The Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) will host the 2016 Itty Bitty Open on January 16 at 15 Valley-wide locations open to all youngsters ages 3-5 years old. The free event has three clinic times per location starting a 9, 10 and 11 am where juniors and their parents will learn the basics skills of golf taught by qualified PGA and LPGA professionals. After the clinics, the kids will then participate in fun-filled, non-competitive golf games and tournaments. Each golfer will receive a set of plastic golf clubs, balls, a bag, and a visor – participants are asked to leave their own clubs at home. An adult “caddie” must accompany each golfer.
“Itty Bitty Open is a great way for parents to introduce their children to the game of golf,” said Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA. “It’s always fun to see so many kids having such a good time. It’s very exciting to think that a three-year-old kid attending the Itty Bitty Open will likely still be playing the game for decades to come. We’re honored to help them begin that journey.”
A special contest with prizes will be held at each session for the “Best Dressed Golfer and Caddie Team.” Anything goes: classic golf fashion; contemporary golf fashion; or any unique golf duds that may come to mind. All winners will receive a congratulatory letter, a trophy, and two tickets for the R.S. Hoyt, Jr. Dream Day Activities at the 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open presented by Ak-Chin Indian Community (kids are already allowed to attend it at no charge, so the tickets are for parents or other adults).
Space is limited, sign up before January 11 deadline. To register online, visit www.JGAA.org and click on Itty Bitty Open, or call 602.944.6168. For those would like to check availability after the entry deadline, call the phone number for the specific site.
Location Address Coordinator Phone
Phoenix
Cashman Park 22222 N 44th St. Lori Colburn 602.534.2501
Deer Valley Community Center 2001 W. Wahalla Ln. John Mark-Shea 602.495.2459
Dust Devil Park 10645 W. Camelback Rd. Susan Pleger 602.495.3705
Paseo Highlands/ Beuf Com. Center 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Dave Adams 602.534.4704
Pecos Park 17010 S. 48th St. TJ Penkoff 602.534.5238
Salvation Army KROC Center 1375 E Broadway Rd. JGAA 602.944.6168
Glendale
Legend at Arrowhead GC 21027 N. 67th Avenue JGAA 602.944.6168
Goodyear
Wigwam 451 N Old Litchfield Rd. JGAA 602.944.6168
Mesa
Gene Autry Park 4125 E McKellips Rd. JGAA 602.944.6168
Peoria
Rio Vista Community Park 8866 W Thunderbird Rd. Scott McNevin 602.944.6168
Scottsdale
Scottsdale Ranch Park 104th St & Via Linda Cori Alberdi 602.944.6168
Surprise
Surprise Stadium 15930 N Bullard Ave. JGAA 602.944.6168
Tempe
Kiwanis Park 5500 S Mill Ave. JGAA 602.944.6168
Chandler
Espee Park 450 E Knox Rd. Zach Cox 602.944.6168
Gilbert
McQueen Park 480 N Horne St. JGAA 602.944.6168