The AJGA is the best place for junior golfers
to be discovered by college coaches, plain and
simple. But it is not the only place. In
2003, AJGA officials realized the need to
create an objective system that would allow
junior golfers to earn status on the AJGA
through their performance in targeted events
throughout the season. The Performance-Based
Entry System (PBE) recognizes tournaments
based on their historical strength of field
and awards AJGA tournament exemptions and
performance stars based on a player’s finish.
The system has worked well so far and
continues to undergo improvements and
modifications on an annual basis.
Prospects in the class of 2007, 2008, and 2009
need to be keenly aware of how the PBE system
works in order to plan their upcoming
fall/winter/spring tournament schedule. The
AJGA website includes a printable PBE table
for boys and girls to use as a resource. Once
you have read the table, you will realize how
many quality non-AJGA events and tours are
available to help you reach your long-term
tournament goals.
During the fall, winter, and spring months,
several good tours offer players an
opportunity to earn AJGA status. On a
national level, the FCWT is one option to go
along with the IJGT, Plantations Tour, and
SJGT. Other regional tours, such as the TJGT
in Texas or the Florida Junior Tour, as well
as certain individual events are included in
PBE to help players identify a place to play
and to provide them with an objective way to
earn AJGA status for future summers.
The PBE also includes many non-AJGA summer
events. Each State Junior Championship is
recognized as well as several national
qualifying events such as the USGA Junior
Amateur, Westfield PGA Junior Championship,
Optimist International Junior Championship,
and Trusted Choice “Big I” Junior.
Players can also earn status at qualifiers
conducted by the AJGA each week of an open
event. Along the way, players will build
their competitive golf resumes and begin to
gain exposure among college coaches. Remember
that all tournaments matter to coaches and
most tournaments, based on PBE, can help you
gain AJGA status.
My suggestion for 2007, 2008, and 2009
prospects is to use the AJGA PBE as a road map
to help develop a tournament schedule that
will ultimately create exposure for you among
several, quality college programs. The AJGA
remains an excellent venue for you to achieve
your college placement goals.
Start planning today!
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