THE CLARET JUG JUNIOR GOLF TOUR RETURNS TO HARBOR HILLS BY NIKKI HOFFMAN
Junior golf programs are essential for youngsters who love the game. College scholarships and the potential of a professional career are strong enticements. Familiar names such as Jim Furyk, Phil Michelson, Paula Creamer and Cristie Kerr came through the ranks of junior golf. Harbor Hills professional Tom Leimberger encourages early exposure to the sport. “Start at a young age,” he explains, “to get the fundamentals right.”Keith and Fiona McColl agree. This husband-and-wife team spent most of their working lives at St. Andrews in Scotland, golf’s birthplace. In 2018, they left their beloved St Andrews for a new life in Florida. In 2019, the McColls began operating the Claret Jug Junior Tour from their home base in The Villages. They help develop junior golfers in Florida with year-round play in a competitive and supportive environment. The McColls are committed to providing opportunities for youngsters to grow in golf and in the game of life!In 2021, the Claret Jug Tour hosted 40 junior tournaments, welcomed more than 1000 player entries and played at 16 great venues. Harbor Hills Country Club now feels like a “home” venue for this growing junior tour.On Saturday, April 2nd, Harbor Hills Country Club hosts the tour once again. It’s a stroke-play event with junior golfers playing in their own age-based flights and from age-based yardages. Harbor Hills is the perfect setting for players and spectators.Annual Claret Jug member entry is $55. Non-member entry is $70. The event is ranked by GJGR, the Global Junior Golf Rankings. Deadline for entry is Thursday, March 30th. Sponsorship from individual donations and businesses help keep these opportunities available. For more info, link to http://claretjuggolftour.com.