Junior Golf in the Midwest

Empowering young athletes through mentorship, sportsmanship, and life-changing competition. Discover our full suite of youth programs across Kansas and Western Missouri—from first swings with a PGA Professional to elite tournament play.

Youth Development Pillar

Building Character & Confidence on the Course

At PGA REACH Midwest, youth development is foundational to our mission. Through more than 400 Midwest PGA Professionals, we provide age-appropriate, welcoming, and rewarding golf experiences designed to cultivate athletic skills and lifelong values: honesty, perseverance, discipline, and respect.

Whether your junior is picking up their first set of clubs, excited to play on a team with neighborhood friends, or aiming for collegiate golf, we have a clear, structured pathway to support their journey every step of the way.

4
Unique Pathways
Ages 5–18
All Skill Levels
5
DCP Local Qualifiers
$65
Annual MWJT Tour Fee
Progression Roadmap

The Junior Golf Pathway

Every child progresses at their own pace. Our structured model ensures juniors can enter at any stage and transition smoothly as their enthusiasm and ability grow.

Step 01 Ages 5+

Where to Start

First lessons and clinics with a Midwest PGA Professional. Fundamentals, club grip, course safety, and pure fun with zero pressure.

Beginner Guide →
Step 02 Ages 7–15

Drive, Chip & Putt

Free nationwide skills competition testing the three fundamentals. Qualify locally across Kansas & Missouri with a pathway to Augusta National!

DCP Details →
Step 03 Ages 7–17

PGA Jr. League

Recreational team golf where boys & girls wear numbered jerseys and play in a supportive two-person scramble format alongside friends.

PGA Jr. League →
Step 04 Ages 7–18

Midwest Junior Tour

Individual tournament play across three competitive tiers: The Prep Series (6 & 9 holes), The Open Series (18 holes), and The Premier Series (36-hole AJGA/JGS majors).

Junior Tour Info →
Our Programs

Explore All Midwest Junior Programs

Click through to learn about schedules, registration guidelines, divisional structures, and rules for each program.

Midwest PGA Junior Tour tournament tent and banner setup on the course Competitive Tournament Circuit
Ages 7–18 • Kansas & W. Missouri

Midwest PGA Junior Tour (MWJT)

The Midwest Section PGA Junior Tour is the premier competitive golf circuit for junior golfers across Kansas and Western Missouri. We provide professionally operated, affordable tournaments designed to foster sportsmanship, test abilities, and prepare young athletes for high school and collegiate competition.

  • The Premier Series: Multi-day championship events for elite junior golfers seeking national rankings and college exposure.
  • The Open Series: 18-hole stroke play events for juniors looking to gain experience, improve their game, and earn Player of the Year points.
  • The Prep Series: 6-hole and 9-hole events for developing golfers learning the rules of golf, etiquette, and pace of play.
  • Player of the Year Points Race: Season-long competition recognizing top performers and awarding invitations to the Midwest Junior Tour Championship.
  • Affordable Annual Membership: $65 per season for access to MWJT events throughout the Midwest PGA Section.
PGA Junior League team celebrating with championship trophy Recreational Team Golf
Ages 7–17 • Team Scramble

PGA Junior League

PGA Jr. League shifts golf from an individual pursuit to a dynamic team sport! Boys and girls wear custom numbered jerseys, play alongside friends on teams, and learn from Section PGA Professionals in a nurturing, stress-free environment.

  • Two-Person Scramble Format: Both teammates hit every shot, ensuring encouragement, teamwork, and quick pace of play.
  • Age Divisions: 9U, 13U, and 17U co-ed programs so every child plays with peers at their developmental level.
  • Expert PGA Coaching: Local teams are captained by certified PGA Members and Associates at neighborhood courses.
  • All-Star Postseason: Opportunities for advanced 13U and 17U players to represent the Midwest Section at Regional and National Championships.
Young junior golfer with driver at Drive Chip and Putt qualifier 100% Free Nationwide Event
Ages 7–15 • Completely Free ($0)

Drive, Chip & Putt (DCP)

Founded jointly by the Masters Tournament, USGA, and PGA of America, Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide skills competition aimed at inspiring juniors through the three fundamental golf skills. The Midwest Section proudly hosts five local qualifiers and one sub-regional qualifier across Kansas and Missouri!

  • Zero Cost to Enter: 100% free registration for all boys and girls ages 7–15. No prior tournament experience required.
  • Four Age Brackets: Separate divisions for Boys and Girls in 7–9, 10–11, 12–13, and 14–15 age categories.
  • Skill-Based Scoring: Juniors take three drives, three chips, and three putts, accumulating points for distance and accuracy.
  • The Dream of Augusta: Top finishers advance through Sub-Regional and Regional qualifiers to compete in the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club broadcast on Golf Channel!
PGA Professional providing instruction on the golf course Beginner Foundation
First-Time Golfers All Ages • Lessons & Clinics

Where to Start: Instruction & Coaching

If your child is completely brand-new to golf, starting with a Midwest PGA Professional ensures they learn proper fundamentals, swing mechanics, and safety in a supportive environment before entering organized competitions.

  • Personalized Learning: One-on-one lessons or fun junior camps tailored to your child’s age, interest, and physical maturity.
  • Equipment Advice: Learn how to properly size junior clubs without overspending on clubs they will soon outgrow.
  • Course Etiquette & Pace: Building familiarity with tee boxes, fairways, greens, and courteous course behavior.
At A Glance

Compare Junior Golf Programs

Review key differences in age requirements, format, competition intensity, and cost to select the perfect program for your family.

Program Target Ages Format & Style Skill Level Cost Action
Where to Start (Coaching)
Lessons & Clinics
Ages 5+ 1-on-1 Lessons & Small Group Clinics Beginner Varies by Facility Learn More →
Drive, Chip & Putt
Skills Challenge
Ages 7–15 Individual Driving, Chipping, Putting All Skill Levels 100% Free ($0) DCP Guide →
PGA Junior League
Team Scramble
Ages 7–17 (9U, 13U, 17U) 2-Person Team Scramble Matches Beginner to Intermediate Varies by Facility ($150–$300 avg) Explore League →
MWJT: The Prep Series
6 & 9-Hole Beginner Events
Ages 7–12 6-Hole (9U) & 9-Hole (10–12) Individual Stroke Play Novice • Learning Rules & Etiquette $65/yr + entry per event Tour Info →
MWJT: The Open Series
18-Hole Single-Day Events
Ages 12–18 18-Hole Single-Day Stroke Play Competitive Tour Regulars & High School $65/yr + entry per event Tour Info →
MWJT: The Premier Series
36-Hole Multi-Day Majors
Ages 13–18 36-Hole Majors • AJGA & JGS Ranked College Prospects & Elite Juniors $65/yr + entry per event Points & Standings →
Foundation Commitment

Golf Should Be Accessible to Every Child

PGA REACH Midwest believes that socioeconomic barriers should never prevent a motivated junior from learning, competing, and growing through the game of golf. Through generous donor support, our Foundation offers financial assistance, equipment support, and fee waivers for families in need across Kansas and Western Missouri.

Questions About Junior Golf?

Our junior golf team is happy to answer questions about age cutoffs, tournaments, team registration, or financial assistance.

(816) 229-6565

Midwest Section PGA Headquarters
Blue Springs, MO

Help For Families

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from parents navigating junior golf programs in Kansas and Western Missouri.

Does my child need their own golf clubs to start?

For initial beginner lessons and many PGA Jr. League introductory clinics, coaches can often provide loaner equipment. For regular tournament play on the Junior Tour, your player will need their own USGA-conforming set of clubs suited to their height and swing speed.

Can my child participate in multiple programs?

Absolutely! Many young golfers play on a PGA Jr. League team in the spring, compete in Drive, Chip & Putt qualifiers during the early summer, and play Midwest PGA Junior Tour events throughout June and July. Each program reinforces distinct skills.

How are age divisions determined for tournaments?

Age brackets for the Midwest PGA Junior Tour are generally based on the player’s age on the date of the Tour Championship or the official cutoff date specified on BlueGolf. Full divisional breakdown is available on the Junior Tour Info page.

Are parents allowed to caddie or spectate?

Spectator policies vary by program. In PGA Jr. League, family cheering and walking along the holes is enthusiastically encouraged. On the Midwest PGA Junior Tour, spectators must remain on cart paths and adhere to USGA spectator conduct rules. Caddies are permitted in select 9-hole divisions.

Ready to Start Your Child’s Golf Journey?

From fun team golf to competitive summer tournaments, the Midwest Section PGA is here to support every swing.