The term National Junior Golf Development Centre might be a mouth-full, but its strategy is very clear-cut.
A joint initiative between Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, and the Provincial Associations, Development Centres offer best-in-class programming, instruction and facilities for junior golfers between the ages of 5–18.
First and foremost, the purpose behind the initiative is to point parents, teachers and junior golfers in the right direction for finding the best, most welcoming experience for juniors.
The need for these centres addresses a gap where industry bodies had difficulty identifying facilities—with absolute certainty—that offer best-in-class programming. Since inception in 2013, the initiative has grown 33% from 30 facilities to 40. With that said, the main focus remains on quality of programming and commitment to junior golf—hence the following criteria for accreditation:
Each National Junior Golf Development Centre must possess the following before applying:
- Meet minimum coaching requirements as defined by the PGA of Canada
- Offer Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) compliant programming
- CN Future Links
- Learn to Compete
- Demonstrate a healthy relationship with a Golf in Schools facility in their community
“Golf Canada is proud to stand behind National Junior Golf Development Centres as those facilities that go above-and-beyond when delivering junior programming,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “These centres have demonstrated the ability to deliver junior programming at all levels from introductory to competitive and play a key leadership role in Canada’s player development pathway.”
To find a National Junior Golf Development Centre in your area, visit the postal-code locator at Golf Canada Juniors website: golfcanada.ca/juniors
Click here to view all National Junior Golf Development Centres across Canada.