PGA Jr. League - 2021 Changes Summary

Overview

PGA Jr. League is embarking on a multi-year expansion plan designed to provide more opportunities for kids to play in PGA Jr. League with expert coaching from PGA and LPGA Professionals. Below is an overview of program updates being implemented in 2021. Additional details can be found in our detailed FAQs document HERE. 

13u and 17u Local League Structure

What’s new in 2021:

1. The 13u official league minimum has been lowered from 32 players to 24 players and the 17u official league minimum has been set at 8 players.
2. Matches per game can be adjusted up/down depending on the number of players on each team.
3. Shorter flags can be implemented for younger or newer players.

Why these changes are occurring:

1. Make it easier to host an in-house league, which has the dual benefit of higher parent satisfaction ratings and avoids travel to other facilities.
2. Leverage learnings from 2020 and empower Captains to organize their leagues in a manner that works best for them.

17u Section & Regional Championships

What’s new in 2021:

• Section and Regional Championships are being offered for 17u All-Star teams in 2021.

Why these changes are occurring:

• Many players and coaches provided feedback that they missed having culmination events.
• These events can run alongside the corresponding 13u events and therefore focus on being fun and memorable experiences.

13u and 17u Championship Season Structure

What’s new in 2021:

• League eligibility to host an All-Star team:

• 13u: 24 or more active players.
• 17u: 8 or more active players.

• Player eligibility:

• 13u: All-Star players must be no younger than 10 and no older than 13 years of age on July 31, 2021.
• 17u: All-Star players must be no younger than 14 and no older than 17 years of age on July 31, 2021.

• Team sizes:

• 13u: lowering from 10 to 8 players per team, thereby removing substitutes.
• 17u: 6 players per team, 3 pairings per event.

Why these changes are occurring:

1. League eligibility - 13u aligns with the League Structure policies identified above while 17u is intentionally designed to maximize opportunities to participate in 2021.
2. Player eligibility - the minimum age of 10 for travel events aligns with ADM standards.
3. Team sizes - removing substitutes maximizes playing time and accommodates smaller league sizes (8 players out of 24 = 33% vs. 10 players out of 32 = 31%).

Championship Season Fee Structure

What’s new in 2021:

1. A Regional Championship entry fee of $200 per player is being introduced.
2. A National Championship entry fee of $500 per player is being introduced.
3. Both entry fees will be paid directly by the players/families to PGA HQ. Resources for local fundraising opportunities will be provided.

Why these changes are occurring:

1. These entry fees are required for the PGA to continue providing exceptional experiences at the Regional and National Championships.
2. The Regional Championships will include the two-day competition, practice round, welcome reception, lunch, gifts, and awards.
3. The National Championship will include the three-day competition, two practice rounds, five nights of lodging, ground transportation, welcome reception, most meals, gifts, uniforms, and awards.