The Blue Ridge Junior Golf Tour is set to celebrate its 23rd season in 2021 with the announcement of the season’s tour schedule.
The Tour offers golfers up to age 18 the opportunity to learn golf rules, etiquette, and skills while playing golf courses in southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia.
Tour Executive Director Dewayne Belcher says, “Developing character and sportsmanship through the game of golf has been the motto since the beginning of the tour in 1999. With that foundation, we have seen young players exhibit sportsmanship in inspiring ways.”
After navigating the COVID-19 restrictions during the 2020 season, tour officials are hopeful of returning to normal in regard to gatherings for the academies and rules clinics.
“We followed instructions from health authorities last year and altered the plan by putting instruction for the academies and rules clinic online for viewing,” Belcher said. “Our tournaments were played with a few special rules provisions to maintain social distance and reduce common touch points. Members and their families did an admirable job and kept the safety of all in mind throughout the season. We are hoping to be free of restrictions by the time events begin in May but are prepared to use the online options and special rules provisions again if necessary.”
Action will begin with the first of three golf academies on Saturday, May 22, at the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech in Radford. Instructional academies follow at Draper Valley Golf Club in Draper and Fincastle Golf Course in Bluefield.
The “Golf by the Rules” clinic will also be held at Fincastle. Tournament play begins in early June with stops at the River Course, The Greenbrier, Tazewell County Country Club, Glade Springs Resort, Auburn Hills Golf Club, Blacksburg Country Club, and Fincastle.
Interested junior golfers can find all dates, events, and sites at brjgt.com. Registration also can be completed on the website.
The cost to join the tour is $30, and each tournament is $20 except for the season-ending tour championship. This is a two-day event and costs $40. Through the experience, the junior golfer will receive a number of BRJGT gifts including the official 2021 cap. Also, the player will become a better golfer, make many good friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Age groups are divided into the following categories: 17-18, 15-16, 13-14, (all play 18 holes), 10-12 and 9-and-under (both play 9 holes). Also, there is an additional developmental group for ages 13-18 for those who are brand new to golf. The latter includes a coach to accompany the players for nine holes during selected tournaments.
“2021 promises to be another fun season filled with many rewarding experiences,” Belcher said.
