PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. There are five hundred and ninety-eight players, representing 30 nations involved in the tournament this year.
Most are sponsored by an Optimist Club, having advanced through club and district level play. Some have qualified at-large with championship scores. One of the greatest things about the tournament is the ability to raise positive young sportsmen and women, starting at the early age of 10 years.
All players spend a week at the program; golfing, of course, but also learning from leaders in the field, motivational speakers, and from each other. There's some fun time like longest drive competitions and some serious team-building activities like the Optimist Golf World Cup, where two-person teams play for their country and their teammates. Team Chile placed first in a play-off with Team Indonesia. Only one stroke behind was Team Mexico.
Tomorrow, the 16-18 year-old players will learn their tee-times tomorrow and play will be underway on July 28. Until now, the younger players have shown their stuff. Check out the results of The Optimist 15 and under players here.
Tee times for girls 15-18 will be posted July 27.
Tee times for boys 16-18 will be posted July 28.
Visit Optimist Junior Golf to learn more.
Picture provided by Optimist Junior Golf and Optimist International.