AJGA Blog

Friendly foes

Twelve of the opening-round matchups at the Polo Golf Junior Classic pitted Rolex Junior All-Americans against each other. In two of the matches, a pair of First-Teamers squared off.

The significance of these first-round matches, Emma Talley vs. Jaye Marie Green and Matthew NeSmith vs. Motin Yeung, weighed heavy on the outcome of the tournament, but also on the friendships between the players.

NeSmith and Yeung were Wyndham Cup teammates, while Talley and Green represented Team USA at this year’s PING Junior Solheim Cup. For the girls, the gravity of the pairing led the two to agree on silence during the round.

“We text each other every morning, so on the first tee I just acted like I didn’t know her because you don’t want to beat someone that you love,” said Green, who was the defending champion.

Predictably, the match went 19 holes, finally ending with a birdie by Talley. And almost as predictably, Talley said the win was bittersweet.

“It was weird, but I was really happy to pull out the win but it was also bittersweet because I didn’t want to play her, especially in the first round,” said Talley, who advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to Nicole Morales, the eventual champion. “We’ve been friends and teammates and it was really difficult.”

Above: Talley holed her bunker shot for birdie on No. 15 to bring her first-round match to all square versus Green.

-- Written by Chris Richards, AJGA Communications

College Coaches Converge on Polo Golf Junior Classic

College coaches spent time watching players on No. 17 of the Champion today.

There are 156 juniors teeing it up at the Polo Golf Junior Classic, 78 boys and 78 girls. Of the AJGA’s 60-person staff, 36 are on site at PGA National.

The number that stands out the most to everyone on the Champion and Haig courses, however, is 105. There are 105 college golf coaches roaming PGA National scouting the student-athletes that will call their school home in a couple of years.

If you're out on the course tomorrow, take a look at the galleries and notice how many school logos you see. Then, take a look at the AJGA mission statement banner near the practice putting green. Mission accomplished.

 

 

Time to Sign

Wednesday, November 9 marked the beginning of the NCAA’s early signing period. This day signifies the success of the AJGA coming full circle taking the next big step in earning college golf scholarships, thus the AJGA mission is met. Over the course of the last few days, high school seniors signing National Letters of Intent were given the opportunity to let the AJGA know about their college decision through the AJGA Facebook page and twitter @AJGAGolf. Signees were encouraged to tweet or post a photo to the facebook wall sharing their success. As the early signing period continues through November 16, here are some of the thoughts from AJGA’s top-tier golfers expressing their thoughts about their long-aspired goal, college golf.

What three words describe the excitement you felt when signing?

“Proud, nervous, and excited! It was also very "unreal", since I committed in January it seems like years since then. I never thought this day would come!” — Samantha Marks, University of North Carolina

“Humble, thankful, and determined.”— Charlie Danielson, University of Illinois

“Accomplished, excited, and relieved.” — Otto Black, University of Toledo

What are you looking forward to the most about playing college golf?

“I’m looking forward to the team aspect and competitive atmosphere as I go off to college. I'm excited that I get to share my love for the game with girls who feel the exact same way I do. All in all I'm just so excited for my dreams of playing golf at a Division I school coming true.” — Jasmine Wade, Florida International University

“I look forward to getting better, and meeting, playing, and working with some of the best coaches and players in the country.”— Mariana Sims, Wake Forest

“I am really looking forward to the team atmosphere.  Washington is all about having a great time, which is what I am really looking forward to.  I will be able to improve my golf game with two great coaches and having the opportunity to play with some of the best kids in the nation will help to take my game to the next level.” — Jonathan Sanders, University of Washington

How has the AJGA helped you achieve your goal of earning a college golf scholarship?

“AJGA allowed me to compete in the country's top junior golf events which gave me a lot of exposure to college coaches. I would not have had as many opportunities to present myself on such a high level without the AJGA. For this outstanding organization, I am thankful. Words can't express how delighted and grateful I am to be a Stanford Cardinal!”— Mariah Stackhouse, University of Stanford

“AJGA helped me prove to college coaches that I could compete on a big stage in a national tournament scene and play well.”— Miles Death, University of South Dakota

“The AJGA is the most competitive junior golf organization in the nation, so I have played with some of the best competition.  Many college coaches look to the AJGA to recruit and I feel my good play in the AJGA greatly helped me in my commitment to play for UC Santa Barbara.  AJGA tournaments have prepared me for the fierce competition in college, but I feel confident that I can compete at the highest level.”— Lawrence Fu, UC Santa Barbara

For a complete list of the Class of 2012 signings visit the PING College Golf Signing Day website.

- by Denae Olberding, AJGA Communications

Stackhouse stacks up more honors

Mariah Stackhouse is a name seen often in golf media. It seems she’s always accomplishing something new, whether it be her LPGA debut or suiting up as a member of the victorious U.S. PING Junior Solheim Cup Team.

This time, however, Mariah has branched out to the fashion and beauty media as well, and has been named one of Glamour magazine’s Amazing Young Women of 2011.

Each year, Glamour recognizes 10 women who have made a difference, whether it be within popular culture, politics, or volunteerism. Honorees range from Jennifer Lopez to Laura, Barbara and Jenna Bush.

The magazine also recognized 21 young women who are making a difference in their communities, in science and research, as well as in athletics. Mariah was honored thanks to several accomplishments, namely being the youngest winner of the Georgia PGA women’s championship. She was also the only African American to qualify for the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open.

For more information on Glamour’s Amazing Young Women of 2011, visit their website.