PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA of America has announced the 34th Junior PGA Championship will be contested July 28-31, returning for the second consecutive year to TPC River's Bend in Maineville, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati.

"After hosting one of the most exciting Junior PGA Championships in its long and storied history last year, we are excited to bring the Championship back to TPC River's Bend in 2009," said PGA of America Vice President Allen Wronowski, who also serves as the Championship's Chairman. "The design and layout tested the competitors last year and will once again provide a stern test of golf to some of the best junior talent from across the country."

TPC River's Bend, designed by seven-time major champion Arnold Palmer, opened its doors in 2001. The facility was named a Golf Digest "Top 10 Best New Private Course in America" in 2002 and was again rated as one of the "Best in State" by Golf Digest from 2005-08. TPC River's Bend also played host to the Kroger Classic, a Champions Tour event, from 2002-04.

Chris Wood, PGA general manager and director of golf at TPC River's Bend is excited to host the Junior PGA Championship for a second consecutive year.

"It was a true pleasure to host the Junior PGA Championship in July and we are looking forward to hosting it again in 2009," said Wood. "We received tremendous support from our membership, who got a closer look at the future of the sport."

Begun in 1976, the Junior PGA Championship has traditionally produced unforgettable golf performances and brings together the best junior golfers from around the country to compete for the Jack Nicklaus Trophy in the Boys' division and the Patty Berg Trophy in the Girls' division. For more information on the Junior PGA Championship, please visit PGAJuniorSeries.com.

The Championship has been a stepping stone for competitors to either collegiate or Tour professional careers. The list of past Champions includes some of the most prominent current Tour professionals: Billy Andrade (1981), Billy Mayfair (1982), 2001 PGA Champion David Toms (1984), Sean O'Hair (1998), Cristie Kerr (1995), 2008 Masters Champion Trevor Immelman (1996), Grace Park (1996), Aree Song (1999, 2000), reigning U.S. Women's Open Champion In-Bee Park (2001, '02) and 2007 LPGA Rookie of the Year Angela Park (2004).

Five members of the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup Team -- Phil Mickelson, Justin Leonard, Stewart Cink, Jim Furyk and Anthony Kim - have competed in the Junior PGA Championship.

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