Defending champion Georgia starts strong at PGA Junior League C'ship

DULUTH, Ga. – Defending Champion Team Georgia jumped out to a fast start Friday at the 2014 PGA Junior League Golf Championship, winning both of its conference matches at TPC Sugarloaf. Team Indiana and Team California won their opening matches today, and both teams will play two matches on Saturday.

 

Each team will play three matches between Friday and Saturday to determine the winner from each conference, and the conference champions will compete for the title on Sunday.

 

WHO'S PLAYING?: See the rosters for all the teams at the Junior League Championship

 

The eight teams competing in the 2014 PGA Junior League Golf Championship qualified by winning their respective regional competition. At TPC Sugarloaf, the teams have been divided into an East Conference (Connecticut, Georgia, New Jersey, Tennessee) and a West Conference (California, Indiana, Iowa, Texas). 

 

The team format of PGA Junior League Golf features nine-hole matches with points awarded based on number of holes won. Coaches are able to alternate players every three holes, ensuring all team members play in each match. 

 

MORE: Friday's photo gallery | PGA Junior League leaderboard

 

Team Georgia won its opening match, 9 ½ -2 ½, over Team New Jersey. Team Georgia then defeated Team Tennessee, 10-2.

 

PGA Professional Chuck Scoggins, the Captain of Team Georgia, was proud of how his team performed.

 

“We could have made a few more putts today, but I’m really happy with how we played,” said Scoggins. “The competition here this year is really strong, and we have a tough few days ahead of us.”

 

Team Georgia, which won the 2013 Championship over Team California, will only play in the morning session on Saturday.

 

“I think we play our best golf in the morning,” said Scoggins.  “Then we’ll have a chance to relax and have some fun away from the golf course tomorrow afternoon.”

 

Also on Friday, Team Indiana defeated Team Texas, 8-4. PGA Professional Ben Weaver was pleased with his squad’s overall performance and teamwork.

 

“The kids played well this morning,” said Weaver. “This is a unique atmosphere and format. Being successful this weekend is all about how well the kids gel and play together as a team.”

 

Team California opened the Championship with a victory on Friday afternoon over Team Iowa, 11 ½ to ½.

 

California, Georgia and Indiana are the only undefeated teams heading into the second day of competition.

 

Much like other recreational league sports, PGA Junior League Golf participants play in team uniforms with jersey numbers. Young golfers learn the game and play under the direction of PGA/LPGA Professionals, who serve as team captains. 

 

All eight teams will play one match on Sunday. The 2014 PGA Junior League Golf Championship trophy will be awarded at a ceremony following play that day.

 

Results from Friday, Oct. 24:

 

East Conference

• Team Georgia (Atlanta) – 2-0

• Team Connecticut (Hartford) – 1-1

• Team Tennessee (Knoxville) – 1-1

• Team New Jersey (Trenton) – 0-2

 

West Conference

• Team California (San Ramon) – 1-0

• Team Indiana (Avon) – 1-0

• Team Iowa (Spencer) – 0-1

• Team Texas (Houston) – 0-1