PGA of America announces pair of changes to junior golf competitions

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA of America has announced a pair of changes as it relates to its junior golf competitions.

Beginning in 2013, all junior competitions, including the Junior PGA Championship presented by Under Armour and Hotel Fitness, and the PGA Junior Series supported by Genesis Networks, will allow approved electronic distance measuring devices.

The policy, adopted this year by other leading junior golf organizations, becomes more consistent with college golf, where rangefinders are already permitted. Some rangefinders will not be permitted in these championships. If the device is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect the player’s decision, the device would not be allowed.

In addition, all golfers who are 18 years of age and younger through the final round of those same competitions will be eligible to compete in junior competitions. Prior to 2013, only boys and girls 18 years of age and had not yet begun college, were able to participate.

“We are excited to announce these two changes as it relates to our junior competitions,” said Kerry Haigh, chief championships officer of The PGA of America. “We believe these changes will prepare many of our junior golfers for college competition as well as helping them to enjoy the game more while playing.”

The 2013 PGA Junior Series, which features seven repeat sites in a nine-state, cross-country schedule, opens May 29-31, at Mirimich in Millington, Tenn.; and concludes July 22-24, at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. This season, the PGA Junior Series celebrates its 18th season in providing affordable and competitive golf tournaments for juniors.

Trump National Golf Club -- Washington, D.C., in Potomac Falls, Va., will host the 38th Junior PGA Championship, July 30-Aug. 2. The Championship is one of the nation’s premier events in junior golf.

About The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.