DJ to sponsor world junior championship

Dustin Johnson's interest in junior golf and his love of the Grand Strand are coming together next February in the inaugural Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship.

To be held Feb 13-15 at TPC Myrtle Beach, the 54-hole event is expected to feature a 90-player field of elite-level boys and girls from around the world. 

"Junior golf was vital to my development as a player, and I'm excited to help launch an event that will grow into one of the nation's premier tournaments," Johnson was quoted in a news release. "I lived in Myrtle Beach for nearly 10 years and still consider the area home, so I know it's an ideal host for the event. I've played TPC Myrtle Beach more than any other course, and it will offer our players a great challenge."

His golf school is still headquartered in Myrtle Beach, and his foundation -- also based there -- has raised over $250,000 for junior golf programs, so it appears to be a perfect fit.

TPC Myrtle Beach hosted the 2000 IR Senior Tour Championship, was designed by Tom Fazio and has been ranked among America's 100 greatest public courses. Playing on the Washington's birthday holiday weekend, the tournament should be a nice kickoff for the 2016 season for many top juniors.