Robinson Ranch hosts AJGA West Junior Open

While the future of the a major pro golf tournament in our valley is uncertain, Santa Clarita will play host to a different sort of golf tournament when the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) presents its West Junior Open at Robinson Ranch Golf Club July 6-9. The three-round tournament will feature the nation’s best junior golfers in both boys’ and girls’ divisions, all vying for the AJGA Open title.

Local junior golfers ages 12-18 looking to get a piece of the action will get a chance to “play their way in” through the K12 Qualifier. This trial round, in which players may earn spots in current or future AJGA events, will be held July 5 at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start, with groups teeing off at all holes simultaneously.

Once the 99-player field is determined, an official practice round will be held July 6 with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Players will tee off for the first tournament round on July 7 from 7 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., with rounds two and three following in similar fashion on July 8 and 9. The awards ceremony will immediately follow the end of play on Thursday. Spectators are encouraged to attend and admission is free.

The AJGA is a nonprofit organization that helps young people work toward college golf scholarships. Over 5,000 junior golfers from all 50 states and 30 countries play in AJGA tournaments, and many alumni have gone on to successful careers in both amateur and professional circuits. Recognize any of these names? Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink, Davis Love III, Cristie Kerr, Pat Hurst, Paula Creamer, Brittany Lincicome, Morgan Pressel, and Julieta Granada.

Prospective players or spectators should visit www.ajga.org.