The tournament will run July 13-17, 2025
Paducah, KY. – The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is excited to announce a new partnership with the McCracken County Sports Tourism Commission and Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to bring competitive junior golf to Paducah, Kentucky. McCracken Sports Tourism Commission will serve as the Title Sponsor and Paducah CVB will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of an Open Tournament this summer. This four-day event will feature 96 of the top juniors from around the world.
The McCracken County Sports Tourism Commission plays a key role in bringing high-profile sporting events to Paducah. By hosting major events like the AJGA, the commission boosts local tourism while fostering community engagement and showcasing Paducah as a hub for athletic excellence, welcoming visitors from across the globe.
“Paducah has a rich golfing tradition, and the citizens of McCracken County love this community and love to see people succeed,” said Jim Dudley, McCracken County Sports Tourism Commission Chair. “Anytime Western Kentucky has the opportunity to host young people at the pinnacle of their sport, it creates a magical buzz and people are genuinely excited.”
The McCracken Sports Junior Championship presented by Paducah CVB runs July 13th through 17th at the Country Club of Paducah. The qualifier will be held July 13th. The official practice round and Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament will be held July 14th. Proceeds from the Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament will benefit United Way of Western Kentucky, Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club of Paducah, and the AJGA Foundation. Tournament rounds begin on the 15th through 17th.
“My staff and membership are excited to host the AJGA and the exceptionally strong field that they will deliver beginning in July of 2025,” said Chad Martin, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Paducah. “Paducah is a tight knit and welcoming community, and we look forward to showcasing our town to the players and their parents as they travel to Western Kentucky.”
The Country Club of Paducah, designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., has been open since 1984 and has hosted numerous high-level amateur and collegiate events. Robert Trent Jones is credited with designing over 350 golf courses across 45 states and 35 countries.
“The AJGA is excited to be bringing an event to the Country Club of Paducah for the first time,” said Ryan Flanagan, Senior Regional Director, Midwest. “We look forward to working alongside the community and the Country Club of Paducah’s membership to create an unforgettable experience for our members and their families.”
This new partnership between the AJGA, Paducah CVB and McCracken County Sports Tourism Commission underscores the commitment of all parties to foster the growth of junior golf in the region while providing young golfers with a premier tournament experience. The McCracken Sports Junior Championship presented by Paducah CVB promises to become a must-play event for AJGA members in the years to come, further establishing Kentucky as a great location for junior golf development and competition.
About the American Junior Golf Association
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 7,900 members from 50 states and 51 foreign countries. Through initiatives like the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.
TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s National Sponsors, supporting the AJGA for more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate, and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,000 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park and Lexi Thompson.