Watchung's Nick Policano Heading to National PGA Golf Tournament

A 10-member team of young golfers from Central Jersey, including Nick Policano, of Watchung, qualified for the PGA Junior League Golf Championship, scheduled for Sept. 14-16 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, in Lemont, Ill.

The team earned the honor after winning a regional tournament at Hartefeld National in Avondale, Pa., held Aug. 4 and 5. The Junior League was launched last year by the PGA for players under 14 years of age.

According to Nick's mother, Beth, he got involved in the program after joining a team at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.

"He played against other clubs in the area—Cherry Valley Country Cub, Royce Brook CC, Galloping Hill, West Nine," she said. "The kids compete in a team format, playing each hole with a partner, (in a) best ball scramble."

The all-star team for the Hartefeld tournament was put together with players from Belle Mead, Basking Ridge and Skillman, Policano said.

At the regional tournament, Nick's Western New Jersey team faced all-star teams representing the Jersey Shore, Jersey Central and Washington, D.C. 

"This is a great opportunity for young golfers to work together as a team and play golf competitively," Policano said. "My son was the only all-star from Trump going into the regionals. He was fast friends with his teammates."

The PGA events pit three-player teams in three-hole sets, in a best of three match series. The winning team captures a flag, and the team capturing the most flags wins.

"This format is so much fun for the kids and the parents as well," Policano said. "This program is the 'Little League' of golf."