The Optimist International Organization has been involved in promoting Junior Golf since 1978. Optimist members from London have been involved since day one, providing opportunities for boys and girls ages 10 to 18 to participate in Optimist tournaments held in a positive environment.
The London Albert Hill Optimist Junior Golf Championships this year take place at Thames Valley Golf Course on July 17, and the tournament will be a qualifier for the Midwestern Optimist District Championships, to be held at the St. Marys Golf & Country Club on August 6. This District tournament qualifies a number of junior golfers for a spot in the prestigious 2020 Optimist International Golf Championships in Florida. Over the years, many dozens of juniors have had the chance to participate in what, for many, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That tournament typically hosts 650 juniors from 40 countries.
Canadian golfers recently in the news include Corey Conners from Listowel and Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ontario. Corey, who qualified twice for the Optimist International, achieved his first win on the PGA Tour. Brooke, also a former qualifier for the Optimist International, recently became the winningest female Canadian golfer with nine wins at the young age of 21.
Something new this year is that the Junior Tyson Tour tournament on July 22 at the Highland Golf & Country Club will also serve as a qualifier for the Midwestern Championships. Other Optimist tournaments and information can be found online at www.cojg.com.
Submitted by Midwestern Optimist Junior Golf Committee
