Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, an international golf tournament for boys and girls aged 3 through 18
Take a look at our website, www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, and keep in touch with us on facebook at www.facebook.com/littlepeoplesgolf.
The 47th annual event will be played June 22-24, 2020, at Westview Golf Course and the KC Par-3 in Quincy, IL. It’s played in seven age divisions for boys and seven for girls, (3-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-18) so you would be playing with kids your own age.
And one of the best things – you might be playing with someone from China, or South Africa, your very best golfing friend, or someone from a faraway state! What a great chance to meet golfers your own age and make friends for a life time!!
Pepsi Little People’s started in 1974 with 174 players, coming from 13 states and Canada. Since then, it has grown in stature and prestige. Throughout the years, every state has been represented, along with some 36 foreign countries.
When playing in Little People’s, you can try to qualify for the IMG Junior World in San Diego, the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) events, the Future Champions Golf National Championship, the Future Collegians World Tour, and a chance to compete in the PLAY Junior Golf Tour in Canada.
And that’s not all!!! You will also be ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard, GolfWeek/Sagarin Rankings, and Global Junior Golf Rankings – all important for your future college resumes.
Little People’s annually starts on Sunday, Father’s Day, with a Parent-Child event sponsored by Applebee’s. It’s a fun, optional, 9-hole, alternate shot format. A parent or relative can play with as many of his/her children as they like. Trophies are awarded in three age divisions (3-7, 8-13, and 14-18) for boys and the same three for girls.
Along with the Applebee’s Parent- Child are a putting contest, driving contest, and Best Dressed Team event.
On Monday, which is practice round day for all divisions, Applebee’s sponsors a Closest to the Pin contest, with a $75 gift certificate from the Westview Pro Shop going to the winner. And Applebee’s treats for all on the 9th tee!
The annual Family Celebration Picnic for all players, families, sponsors and junior golf lovers, is held Monday night, and features all-you-can eat good food for all. A short program which includes presentation of Parent-Child trophies, Best Letter Awards, Spirit of Giving Award and the ever-popular and fun raffle, follow.
The first round of competition is held on Tuesday, with players aged 3-5 playing 5 short holes, and players 6-7 playing 9 par-3 holes at the KC Par-3. Players 8-9 play 9 shortened holes, those 10-11 play 9 holes from the forward tees, and players 12-18 play 18 regulation holes at Westview. The same holes are played in the final round of competition on Wednesday. All players sign their division flag and scorecard – even the littlest ones make their X!
A prize presentation is held following the completion of each division, with trophies going to 1st through 3rd in all divisions and medals for 4th through 6th places in the 10-18 divisions. Non- trophy winners aged 3 through 9 receive participation medals.
Scholarships are available to players who otherwise would not be able to afford to compete in an international golf tournament, as well as scholarships for women going on to college – all based on a complete profile. Little People’s also makes a donation each year to Transitions of Western Illinois, an organization providing special services for emotionally and physically challenged young people and families. In addition, Little People’s helps support the Tri-State Junior Golf Tour, which provides tournaments through the summer for young people desiring more competitive experiences.
Little People’s can boost of 100s of former players moving on to excel in the golf world in various capacities – every week there are between 15 and 30 former players competing in a pro Tour event someplace in the world – such as Rory McIlroy, Zach Johnson, Alena Sharp, Scottie Scheffler, Deon Germishuys, Annie Park and many others. Some are college coaches or golf course professionals, such as Brad Zeitner, Jamie Broce, or Jerry Haas. Many of our younger players compete in the Drive, Chip and Putt National event in April.
Take a look at our website, www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, and keep in touch with us on facebook at www.facebook.com/littlepeoplesgolf.
Entry forms for the 2020 tournament will be on our website on February 1, 2020, or you can call Tournament Director Nan Ryan any time at 217-257-5718, or email jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, for more information.
So make plans now to join us in this fun-filled and competitive tournament, designed just for you!
