Optimist International Junior Golf Championships 2010
Fact Sheet
For a printable version of the 2010 Fact Sheet (.PDF format), click
here.
Schedule of Events
For a schedule of events, click
here.
About the Optimist International
Junior Golf Championships
Commonly referred to as THE OPTIMIST, the Optimist International Junior Golf
Championships is one of the largest and best-known junior golf tournaments in
the world. Each year, more than 650 golfers participate in THE OPTIMIST. Former
champions and top finishers of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships
include Beth Bauer, Jonathan Byrd, Jason Day, Bill Haas, Brittany Lincicome,
Jeff Overton, Stacy Prammanasudh and Jennifer Rosales.
Divisions and Age Limits
Boys & Girls 10-11: ages 10 & 11 as of July 26, 2010**
Boys & Girls 12-13: ages 12 & 13 as of July 26, 2010
Boys & Girls 14-15: ages 14 & 15 as of July 26, 2010
Boys & Girls 16-18: ages 16, 17 & 18 as of August 1, 2010
Golfers are permitted to “play
up” one age division, but must qualify in the higher division. **Golfers
who are nine years old may “play up” into the 10-11 division. At
large applicants and exempt golfers are permitted to apply to a higher division
and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Player Eligibility and Age
Verification
To be eligible, golfers may not be enrolled in college. Golfers who qualify
and register for the championships will be required to submit a copy of their
birth certificate, baptismal record or passport.
Tournament Format
Ages 10-11, 12-13 & 14-15: Competition is a 54-hole stroke play tournament
with rounds on July 24, 25 and 26. One official practice round on July 23 is
included in the registration fee.
Ages 16-18: Competition is a 72-hole
stroke play tournament. Preliminary rounds are on July 29, 30 and 31. The top
50 boys and top 35 girls advance to the final round on August 1. Golfers who
miss the cut may play in the Sunday consolation tournament. One official practice
round on July 28 is included in the registration fee.
Courses and Yardages
Golfers will play on the courses at PGA National as follows. Yardages are approximate
and course assignments are subject to change.
Boys 10-11: Haig course (5,645 yards)
Boys 12-13: Palmer course (6,000 yards)
Boys 14-15: Champion course (6,500 yards)
Boys 16-18: Champion & Palmer courses (6,800 yards)*
*Boys 16-18 will play 2 rounds
on the Champion and 1 round on the Palmer. Final round will be on the Champion.
Rankings
The Optimist International Junior Golf Championships is included in the Junior
Golf Scoreboard and Golfweek junior rankings (16-18 divisions
only for Golfweek rankings).
Exemptions Awarded
Top finishers of the 2010 OPTIMIST will be exempt from having to qualify for
the 2011 championships as follows: Boys & Girls 16-18 (top 10); Boys &
Girls 14-15 (top 8); Boys & Girls 12-13 (top 6); Boys & Girls 10-11
(top 4).
The 2010 OPTIMIST is also included
in the AJGA’s Performance Based Entry system. For 2010, the following
AJGA exemptions will be awarded: Boys 16-18 - Champion (fully exempt), Top 5
(3 exemptions), Top 10 (2 exemption), Top 15 (1 exemption); Girls 16-18 - Champion
(fully exempt), Top 3 (3 exemptions), Top 5 (2 exemptions), Top 10 (1 exemption);
Boys & Girls 14-15 - Top 10 (AJGA Junior All-Star exempt); Boys & Girls12-13
- Top 5 (AJGA Junior All-Star exempt). For more information, go to www.ajga.org.
And, the champions of the Boys &
Girls 16-18 divisions will be considered for the 2010 Jr. Orange Bowl International
Championship.
Rules and Regulations
The championships will be played in accordance with all USGA and local course
rules. Local rules will be covered at player orientation. All participants are
responsible for following the Optimist Golf Code of Conduct, which is available
at www.optimist.org/golf and will be sent to all accepted golfers. A spectator
code of conduct will also be in effect for all non-participants.
Carts, Pull Carts, Caddies
and Distance Measuring Devices
Electric carts, caddies and distance measuring devices are prohibited in all
divisions. Pull carts are permitted only in the 10-11 divisions, however golfers
in this division who choose to use a pull cart must use a pull cart provided
by Optimist International. A rental fee will apply. Golfers may not use their
own pull carts. Spectator carts are not available. No exceptions. District Chairs
are empowered to make their own decisions on the usage of carts, caddies and
DMDs for all levels of qualifying. For more information, click
here.
How to Qualify
In order to play in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships, golfers
must meet one of the following qualifying methods:
(1) District Qualifying Tournaments:
Optimist Districts in the US and Canada conduct official qualifying tournaments.
These qualifying tournaments are organized by Optimist volunteers and Clubs
in the District and are overseen by a District Chairperson. A limited number
of golfers in each division offered qualify for the Optimist International
Junior Golf Championships. To view a list of qualifying tournaments and more
details, go to www.optimist.org/golf. Contact the District Chairperson listed
for qualifying tournament details, application information and questions.
(2) Exemptions: Optimist International
offers several exemptions into the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships.
For a complete list of exemptions, please visit www.optimist.org/golf.
(3) US/Canada At Large Application:
Golfers in the boys & girls 10-11 and 12-13 division only who live in
an Optimist District that does not offer a qualifying tournament or does not
offer their division may submit an application directly to Optimist International.
All golfers who live in an Optimist District MUST play in his/her District's
qualifier if his/her age division is offered and will not be permitted to
submit an At Large application. This method is not an option for golfers in
the boys & girls 14-15 and 16-18 divisions. For more information and to
download an application, go to www.optimist.org/golf.
(4) International Golfers: Optimist
International has relationships with several different national governing
bodies. Golfers who live and attend school in these nations must contact their
nation’s organization for details. Golfers from other nations may apply
directly to Optimist International. For a list of national governing bodies
who work with Optimist International and to download an application, go to
www.optimist.org/golf.
Financial Assistance
Each participating District will sponsor the first place boy and girl winner
in the 16-18 age division from their own District to the championships. Sponsorship
includes payment of the all-inclusive registration fee. If funds allow, Districts
may pay for travel, lunches and incidental costs and may sponsor winners of
other divisions. If a junior golfer qualifies outside of his/her home District,
we cannot guarantee the golfer's registration fees will be paid should they
win the event. Restrictions apply. Check with you District Chairperson for details.
Championship Awards
For the international championships, trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and
3rd place in each division. In case of ties, there will be a sudden-death playoff
for 1st place only. 2nd and 3rd place ties will be determined by a scorecard
playoff. Trophies will also be awarded for the lowest score on the last day
of play. Special prizes will also be awarded for the Sunday tournament for ages
16-18.
Accommodations and Registration
PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA is the host golf
and hotel facility of the championships. All tournament and hotel registrations
are handled by Optimist International. Please DO NOT call PGA National directly
to book reservations.
Registration fees are all-inclusive.
All fees include the tournament entry fee for the golfer, 5 nights lodging for
the golfer and all guests, 5 breakfasts and 4 dinners for the golfer and guests,
and access to all Optimist functions and special events for the golfer and all
guests. Due to the exclusive nature of the event, golfers are required to stay
at PGA National and pay the inclusive registration fee. Guests are not required
to stay at PGA National, but are encouraged to do so. Optimist staff & volunteers
and paid security will be on site for the duration of the event to serve as
chaperones. A parent or guardian must accompany players in the 10-11 division.
Golfer Only Option
Housed with roommate(s) at PGA National
Golfer Only - $695 US
Family One-Room Options
Housed in appropriately sized room in main resort*
Golfer & 1 Guest - $1,175 US
Golfer & 2 Guests - $1,415 US
Golfer & 3 Guests - $1,655 US
Family Two-Room Options
Housed in 2 appropriately sized rooms in main resort or one club-cottage*
Golfer & 3 Guests - $2,135 US
Golfer & 4 Guests - $2,375 US
Golfer & 5 Guests - $2,615 US
Golfer & 6 Guests - $2,855 US
Golfer & 7 Guests - $3,095 US
*Each family is limited to a maximum
of two hotel rooms or one club cottage. Optimist Junior Golf reserves the
right to house players and their guests at an offsite property should a need
arise. Rollaway beds are utilized as necessary. All District winners receive
a $70 discount from the listed prices. All golfers who register for the championships
via an exemption, international application or at large application must pay
an additional $35 non-qualifier surcharge.
Early Arrival and Late Departure
Rooms may be available for early arrival and late departure. Cost is $109 (standard
room) or $218 (club cottage) per night. Contact Optimist International for details
and reservations. Availability is limited.
Meals
All registered golfers and guests will receive a meal badge valid for 5 breakfasts
and 4 dinners. These meals will be served daily, buffet-style, at PGA National.
Lunch is NOT included in the registration fee. Participants and guests may purchase
lunch vouchers during the registration process or may pay cash for lunch. There
are also several restaurants located on site at PGA National.
Commuters
Due to the inclusive nature of the event, Optimist Junior Golf offers commuter
status only to players who reside and attend school in the Florida counties
of Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin and Broward. The registration fee is $335 (ages
10-15) and $360 (ages 16-18). The commuter fee includes practice round, tournament
rounds and access to all Optimist functions and special events.
Optimist International Tournament
of Champions
All Optimist International Junior Golf Championships participants will be invited
to apply for the annual Optimist International Tournament of Champions (November
2010 at location that is to be determined).
Questions or Inquiries
All questions should be directed to the Optimist Junior Golf office. Please
e-mail golf@optimist.org or call (314)
371-6000 or toll free (800) 500-8130.
