By Danny Vohden <DVohden@USGA.org>
So, you’ve decided to bring your child to either the U.S. Open or U.S. Women’s Open. A day that is sure to bring sunshine (hopefully!), the world’s best players and maybe even an autograph – but a full day of walking and standing could start to test their patience.
The solution? In order to enhance the fan experience for juniors on the course, the USGA has collaborated with national junior golf organizations The First Tee and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, and others, to offer week-long junior activations.
Starting next week at the U.S. Women’s Open at the Country Club of Charleston, fans can find the Junior Experience Presented by the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) alongside the 16th fairway. The tent, which is open Tuesday-Sunday, will feature putting and chipping exercises, a craft station, a tablet golf video game, prize wheel, coloring wall, face painting and more. Additionally, all juniors are encouraged to take part in a special clinic presented by MUSC at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 1, on the practice range.
The best part? The tent and the clinic are completely free for juniors to enjoy.
The USGA also has you covered if you’re visiting Pebble Beach for the U.S. Open. The Junior Experience Featuring The First Tee, located in Fan Central, will offer juniors a hitting simulator, greenscreen picture wall, an indoor putting green, as well as a device charging station. Adjacent to the tent, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf will be offer putting games, prize giveaways and more. The experience is open Monday -Sunday.
Cost of admission? You guessed it, completely free.
The USGA has been a proud promoter of junior golf and a significant supporter of The First Tee and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, donating more than $30 million in grants over the last 20 + years. The collaborations at both championships signify the USGA’s commitment to positively impacting junior golfers.
So if you’re attending either championship with your juniors, be sure to stop in and enjoy all that the experiences have to offer.