in the following age groups – 11 & under, 12-14, and 15-18. It is a 36-hole event, with an optional Parent-Child event the following day. The tournament was first played in 1948.

SOUNDS COOL, BUT WHAT COURSES DO YOU GET TO PLAY?

Of course, this could change, but since we have been going, the 11 & under age group plays #1, 12-14 play #8, and the 15-18 play across both #4 & #5. The optional Parent-Child event is played on #4 (side note, alternate shot on #4 with you child can be a “real test of love”! :)).

WOULD I BE ABLE TO GET IN? SOUNDS LIKE IT MIGHT DRAW A STRONG FIELD

The short answer is “yes”. Unlike many larger junior events, participation is not based on rankings, stars, status, or being related to a member of the tournament committee. The application opens in the fall and as long as you sign-up in the first week or so, you will be in the field. Tournament website: Donald-ross-junior-championship

WHY DO WE LOVE THIS EVENT?

There are several reasons our family looks forward to this event:

1. Timing – cool time of year for an event – boys are still out of school on winter break
2. Field – a nice large field – ~300 players – most events of this size can be hard to get in to, but I like the “first come, first serve” sign-up process
3. Price – considering the courses you get to play and what a good job Pinehurst does running the event, this tournament is a bargain
4. Family – during the holiday season, this is a great tournament to bring the family to enjoy a little vacation while watching some great jr. golf
5. Parent-Child – I love the optional parent-child the day after the tournament – make the parents show off some skill, instead of just watching from the cart path!
6. Earn Status/Exemptions – since it is a large event, playing well can help your junior golf in rankings and exemptions. You can earn a spot in the North South Jr., earn some AJGA stars, etc.

A FEW THINGS IN THE KEEP IN MIND, IF YOU DECIDE TO GIVE IT A TRY!

1. Sign-UP – pay attention to the website to make sure you are aware of when the entry form will open up (you don’t want to miss it by a few weeks and end up on the waitlist)
2. Weather – Pinehurst isn’t a tropical location – The weather can be a bit chilly — we have been going to 4 years. One of them was very cold. In other words, bring layers!
3. State of Your Game – depending on where you live, late December might not be the time of year when your game is the sharpest! Pinehurst courses will test your putting and chipping……