I want to briefly talk about The Nike Winternational Junior Series.

This is a great junior tour that is open to players (both male and female) who are currently in high school. I had a chance to play in it from 1997 - 1999. Typically I would play 2 tournaments each year, so I had roughly 6 experiences down in Pinehurst, NC.

My most recent visit was with my cousin who plays golf for Milan High School in Indiana. I got to follow him around while in Pinehurst and took some photos of the course and area.

It is just as good as I remember.

We got to play Pinehurst #4 in which it was under construction when I last was at Pinehurst, which was 1999.

Its a great way to get a player (possibly your son or daughter) into competition at the high school level and give them the chance to play championship golf courses. One of the tournaments, you get to play 9 holes on Pinehurst #2. Granted, this rule is in effect because its a U.S. Open year. Next year, I am sure a full 18 will be played on Pinehurst #2.

Typically, you get there on Thursday night, so you make sure you are allowed to get school off. Then you play a practice round on friday as well as use their incredible golf facilities (which includes a championship range, a huge putting green, and a great chipping and sand facility.

On Friday night, you register for the tournament as well as listen to an appointed speaker. Sometimes this is a college golf coach, sometimes its a director of a specific golf tournament.

In the case in early March, we got to listen to one of the main managers of the U.S. Open. He explained some incredible facts and history regarding what is involved with preparing a U.S. Open golf course for tournament play. Did you know that in 2004, the U.S. Open went through over 400,000 lbs of ice. Incredible.

You stay at the Pinehurst Resort and Hotel and its definitly a great experience. You have access every morning to their great breakfast buffet. Imagine whatever you want for breakfast and they have it. Its really good.

So after a hearty breakfast, you are off to the course you are playing and prepare for your tee time.

You play 18 holes on saturday. Then you get re-paired and play another 18 on sunday.

The Nike Winternational Junior Series has a ranking system and points system, so if you play in multiple events, you actually have the chance to become player of the year.

Its a great experience and definitly an opportunity for your son or daughter, or you yourself (assuming you are in HS) to get a solid competitive golf experience, playing championship golf courses, and getting that running start many players don’t get to when heading into the spring season.

For me, I live in Indiana, so getting a chance to play golf in February is definitly an advantage when your high school playing competitors are inside by the fire with snow on the ground.

So please, visit the Nike Winternational Junior Series website or begin by downloading their application.

Its a worthwhile experience. Take advantage of it.

Posted in: Junior Events

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