In the News

Itty Bitty Open Kicks Off January 14, 2017
Free events for ages 3-5 years old: golf clinics and golf-related games hosted across the Valley

The Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) announced today that it will host the 2017 Itty Bitty Open on January 14, 2017 at 14 Valley-wide locations open to all youngsters ages 3-5 years old.  The FREE event has three clinic times per location starting a 9, 10 and 11 am where juniors and their parents will learn the basics skills of golf taught by qualified PGA and LPGA professionals. After the clinics, the kids will then participate in fun-filled, non-competitive golf games and tournaments.  Each golfer will receive a set of plastic golf clubs, balls, a bag, and a visor – participants are asked to leave their own clubs at home.  An adult “caddie” must accompany each golfer. 

“Itty Bitty Open is a great way for parents to introduce their children to the game of golf,” said Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA.  “It’s always fun to see so many kids having such a good time. It’s very exciting to think that a three-year-old kid attending the Itty Bitty Open will likely still be playing the game for decades to come.  We’re honored to help them begin that journey.”

A special contest with prizes will be held at each session for the “Best Dressed Golfer and Caddie Team.”  Anything goes:  classic golf fashion; contemporary golf fashion; or any unique golf duds that may come to mind.  All winners will receive a congratulatory letter, a trophy, and two tickets for the R.S. Hoyt, Jr. Dream Day Activities at the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open presented by Ak-Chin Indian Community (kids are already allowed to attend it at no charge, so the tickets are for parents or other adults).

Space is limited, sign up before January 7 deadline.  To register online, visit www.JGAA.org and click on Itty Bitty Open, or call 602.944.6168.  For those would like to check availability after the entry deadline, please call the phone number listed for the specific site.

Location	Address	Coordinator	Phone
Phoenix
Cashman Park	22222 N 44th St.	Lori Colburn	602.534.2501
Deer Valley Community Center	2001 W. Wahalla Ln.	Allyson Pacini	602.495.2459
Paseo Highlands/ Beuf Com. Center	3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd.	Dave Adams	602.534.4704
Pecos Park	17010 S. 48th St.	John Mark Shea	602.534.5238
Salvation Army KROC Center	1375 E Broadway Rd.	JGAA	602.944.6168
Glendale
Legend at Arrowhead GC	21027 N. 67th Avenue	JGAA	602.944.6168
Goodyear
Wigwam	451 N Old Litchfield Rd.	JGAA	602.944.6168
Mesa
Gene Autry Park	4125 E McKellips Rd.	JGAA	602.944.6168
Peoria
Rio Vista Community Park	8866 W Thunderbird Rd.	Scott McNevin	602.944.6168
Scottsdale
Scottsdale Ranch Park	104th St & Via Linda	Cori Matheson	602.944.6168
Surprise
Surprise Stadium	15930 N Bullard Ave.	JGAA	602.944.6168
Tempe
Kiwanis Park	5500 S Mill Ave.	JGAA	602.944.6168
Chandler
Espee Park	450 E Knox Rd.	JGAA	602.944.6168
Gilbert
McQueen Park	480 N Horne St.	JGAA	602.944.6168

About the JGAA
The Junior Golf Association of Arizona is a 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to educate, motivate and inspire Arizona’s youth through golf and all of the valuable lessons and life skills inherent to the game.  In addition to hosting competitive events, the JGAA develops programs for local schools, assists golf courses with their junior programs, conducts college prep seminars and etiquette clinics.   The Junior Ambassador and Guest Speaker Programs give JGAA students the opportunity to learn, develop and adopt successful habits and practices – both on and off the golf course – from a collection of prominent, civic-minded community and business leaders.  The JGAA also awards two scholarship funds annually to high school senior members of the JGAA for their college education – the Tres Arnold and the John Wolfinger Memorial College Scholarships.  The JGAA’s strong belief in teamwork and cooperation has guided the organization for more than 30 years and is instilled in all of its members.  For more information JGAA, visit www.jgaa.org or call 602-944-6168.