Chesterton, IN - Linking kids to golf. That's the mission of the Northwest Indiana Junior Golf Association (NIJGA)- the first regional junior golf association in Northwest Indiana.
The NIJGA will host 16 junior golf tournaments for children 5 to 19 years of age at Porter and Lake County golf courses this summer. Memberships are available for the 2002 NIJGA program and golf entries are now being accepted for the tournament season, which begins on June 11. The complete 2002 tournament schedule is listed on the NIJGA website at www.nijga.org. Equally important to the NIJGA's role of hosting junior events, is the NIJGA's emphasis on education, community service and serving as a clearinghouse for parents and juniors who are looking for information on junior events, clinics, and tournaments in Northwest Indiana. The NIJGA also provides information on programs conducted by the Indiana and Illinois Junior Golf Associations and the American Junior Golf Association. Building on the 10-year history and success of the Optimist Junior Tour, the NIJGA will offer an organized golf program for various levels of junior player. Three different junior tours, based on age and golfing experience, are available for kids to introduce them to a summer tournament program and to provide them with a variety of affordable golf opportunities. Players can complete in up to 3 mini-tour events or up to 8 junior/major tour events during the summer. According to Mark Beggs, founder of the Optimist Junior Tour and 2002 NIJGA Tournament Chairman, "This association is designed for both the experienced and competitive junior players as well as those who have had limited experience or exposure to the game." One of the distinctive aspects of the NIJGA is its educational series- the "Star Headcover" Program. As NIJGA juniors show their mastery of golf skills, knowledge of rules and etiquette, and also their time devoted to community service, they gain recognition with different headcovers that signify their level of achievement, much like the various colors of belts in karate. "Education is a very important aspect of the NIJGA. We anticipate that the Star Headcover Program might be viewed similarly to the Eagle Scout program- with the same prestige and sense of achievement", explains Education Chairman, Nancy Bender. There are three official certification sites for the "Star Headcover" Program. You may contact Don Plohg, Golf Professional at the Hammond Youth Golf Academy at (219) 932-4653 or Mike Laughner, Head Golf Professional and Nancy Bender, Teaching Professional at Creekside Training Center at (219) 531-PUTT or Dave Perkins, Head Golf Professional at Scherwood Golf Club in Schererville at (219) 865-2554 for more information. The NIJGA also has a "Clubs for Kids" program to provide golf clubs to NIJGA juniors who do not have clubs of their own. Two of the NIJGA official host sites- the Hammond Youth Golf Academy at Lost Marsh, and the Creekside Training Center in Valparaiso- will provide custom-fit clubs at no charge. These sites also accept donated clubs. According to NIJGA Vice President, Bob Jacobs, "Our mission is to provide a user-friendly and affordable vehicle for kids to be involved with golf. Kids can develop friendships and memories but even more importantly, they will develop the life skills inherent with being exposed to golf such as discipline, perseverance, honor and respect." The NIJGA board of directors- made up of the region's golf industry leaders- is working with area school districts, municipalities, and community organizations to create awareness of the association so that children of all ages and backgrounds will be introduced to the sport and develop a life-long love of the game. "The people involved truly believe that being a member of this association will have a lasting impact on these children's lives", says Jim Bennett, Foundation Director. Membership in the NIJGA is $6 for mini tour members (ages 5-10) and $20 for junior and major tour members (7-19). All memberships include a NIJGA bag tag, USGA rulebook and access to tournaments and clinics. Tournament entry fees are $4 for mini tour events and $10 for junior and major tour events with the exception of the 2-day Porter County Championship which is $20. Sponsors of the NIJGA are Pepsi, American Savings FSB, Hammond Optimist Club, NiSource, Inc., St. Andrews Products, Tehama, and Scudder Investments. The NIJGA is a non-profit association administered solely by volunteers. If you would like to serve as a volunteer, learn more about the Northwest Indiana Junior Golf Association or become a NIJGA member, please visit the NIJGA website at www.nijga.org or contact Bob Jacobs at (219) 395-5285.