LOOKING BACK AT 33 YEARS OF JUNIOR GOLF

By Nan Ryan, LPGC Founder and Executive Director

“It’s a shame the Midwest doesn’t have a junior tournament like the International Pee Wee in Orlando, FL,” said the local sportswriter as we walked down the 13th fairway at Westview Golf Course in Quincy that summer day in 1973. He did not know that his statement would change my life, and the picture of junior golf internationally. I was competing in the Quincy Women’s City Golf Championship. I had two very young children, a thriving business to run…and I loved the game of golf. His remark was a challenge. Without another thought, I answered, “I think I’ll start one.”

Little did I know that the tournament would soon become the third largest junior tournament in the World, drawing contestants ages three through 19 from all corners of the Earth. I didn’t know that during those 34 years I would see some 15,000 young golfers, many of whom would go on to star on high school and college golf teams, turn professional or play amateur tournaments.

During the past 34 years, I have seen junior golf grow from just a few tournaments a year, to one or more junior events somewhere in the country nearly every week.

Instead of having only a few choices as to where to play, juniors and their parents must schedule their tournament appearances for spring, summer, fall and winter months in advance.

Junior golfers, both left and right-handed, now have a huge choice of clubs from which to choose, and no longer have to struggle with a parent’s cut-down clubs that are too heavy and stiff for them to enjoy. They have junior-size bags that stand up; gloves to fit their small hands; caps and visors to fit their heads, and real golf shoes to fit their feet.

Junior golfers no longer compete in only local club or city events, but travel thousands of miles a year by car, bus, train and plane.

They can attend a day or weeklong junior golf camp or a golf school. They learn the rules at junior golf sessions at their local club; they play in pro-am events; have their pictures taken with the men and women Tour players, and even compete in PGA and LPGA Tour events.

That’s a far cry from not too many years ago when the only young people seen on a golf course were caddies, and no one under the age of 12 was allowed on the golf course!

Going back to that day in 1973 at Westview Golf Course, I remember having a million ideas about starting a junior golf tournament. I had worked for The PGA of America in their Public Relations Department, and been Director of Public Relations for the Ladies PGA, and had a lot of experience organizing tournaments and publicizing them. That experience was invaluable in what I was going to make my life’s work.

I called the Orlando Jaycees for start-up information, formed a committee of six and met with the Board of Directors of Cedar Crest Country Club in Quincy, a local nine-hole course where volunteers handled all duties and all the profits could benefit junior golf and the Club.

After a visit to two local businesses that had products that kids love, Pepsi and hot dogs, we had our major sponsors, Pepsi Cola Quincy Bottling Company (now Refreshment Services Pepsi), and Bergman Meat Packing of Pittsfield. Both companies continued as sponsors through 1982, when Bergman bowed out. Pepsi has remained our loyal major sponsor throughout the years.

The small committee met in our dining room. One of the first items was selecting a name for the event. During the discussion, our four-year-old daughter, Kathleen, a beginning golfer, crawled up on my lap.

“Mom,” she said, “isn’t the tournament for little people?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“Well then,” she said, “why don’t you just call it the Little People’s …that’s who it’s for”.

The tournament had its name.

Numerous meetings were held that first winter, planning everything from entry blanks to rules to menus. News releases went to all the major news media. Individuals and businesses in Quincy were asked for their support.

In March of 1974, entry blanks and posters were sent to nearly every course in the tri-state area, and to major golf courses in other states. Entries rolled in from the surrounding area and from distance states.

One man called from New York to ask how he could interest his daughter in golf so she would come to our tournament. Many Quincyans who were grandparents or had friends in other states helped get the name out…the old ‘word of mouth’ method.

THEY GATHERED IN QUINCY

The first Pepsi Little People’s was a memorable occasion, with 174 boys and girls aged three through 15 playing on the nine-hole Cedar Crest course. All were accompanied by a family member, and in some cases, by brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

My good friend Marilynn Smith, a Co-Founder of the Ladies PGA, and then LPGA Tour professional, flew in to give a golf clinic, play golf and talk with contestants. A local TV station filmed the entire event. Film clips appeared on NBC.

The first day started early with a flag raising, and the national anthem played by the Notre Dame High School band. Most of the entrants and their families were present for opening ceremonies. It was an emotional occasion.

Since 1974, entries have risen steadily, and the influx of 16 and 17-year-old boys and girls in 1986 increased the field considerably. In 2007, we added divisions for 18-19 year-old boys and girls, which promises to enlarge the field even more.

The original nine holes at Cedar Crest became inadequate after the first year, so the 27-hole municipal Westview Golf Course was added in 1975. The need for more space became apparent after the 1992 event, so a third course, Spring Lake Country Club, was added in 1993.

But even that wasn’t enough to accommodate all entry requests, and some girls and younger kids were turned down for the first time. This made it imperative to seek a fourth course, the Knights of Columbus Par 3, in 1994. This proved to be the perfect course for the youngest of the young, boys and girls ages three through seven.

The extraordinary success of Tiger Woods fueled an explosion in the number of junior golf programs throughout the country. And while Tiger never competed here, we all have felt the impact of his career. Little People’s entries jumped to 672 in 1997, and for the first time there was a waiting list in every division except the two youngest. This made it imperative to bring two new courses into play for the 25th anniversary in 1998, Norwoods Golf Club in Hannibal, MO, and River Valley Country Club in Canton, MO. Entries that year hit a then-record 888.

In 1999, because we could only use four golf courses, total entries fell slightly to 863, although a record 807 boys and girls teed it up the first day. The 1999 field included a then-record 196 girls.

When Norwoods bowed out after one year, we were able to secure another course, Indian Trails Golf Club in Camp Point, IL, for the 2000 event, which drew a record 922 players. The same five courses have been used since 2000.

A Collegiate Division for boy and girls ages 18-19 was added for 2007, and was played at a sixth venue, Deer Run Golf Course in Hamilton, IL.

In 2003, major changes were made in the number of holes played by the younger age divisions. This was in keeping with the holes played by other major junior golf tournaments throughout the country. This made it necessary to change the competition course for some of the divisions. Starting in 2003, the 3-5 year olds play five holes daily and the 6-7 year-olds play nine holes daily at Knights of Columbus Par 3. The 8-9 year old girls play 9 holes daily at Indian Trails in Camp Point, IL, and the 8-9 boys play 9 holes daily at Westview in Quincy. The 10-11 year-old boys play 18 holes daily at River Valley Country Club in Canton, MO, while the 10-11 girls play their 18-hole rounds at Westview. The 14-15 and 16-17 girls and the 14-15 boys play their 18-hole rounds at Westview and the 12-13 boys and girls play their 18-hole rounds at Indian Trails Golf Club in Camp Point, IL, now re-named Arrowhead Heights Golf Club. The 16-17 boys play their 18-hole rounds at Spring Lake Country Club in Quincy. The 18-19 boys and girls played their 18-hole rounds at Deer Run. The addition of the older ‘Collegiate
Division proved to be a success, with 24 boys and 12 girls entering. This helped bring our 2007 total entries to 861, the largest field since 2003.

Nearly every state has been represented during these past years, along with Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Columbia, China, Colombia SA, Denmark, Dominican Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Guam, Guatemala, India, N. Ireland, Japan, Korea, Manitoba, Martinique, Mexico, Norway, Ontario, Paraguay, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Quebec, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Thailand and the West Indies.

The goal of Little People’s is, and always has been, to provide a tournament for as many young people as possible. We strive to provide an opportunity for young players to gain competitive experience, learn good sportsmanship and make lasting friends. Although playing ability is important, Little People’s continues to provide a quality event for as many eligible boys and girls as golf course space allows.

Because of the great number of people attending, and the underlying theme of the family and togetherness, the LPGC Tournament Committee was adamant about providing a Family Celebration Banquet, where everyone could meet together, eat together, and enjoy a short program. That was made possible in 1996 with the new Oakley-Lindsay Center, site of the Monday night Banquet. PGA Tour star and Quincy native D.A. Weibring was a featured speaker. Former LPGC contestants and present Tour players Dicky Pride and Jerry Haas also appeared. The Banquet was held at the Oakley-Lindsay Center again in 1997.

In 1998, our 25th anniversary, an informal Family Celebration Picnic was held at the new Knights of Columbus Hall on the KC Par-3 and Driving Range grounds, with Wilson Golf as sponsor, and was a resounding success.

The 1999, 2000 and 2001 Picnics were also held on the KC grounds, with Wilson Golf as sponsor. Wilson had representatives and demo clubs at the driving range during the Picnic. Seating was available both inside and under the shelter, with a playground nearby for the little ones and the driving range handy for those who wanted to practice.

Marilynn Smith made her third appearance at Little People’s and was the featured guest in 2001, talked with players and parents and presented a Golf Clinic at the KC Driving Range. She was also featured speaker at the Picnic.

In 2002, Acushnet took over sponsorship of the Picnic. Michael Riggs, Sport Psychologist from Chicago, IL, was featured speaker at the Picnic and presented special sessions for parents each day of the tournament.

In 2003, Acushnet again sponsored the Picnic, and had a Titleist representative on hand with demo clubs at the KC Driving. A highlight of the day was The Golf Channel’s Drive, Chip and Putt Challenge at KC. Eric Bartels from The Golf Channel spoke to contestants and parents at the Picnic.

In 2004, Pepsi USA assumed sponsorship of the Picnic. A golf clinic by Little People’s contestants was held prior to the Picnic for kids from The First Tee of Great River and Transitions of Western Illinois, the two organizations receiving donations from Little People’s.

Following the 2004 Picnic, Mac Thayer and John Brooks from Junior Golf Scoreboard made a presentation to parents and players on “Navigating the World of Junior Golf”, and “Going to College”.

The Golf Channel held a non-qualifying Drive, Chip and Putt Challenge at Knights of Columbus on Sunday afternoon.

The annual Family Celebration Picnic, sponsored by Pepsi USA and Bob Navolio Allstate Insurance, has been held at the Knights of Columbus since 2005. Dennis Walters presented his inspirational and amusing golf show prior to the 2006 Picnic, compliments of the United States Golf Association.

The annual Pepsi Parent-Child event, a most popular tournament and the kickoff to Pepsi Little People’s Golf Week, is held annually at River Valley Country Club in Canton, MO, on Sunday, with some 180 teams competing.

This year, 2007, GolfWeekTV sent Dan Mirocha and Barry Wang to Little People’s for two days of filming and talking with players. The results were two wonderful videos, which can be seen as links on our website, www.littlepeoplesgolf.com.

PROFESSIONALS TAKE PART

Throughout the years, several well-known pro-fessionals have appeared at Little People’s. In addition to Marilynn Smith, LPGA members Renee Powell, Jeri Reid, Bobbie Beattie, Judy Carls and Sue Hinrichsen have each appeared once at Little People’s. Libby (Akers) Pancake, an LPGC Alumni and now an LPGA teaching professional, spoke at the 1999 Picnic. Libby and husband Tony now bring their four children to compete in Pepsi Little People’s.

From the men’s professional ranks have come Quincy native D.A. Weibring, his friend Peter Jacobsen, Butch Baird, Mike Weber, and LPGC alumni Dicky Pride and Jerry Haas.

Numerous PGA and LPGA Tour players made their golfing debuts in Little People’s. Most noted are Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters Champion, who played in Little People’s in 1992 and 1993. Ben Curtis, winner of the 2003 British Open in England and the 2006 Booz Allen Classic, and Todd Hamilton, winner of the 2004 Honda Classic and the 2004 British Open. Ben won the 8-9 Division of Little People’s in 1985, was third in that Division in 1986, and was third in the 10-11 Division in 1988. Todd finished second in the 10-11 division of Little People’s in 1977, was third in the 12-13 group in 1979 and second in the 14-15 division in 1980.

Other notables include D.A. Points, who has four first place finishes, three seconds and two third place in Little People’s between 1984 and 1995, Chris Smith, winner of the 2002 Buick Open, who won his 6-7 age division in 1976, Ty Tryon, who won his 8-9 division in the 1993 Little People’s and placed third several times, and LPGA professional Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, who in 1978 won her first tournament in the girls 3-5 Division by a whopping 113 strokes for the eight holes played.

Other alumni now in the pro ranks include Jerry Haas, Emlyn Aubrey, Jerry Smith, Don Walsworth, Dicky Pride, Nicky Goetze, Kelly Robbins, Beth Bauer, who was LPGA Rookie-of-the-Year in 2002, Pearl Sinn, Michelle McGann, Laura Myerscough, Jenny Lidback, LaRee Sugg, Renee Heiken, Penny Hammel, Susie Pager Redmon, Kristal Parker-Gregory, Adele Moore, Allison Sellers, Patti Ehrhart, Meredith Ward and Val Brennan, to name just a few. Several former contestants have won Compaq Scholastic Awards and been named Rolex winners by the American Junior Golf Association. Many are Sagarin Ranked players.

For eight years the Little People’s was a qualifying event for the All-American Junior Golf Teams sponsored by Golf Magazine. In 1987, it was added to the AJGA Tour as a ranked tournament. It is now included in the AJGA Performance Based Entry system for boys and girls 16-17, as well as the AJGA Nike Golf Junior All-Star exemption criteria, and is a ranked tournament for Sagarin’s GolfWeek/Titleist Junior Rankings and the Junior Golf Scoreboard.

WIN HUMBLY, LOSE GRACEFULLY

Good sportsmanship, rather than winning as the ultimate goal, is of utmost importance at Little People’s. We feel all ages should realize that being a good loser is as important as being a humble winner. Poor sportsmanship among players or their parents is not tolerated.

In honor of sportsmanship, the Westview Men’s Club Award goes annually to the boy and the George T. Berry Memorial Award goes to the girl displaying the best sportsmanship during Little People’s.

Trophies and ribbons are awarded to the top finishers in all divisions, with players in each of the youngest four division receiving a participant award. Starting in 2001, scholarships were awarded in all 14 divisions, with a $400 scholarship going to each winner and a $200 scholarship going to each second-place finisher. Prior to 2001, scholarships went to the winners in the oldest divisions only. Scholarships may be used for another junior golf event, or can be used as tuition for a golf camp or school, or will be held for college scholarships for students not enrolled in an intercollegiate athletic program. In 2007, because of a change in NCAA rules, gift certificates of $400 and $200 are now awarded to the winners and runners-up in each division.

In 1995, the Brittany Faith Browning Memorial Trophy was established for the winner of the girls 6-7 Division to honor the young girl who won that division in 1994 and passed away from unknown causes a few months later. Brittany’s parents, Gerald and Victoria, came to the 1995 tournament and presented the trophy in memory of their daughter. It was a touching experience for us all.

In 1995, Mike Suhre of Edwardsville, IL, became the first player to compete in 15 consecutive Little People’s tournaments. In 1997, two Quincyans, Jason Traeder and Todd Rodemich, completed 15 enthusiastic years as Little People’s players, and were recognized at the Banquet. In 2003, Tyler Dickens of Quincy completed 15 years of tournament play in Little People’s, and was honored at the Picnic.

In 2005, two international team events were added to Pepsi Little People’s Golf Week. Both are 9-hole, 4-person team events played at Westview Golf Course in Quincy. The International Mixed Team Scramble and 3-2-1 Team tournaments were so successful that they were played again in 2006 with even more enthusiasm. During one playoff, the gallery looked like that at a Tour event. The team events were the brainchild of Phil Fajertag of St. Laurent, Canada, whose son Mark plays in Little People’s. Both Team events were successfully played in 2007.

In 2001, a Volunteer-of-the-Year Award was established to honor the Little People’s volunteer making the most contributions to the success of the tournament. The first award went to the Kroeger family – Vicki (Mom), Julie, Katrina and Brian – and the trophy was appropriately named the Kroeger Trophy. At that time, the four Kroegers had devoted a cumulative 56 years of volunteer work towards the tournament, and one or more continue to help and/or compete each year.

Pat Middendorf, who was in charge of all volunteers at Westview for 10 years, and personally worked at the starter’s and scorer’s tables throughout each tournament, won the 2002 Volunteer-of-the-Year Award.

Mary Jo Hunt, a Little People’s Vice President, and tournament representative at Spring Lake Country Club, received the honor in 2003.

In 2004, the husband-wife team of Jay and Linda Frye was the recipient of the Kroeger Award. Linda, a member of the Little People’s Board of Directors, served as Secretary, as well as Registration Chair, in addition to many other duties.

Jay was Little People’s representative at Indian Trails Golf Course in Camp Point, and was a member of the Merchandise Committe.

Julie Glover, Chair of the LPGC Sponsor’s Committee and a many-time volunteer in numerous capacities, was the 2005 Volunteer-of-the-Year recipient.

In 2006, Linda Horner, Little People’s representative at River Valley Country Club and a member of the Board of Directors, won the volunteer award.

John Howerton, the originator and Chair of the Transportation Committee, was the 2007 recipient.

Little People’s annually can boost of some 300 loyal volunteers who make the tournament possible.

IT TAKES A WHOLE TOWN

When the tournament was founded in 1973, one of its primary objectives was to promote and support junior golf. Local high school teams benefited from the proceeds, receiving golf bags and other equipment.

In 1992, the Little People’s Golf Championships Association was incorporated and the Tri-State Junior Golf Association was established…the realization of a goal to help more young golfers and young people locally

The TSJGA, now sponsored by KHQA TV-7 and Landmarx Screen Printed and Embroidered Products Inc., provides educational clinics, seminars and golf tournaments for young boys and girls from Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. This program makes it possible for youth in the community who do not have the advantage of a large junior program, or who need more experience before entering a major event, to gain that needed experience in smaller area tournaments.

The goal of TSJGA is to make it possible for every boy and girl in the area to have the opportunity to experience golf so they can make their own choice about playing the game.

Another dream of the LPGC was to assist young people unable to participate in golf. This dream came true in 1996 with the establishment of “Kids Helping Kids”, a phrase coined by the late Dr. DeDe Owens, then Ladies PGA President. In this program, Little People’s committed to donating part of its proceeds to Transitions of Western Illinois, an organization working with physically and emotionally challenged youth and families. Because of this program, many children and their families are able to obtain much-needed services that they would not otherwise be able to afford.

Since 1996, Pepsi Little People’s has donated $60,000 to Transitions, and since 1999, $28,000 to The First Tee of Great River. Little People’s has also been a contributor to several other local child-oriented charities. Over the past 34 years, Little People’s has donated some $260,000 to charitable organizations and scholarship programs.

New in 2004 was a special golf Clinic presented by young Little People’s entrants for kids from The First Tee of Great River and Transitions of Western Illinois. It was held at the KC Driving Range on the Monday afternoon of the Picnic. It was held in 2005 and again in 2006.

A second new program in 2004 was the establishment of the Pepsi Little People’s/The First Tee of Great River scholarships, which makes it possible for participants in some 196 national First Tee programs to apply for one of the PLP/TFTGR Scholarships. The scholarship makes it possible for a player who might otherwise not have the opportunity to compete in an international junior golf tournament, to take part in the International Pepsi Little People’s and all of its associated activities.

Matt Ostermiller of Quincy, IL, was the first recipient of the PLP/TFTGR scholarship. Karina Diaz of Aurora, IL, received the award at the 2005 Pepsi Little People’s Picnic.

In 2006, Katrina Delen-Briones of San Francisco and Corey Moran of Barbourville, KY, each received a scholarship.

The 2007 Scholarship winners were Anthony Stewart, 17, of Augusta, GA, and Logan Bertalan, 13, of Valparaiso, IN. Michael Davis, 15, and Emily Brink, 17, both of Quincy, were the winners of the Scholarships for First Tee of Great River participants.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Little People’s has been the recipient of several awards and much publicity in past years. In 1995, I received the Budget Service Award at a luncheon in New York. This national award, made by Budget Rent-a-Car and the Ladies Professional Golf Association, is awarded annually to the person who has made outstanding contributions to junior golf, and included a very generous check for Pepsi Little People’s.

Robin Roberts of ESPN, MC for the luncheon, proclaimed Little People’s one of the most prestigious junior events in the country. The luncheon was attended by some 200 golf enthusiasts, including the LPGA Board of Directors, LPGA tournament sponsors, corporate presidents and CEOs, past and present members of the LPGA Tour, national news media and other LPGA award winners.

In May of 1997, I received the Golf Digest Junior Development Award for an individual, and Little People’s was honored by Golf Digest Magazine. A great picture of many young smiling faces appeared on page 183 of the May 1997 issue. Topsy Siderowf, GD Associate Editor, attended the 1997 event and presented the award at our Banquet. An article and pictures about Little People’s appeared in the March 1998 issue of Golf Digest.

In 2005, in great part because of my work with Pepsi Little People’s, I was elected to the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame and was inducted in a ceremony, along with three others, in October in Chicago.

In 2006, again primarily because of my work with Pepsi Little People’s, I was inducted into the Quincy Golf Hall of Fame during the Little People’s Picnic.

In past years, pictures from and articles about the tournament have appeared in Golf Digest, Junior Golf, JrGolfer, Illinois Parks and Recreation and GolfWeek magazines, in addition to many newspapers and the Quincy Visitor’s Guide.

A great and wonderful surprise occurred at the 2004 Picnic when Refreshment Services Pepsi presented me with a golf trip to St. Andrews in Scotland! What an awesome experience, playing four rounds on the Jubilee and New Courses, culminating with a once-in-a-lifetime round on the Old Course. You can read more about the trip and see some of the pictures on our website at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com.

Throughout the last 34 years of Pepsi Little People’s, we have enjoyed more than 15,000 young people and more than twice as many parents and families. Each has become special to us, and we are thrilled to read about each of these alumni in the media today, doing whatever it is they love to do.

We look forward to 2008, anticipating another large and talented field coming together June 16-18 for the 35th Anniversary of the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships

Our hats are off to Jerry Grawe, Randy Boyer, Ron Vecchie and Roy Nelson of the local Refreshment Services Pepsi, for their continued sponsorship not only of Little People’s, but so many events for youth in the tri-state area.

The Little People’s got off to a great start in 1974. A combination of enthusiastic people with good ideas, strong community support, and plain good luck, has made it successful throughout the years. It looks like Little People’s is here to stay. We have had a lot of good bounces.