Who can play Optimist Junior Golf events?

Optimist International Junior Golf Championships serves junior golfers aged 10–18 (Boys 10–11, 12–13, 14–15, 16–18; Girls 10–12, 13–14, 15–18). Juniors 10–18 who want a big national championship with a local qualifying route.

Where does Optimist Junior Golf hold tournaments?

Optimist International Junior Golf Championships operates nationwide through local chapters and tours. Use the official finder to locate the program nearest you.

How much does Optimist Junior Golf cost?

Not published (refund policy references a $75 administrative fee). Fees are set by the organizer and can change each season; confirm on the official site before entering.

Do Optimist Junior Golf results count toward junior rankings?

Optimist Junior Golf is a developmental program and does not report to national junior ranking systems, which makes it a low-pressure place to learn tournament golf.

National program

Optimist International Junior Golf Championships

One of the largest junior tournaments in the world, the Optimist Junior Golf Championship is reached through local Optimist district qualifiers and played in age waves at Trump National Doral (Miami), with a Tournament of Champions at Mission Resort each fall.

About Optimist Junior Golf

Ages 10–18 in seven divisions
Qualify through Optimist district tournaments (qualifier map and list on the site) or exemptions
2027 Championship July 11–28 in division waves at Trump National Doral, Miami
Tournament of Champions Oct 31–Nov 1, 2026 at Mission Resort + Club, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL
Registration requires a code issued after qualifying

Best for: Juniors 10–18 who want a big national championship with a local qualifying route.

Official site: www.optimist.org/golf/golfmenu.cfm →

Other junior programs with local chapters

Most families mix two or three programs in a season: a local tour for reps, an association tour for championships, a regional tour for rankings.

Drive, Chip & Putt

Nationwide

National program

Founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, USGA and PGA of America, Drive, Chip & Putt is a free nationwide skills competition whose winners play the National Finals at Augusta National on Golf Channel.

Ages 7–15 (Girls/Boys 7–9, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15)Local qualifying spring–summer; regionals late summer/fall; National Finals the Sunday before the Masters

First Tee

Nationwide

National program

First Tee is a 501(c)(3) youth development organization that teaches golf alongside life skills through 150 chapters (plus international sites), each running programs at multiple local courses.

Ages Youth through high school (typically 5–18; varies by chapter)Year-round, by chapter

IMG Academy Junior World Championship

Nationwide

National program

Founded in 1968 by the San Diego Junior Golf Association, the Junior World Championship draws about 1,250 players from 56 countries and 42 states each July, reached through designated qualifiers or open application.

Ages Through 18 (14-and-under and 15–18 groups)July (2027: July 12–15); registration opens Feb 10, open-registration deadline Mar 15

Junior PGA Championship (Section Qualifiers)

Nationwide

National program

The Junior PGA Championship is one of junior golf's majors; the way in is your PGA Section's Junior PGA Championship, held in every section each spring/summer, with all 41 section champions invited to nationals.

Ages Junior (section championships are generally for ages 13–18)Section championships May–July; national championship late July

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf

Nationwide

National program

Founded in 1989 in Phoenix, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf is the only junior program built specifically for girls 6–17, now at 700+ sites serving about 100,000 girls a year.

Ages 6–17 (girls)Year-round, by site

Operation 36

Nationwide

National program

Operation 36 is a progression-based learn-to-play program used at 800+ facilities in 22 countries; juniors start 25 yards from the green and earn their way back to the full tee box, with an app tracking every round.

Ages 6–18 (plus adult and family programs)Year-round, by facility

Good to know

Optimist Junior Golf frequently asked questions

Who can play Optimist Junior Golf events?: Optimist International Junior Golf Championships serves junior golfers aged 10–18 (Boys 10–11, 12–13, 14–15, 16–18; Girls 10–12, 13–14, 15–18). Juniors 10–18 who want a big national championship with a local qualifying route.
Where does Optimist Junior Golf hold tournaments?: Optimist International Junior Golf Championships operates nationwide through local chapters and tours. Use the official finder to locate the program nearest you.
How much does Optimist Junior Golf cost?: Not published (refund policy references a $75 administrative fee). Fees are set by the organizer and can change each season; confirm on the official site before entering.
Do Optimist Junior Golf results count toward junior rankings?: Optimist Junior Golf is a developmental program and does not report to national junior ranking systems, which makes it a low-pressure place to learn tournament golf.

Guides for new tournament families

For Parents

How Much Does Junior Golf Really Cost? A Parent's Honest Budget Guide

For Parents

How to Build the Right Junior Tournament Schedule (Without Burning Out Your Player or Your Budget)

Getting Started

How to Get Started in Junior Golf Tournaments: A Complete First-Timer's Guide

Browse all local junior golf tours, compare the national tours, or search the tournament directory.