Fort Walton Beach Welcomes 58th Annual Southern Juniors Golf Tournament!

Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Florida, USA - Excitement is brewing as the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club gears up to host the 58th Annual Southern Juniors golf tournament, marking the first time this celebrated event will unfold in Okaloosa County. Scheduled for June 30 and July 1, the tournament will take place on the club’s scenic Oaks Course, a fitting stage for an occasion that aims to inspire young golfers from across the region.

Presented by Ronny’s Car Wash and organized by First Tee Gulf Coast, this year’s tournament is drawing considerable attention. An estimated 80 to 90 junior golfers, aged between 5 and 18, are expected to compete, showcasing their skills as part of the Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association’s (GPJGA) exhilarating 36th Annual Summer Tour. This summer series features five weeks packed with tournaments specifically designed to nurture and develop the abilities of budding golfers.

A First for Okaloosa County

The Southern Juniors has a rich history that dates back to its inception by Pensacola Sports in 1968. Over the years, it has found a welcoming home at various courses in Northwest Florida, including Scenic Hills Country Club, A.C. Read at Pensacola NAS, and the Pensacola Country Club. Now, with the event’s debut in Okaloosa County, local supporters and participants can take immense pride in this landmark occasion.

The tournament is divided into two divisions to cater to varying skill levels. The Future Masters Division, aimed at developing golfers, welcomes participants aged 5 to 18, where those under 7 will play six holes while all others will tackle nine. The Junior Masters Division is tailored for more advanced players, specifically ages 14-18, who must earn their spot through a qualifying cut.

A Rich Legacy of Golf

Over the years, the Southern Juniors has seen its fair share of notable alumni. Among them are professional golf stars such as Heath Slocum, Boo Weekley, and two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson. With such a legacy, it’s not surprising that excitement is palpable among participants and organizers alike.

As is customary with such tournaments, play will conclude each day by 2 p.m., providing plenty of time for spectators and families to soak in the atmosphere. On Monday, the competition will feature the Future Masters ages 12-18 alongside the more advanced Junior Masters Division. Tuesday, in contrast, will spotlight the younger Future Masters ages 5-11 while continuing to challenge the Junior Masters.

Encouraging Youth Development

First Tee Gulf Coast has been a steadfast presence at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club since 2013, working to instill not just golfing skills but valuable life lessons like self-confidence, resilience, and leadership in young players. The organization is always on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals willing to mentor these aspiring golfers. Whether you’re a seasoned golf professional or just someone with a heart for kids, there’s a role for you at First Tee. They provide comprehensive training based on proven youth development methods, emphasizing a supportive and empowering environment for all participants.

The excitement of the Southern Juniors promises to foster both competitive spirit and personal growth among the next generation of golfers. With the Oaks Course ready to shine, the community can look forward to celebrating these young talents in what promises to be an eventful couple of days.

For additional details, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tournament Director Ty Aulger at ty@firstteegulfcoast.org or Golf Course Director Jacob Hill at 850-833-9527. This is one event you won’t want to miss!