Lemont Junior Golfers Competing in PGA Junior League Chicago Regional

An All-Star team of junior golfers from Lemont and the surrounding areas will be competing in the Chicago PGA Junior League Golf Regional at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club Sept. 27–28, for a chance to contend in the PGA Junior League Golf Championship at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Ga., Oct. 23–26.

Teams include:

Lake Geneva, Wis. All-Star Team

• Hawk’s View Golf Club (Lake Geneva, Wis.)
• Geneva National Golf Club (Lake Geneva, Wis.)
• Brighton Dale Links (Kansasville, Wis.) E
• Delbrook Golf Course (Delavan, Wis.)
• The Club at Strawberry Creek (Kenosha, Wis.)

Northwest Iowa All-Star Team

• The Ridge Golf Club (Sioux Center, Iowa)
• Brooks Golf Club (Okoboji, Iowa)
• Emerald Hills Golf Club (Arnolds Park, Iowa)
• Spencer Golf & Country Club (Spencer, Iowa)

Randall Oaks All-Star Team (West Dundee, Ill.)*

*Randall Oaks Golf Club ran its own league;

Cog Hill All-Star Team (Lemont, Ill.)*

*Cog Hill Golf & Country Club ran its own league; therefore, all players are from this facility. therefore, all players are from this facility.

Cog Hill team members are:

• Juney Bai
• Tyler Cunningham
• Max Farley
• Billy Gneiser
• Charlie Gneiser
• Rachel Kuzel
• Paulius Malcius
• Shubham Nain
• Ben Sluzas
• Patty Weeks
• Alternate 1: Josh Rich
• Alternate 2: Matt Kelley
• Team Caption: Carol Rhoades, PGA

The PGA of America and League Golf of Norcross, Ga., partnered to create PGA Junior League Golf in 2011. One of the most innovative programs introduced by a major sport, PGA Junior League Golf gives boys and girls 13 and under the opportunity to learn and play golf in a fun, social and team environment. The program has skyrocketed in popularity, growing from nearly 9,000 participants representing 700 teams in 2013, to 18,000 participants and 1,500 teams in 2014.

Much like other recreational league sports, participants play in team uniforms with jersey numbers. Young golfers learn the game and play under the direction of PGA/LPGA Professionals who serve as team captains, with parents playing an active role as well. Teams play four 9-hole matches in a two-person scramble format, reinforcing the team concept and limiting the pressure on any one player; coaches can substitute players every three holes, so that all of the golfers on each team can participate.

After playing regular season matches, 10-player All-Star teams comprised of a combination of players in the league are formed. These All-Star teams then compete in Sub-regional championships for a chance to earn a spot at one of the eight Regionals across the country. The eight Regional champions then advance to the PGA Junior League Golf Championship, which was captured by Team Georgia in 2013.

At the 96th PGA Championship, the PGA of America named Rory McIlroy an Official Ambassador for PGA Junior League Golf. 2012 United States Ryder Cup Team Captain Davis Love III is also a huge supporter, serving as the Honorary National Captain for PGA Junior League Golf.

For more information about PGA Junior League Golf, visit PGAJrLeagueGolf.com.