The American Junior Golf Association Tournament may be a competition for young amateurs, but over the years it has proven a breakout tournament for up-and-coming golf phenoms. Players such as Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Rose Zhang all had their moments in the AJGA tournament as young players.
Now, the tournament is in Southeast Texas on March 27-30 at Rayburn Resort in Brookeland in Jasper County.
“It’s such an honor to have these young amateurs, boys and girls ages 12 to 19, compete at Rayburn Resort,” said Jordan Bell, Rayburn golf professional. “This is huge for our area. Many of these kids will go on to the PGA like other past amateurs. Rayburn Resort welcomes everyone to come and watch these great individuals navigate the course.”
The AJGA Junior at Rayburn Resort will feature a globally diverse field, showcasing the international reach and prestige of the tournament. Players will represent four countries United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia.
Additionally, players originally from South Korea and Norway will also compete, currently residing in Canada and the United States, respectively.
Participants will also represent 15 U.S. states, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Illinois.
With the highest number of participants, Texas leads the way - solidifying its reputation as a national powerhouse in junior golf. Several standout players from East Texas and Louisiana will represent the region such as Reece Williams (Beaumont), Andrew Bird (Nacogdoches), Jett Surratt (Carthage), Logan Houl (Diboll), Hunter Houl (Diboll), Kyle Hanks (Lake Charles) and Hudson Greene (Bossier City).
“This event has been two and a half years in the making,” said Austin Williams, tournament chairman and director-vice president of the Babe Zaharias Foundation. “We worked tirelessly to bring an AJGA event to Beaumont but couldn’t make it happen. When one door closes, another opens, and thanks to the generosity of Joe Penland Jr., the leadership and dedication of Jordan Bell, and the unwavering support of the City of Jasper and Jasper Chamber of Commerce, we now have this incredible opportunity at Rayburn Resort. Without them, this event simply would not be possible. Mr. Penland has not only stepped up to make this tournament a reality but has also played a crucial role in revitalizing Rayburn Resort as a premier golf destination.”
In 2020, Penland, of Beaumont, envisioned revitalizing the iconic Rayburn Resort. With the help of family investors, he acquired the property and immediately began extensive improvements across the resort. Over the past five years, the resort has transformed into a premier golf and recreation destination.
Most recently, Penland and his team stepped up when the Texas Golf Association needed to relocate the Texas Cup Junior Invitational, one of the state’s most prestigious junior tournaments hosting the top 80 junior golfers in the state of Texas. The event was seamlessly moved from Westwood Country Club in Houston to Rayburn Resort, again proving the venue’s growing stature.
"Joe’s team has been nothing short of amazing," said Williams. "What they have accomplished at Rayburn Resort is a testament to their commitment, and this is just the beginning of something very special for Southeast Texas."
Bringing the AJGA to Rayburn Resort has been a dream come true for Williams, who first reached out to Bell, , about the idea more than two years ago. What makes this event even more special is the team behind it - Bell, Williams, and Aron St. Aubin (Director of Food and Beverage at Rayburn Resort) all worked together previously at 5 Under Golf Center in Beaumont. Their strong working relationship, shared passion for junior golf, and long-standing vision for growing the game in Southeast Texas laid the foundation for what’s now becoming a reality.
“This event means the world to us,” said Williams. “This isn’t just about golf - it’s about a group of people with a shared vision coming together again to build something meaningful for young athletes, families, and our community.”
The AJGA Junior at Rayburn Resort presented by the City of Jasper will feature a full slate of events for players and families alike beginning Thursday, March 27 (AJGA Qualifier for players looking to earn their way into the 54-hole field); Friday, March 28 (first round and Player Night Dinner featuring guest speaker Kate Golden, former LPGA professional and former Florida State and University of Texas Women’s Head Coach); Saturday, March 29 (second round); and Sunday, March 30 (final round and awards).
"This is a tremendous win not just for Rayburn, but for our entire region,” said Bell. “We’re proud to host an AJGA event of this caliber. Our course and our team are ready to welcome the best junior players in the world and give them an unforgettable experience here in Southeast Texas, which has a deep tradition in golf. The communities of Jasper, Brookeland, and Rayburn Country take immense pride in welcoming the next generation of stars. Hosting an event of this caliber not only provides exposure for young golfers but also fosters community engagement and excitement throughout the region.”
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. More than two dozen of the past 33 men’s champions and 26 of the past 32 women’s champions in NCAA Division I are AJGA alumni. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,000 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours.
For more information, view rayburnresort.com.