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Information OIJGC Optimist International Junior Golf Championships is just one of the many programs the Optimist International provides for youth. The Optimist organization boasts over 150,000 volunteers in 4,200 clubs around the world serving over 6 million youth. Little wonder the Optimists are called “Friend of Youth.” Each year, over 5, 000 boy and girls compete in more than 170 qualifying tournaments. Winners and approximately 8% of the top junior golfers advance to the district and then to the OIJGC, International competition at the PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. It is a fantastic experience for competing juniors. West MO District – International Optimist Qualifying Criteria – Regional Tournaments – The West MO District of Optimist International sponsors qualifying tournaments in four regions. Junior golfers may play in any of these tournaments, regardless of residence, in an attempt to meet eligibility criteria for international competition. Qualifying criteria for international competition are set at 8% of the field of each age division of each region’s tournament, in compliance with the following: International Qualifying Criteria –
Others may advance to the district playoff with the permission of the tournament director. Juniors may enter any or all of the qualifying tournaments in West MO District to try to qualify in the 8% criteria. A registration and entry fee must be submitted for each regional tournament. All who qualify may advance to the district if they wish to compete for the free expenses paid trip. Only winners of each age division at the district level will be awarded expenses. Only MO residents may receive expenses paid by West MO District Optimist. District Tournament – (Playoff) Juniors must play in a regional qualifying tournament to compete in the district-qualifying tournament. There is no charge for participating in the district tournament. The purposes of the district qualifying tournament are: 1) Choose the winners and therefore which players will have their expenses paid to Florida, 2) Attempt to improve one’s score to assure a position within the 8% to field, 3) Gain tournament play experience. How to participate – Applications to compete in the qualifying tournaments may be downloaded from this site, completed, and mailed to the tournament director. Applications and flyers are also sent to tournament directors in each region for distribution. Flyers and applications are mailed to area coaches and golf courses. Although most qualifying tournaments may offer only play for age divisions of 14 -15, 16 - 18, younger players may participate in one of two ways: 1) Contact the tournament director for inclusion of other age divisions, and 2) if no regional qualifier provides your appropriate age division, you may apply “at large” to OIJGC. You will need to apply early; see below on how this process is completed. At-Large Applications –OIJGC accepts direct applications from junior golfers whose age divisions are not included in district or regional tournaments. Junior golfers who wish to participate in the International competition must request an at large application and submit required documentation of scores. To obtain an application for an at-large application please contact: Sports Programs Department Winners and Funds –Registration fees for OIJGC tournament PGA National will be $580 per junior golfer. The fee includes 5 nights lodging, one practice round and all tournament rounds, meal tickets for 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners. The Optimist District pays the registration fee for the winners of each of the age divisions of the district tournamet. The district must also send a chaperon(s) to OIJGC as well as the district chairperson. The OIJGC covers two weeks; the first week is for 15 years and younger age divisions, and the second week is for 16-18-age division. In addition, the district must pay $7.50 per player for each tournament to OIJGC to help off set the costs of the International tournament at PGA National. The International Optimist does not provide any funds to the district for this program. All funds must be raised at the local and district level. This would be a great way to show your support for this program. Contact your local Optimist International Club or contact your district chairperson. Join and become a “Friend of Youth” –The Optimist International Junior Golf Championships is a great way to volunteer to support the youth and the community. Our regional qualifying tournaments need volunteers to help present a good day of golf for young people. If you would be willing to give some time to one of our local tournaments please give them a call. Or better yet join your local optimist club and give some time to help a young neighbor.
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