As PGA Jr. League continues to evolve, we see more PGA Coaches focus on creating additional opportunities for their golfers to develop their skills and passion for the game in a structured yet fun environment.
One of the most successful things we have seen in recent years is the expansion of age divisions, beginning with the 17u age division and now with the introduction of our 9u pilot division in 2025. Pairing these with the program’s cornerstone 13u division, it makes sense to create year-round programming for a variety of ages and skill levels in a way that’s aligned with golf’s American Development Model (ADM).
Why expand programming at your facility via structured age divisions? We look to the ADM tagline: To involve as many players as possible, for as long as possible, and ensure they have the best experience possible. If you’re committed to ADM, incorporating multiple age divisions means ensuring the success of your players, their families and the future of the game itself.
9u Division: Building the Foundation
The 9u division is being piloted for the first time this year, and it is designed to introduce golf in a fun, engaging and developmentally appropriate way for these young athletes (pictured above). At this stage, the ADM tells us it is important to focus on basic fundamental movement skills and practices.
PGA Coaches who have already begun implementing 9u at their facilities have shared that shorter sessions (usually between 30-60 minutes) are crucial to keeping younger kids engaged. Furthermore, reducing PGA Jr. League games to a three-hole scramble format allows 9u players to participate as a team while still learning the game at their own pace. Lastly, it’s strongly recommended that you adopt an in-house league model for this age division so that all practices and games take place at your facility, eliminating the need for travel and making the experience more accessible for families.
Brian Burgwyn, PGA, Assistant Golf Professional at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, North Carolina, created a younger league following success with lessons for 4- to 7-year-olds.
“By adding a younger division to my fall PGA Jr. League, I created a fun, scaled-down course experience that kept young players engaged and included parents as caddies,” says Burgwyn. “With 22 juniors participating in the first season, I see it as a valuable feeder system for future programming and a way to build early success on the course.”
17u Division: Keeping Teens Engaged
On the other end of the spectrum, the 17u division provides a pathway for older players who have aged out of the 13u division but still want to hone their abilities, enjoy the camaraderie of team-based play or prepare for more competitive environments.
In 2021, the competitive pathway for this growing age division officially became part of the PGA Jr. League All-Star Season, and 17u All-Star teams competed through the Regional stage of competition. With the introduction of the 17u PGA Jr. League Championship in 2023, the enhanced pathway came full circle.
Still unsure about the benefits of adding a 17u program? For PGA Coach Terry Sullivan of Santa Teresa Golf Club in San Jose, California, adding a 17u program helped his facility fill a specific void where no other programming could.
“We decided to move forward with the 17u program after years of success with the 13u program because we saw a need for opportunities for teen golfers who may be new to the game, especially those who had recently begun playing specifically to play high school golf,” explains Sullivan.
“We also saw an opportunity for 13u players who have aged out to continue participating and work toward being an All-Star player. We definitely recommend a 17u program if you have many high school programs in the area, as it’s a great primer during the summer for players who may not be playing high-level junior golf.”
The Big Picture: Focusing on Growing the Game for a Lifetime
The expansion of PGA Jr. League age divisions ensures that athletes receive age-appropriate coaching, skill development and team experiences while also creating a more inclusive and sustainable pathway for junior golfers. This expansion also benefits PGA Coaches by allowing them to better structure their programs, retain more players and create a positive and welcoming golf environment at their facilities.
Expanding age divisions in PGA Jr. League isn’t just about playing more golf — it’s about building lifelong connections with the game. Whether it’s a 6-year-old picking up a club for the first time or a teenager refining their skills, every young golfer deserves a place where they can learn, grow and thrive.
Ready to expand your PGA Jr. League programming? Connect with your Player Engagement Consultant today for support!
Angela Schmelzer, PGA, is the Director of Field Operations for the PGA of America’s Player Engagement department. She can be reached at (270) 300-1115 or aschmelzer@pgahq.com.
