FLORIDA’S CLARET JUNIOR GOLF TOUR BY NIKKI HOFFMAN

Junior golf programs are an essential avenue for young golfers who love the game. In addition to learning new skills, golf teaches kids valuable life lessons, including respect, honesty, and integrity.

Keith and Fiona McColl spent most of their working lives at golf’s birthplace, St. Andrews in Scotland. In 2018, they left their beloved St. Andrews for a new life in Florida. In 2019, the McColls began operating the Claret Junior Tour from their home base in The Villages. They develop junior golfers in Florida with year-round play in a competitive and supportive environment. Entry fees are always affordable.

In 2023, the Claret Junior Tour hosted 42 days of tournament play, welcomed more than 1300 player entries, and played at 16 great venues. This year, with the financial assistance of local sponsorships, eight junior boys and girls ages 10-16 were awarded Claret Tour annual scholarships. These scholarships entitle each junior to play every 2024 tournament at no cost.

On December 30, Harbor Hills Country Club proudly hosted the season-ending tournament with a unique FUNraiser event. Despite the cold weather, more than eighty supporters turned out to sponsor and encourage the youngsters. Special mention goes to Harbor Hills Golf Professional Tom Leimberger and Krista Fabian, Pro Shop Manager, who make the event so special.

The Claret Junior Tour is the only tour in Florida that provides playing scholarships, in addition to being the most family-affordable junior golf tour in the state. Together with their supporters, the McColls have done a tremendous job bringing junior golf within the reach of many children. Their aim today, as always, is to introduce as many interested juniors as possible to the game of golf. Follow the website www.claretjuniorgolftour.com to find out how you can help.