By Rex Grayner, SVP of Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
Junior golf is not what it used to be, and that’s a good thing.
We have entered a new era where opportunities stretch far beyond the leaderboard. Today’s junior golfers are navigating a world shaped by NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, social media influence, brand partnerships, and technology that connects them to audiences across the globe. For parents and players, that means one thing: it is time to think beyond the scorecard.
That is the mission behind our new weekly podcast, Beyond the Scorecard, hosted by HJGT Founder Mario Conte and HJGT Digital Marketing & Social Media Manager, Joey Criscitello. Each week they bring in experts from across the golf and sports industries to explore not just the game itself, but also the future after junior golf. Whether that future is inside or outside the ropes, there is a place for you.
Episode Zero: The Current Landscape of Junior Golf
The debut episode sets the stage for the conversations to come, looking at how junior golf has transformed in recent years. NIL opportunities, kids building personal brands, the rise of golf influencers, social golf culture, and major advancements in technology have changed the game. It is an exciting time to be involved in golf.
Here is the most important takeaway. You have to start preparing for life after junior golf, no matter your path. Whether you dream of the PGA Tour, college golf, a career in sports business, or a role as a golf content creator, the opportunities are endless.
More Than a Tournament Tour
The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour is not just running tournaments. We are teaching kids how to market themselves, network with successful people, present themselves professionally, and be comfortable in the spotlight.
Through our HJGT Influencer Program, we are showing juniors how to capture experiences, tell their stories, and build audiences. These skills can lead to brand deals, sponsorships, and other income streams. Even if you never play in a college or professional event, you can still build a career in golf through content creation, business development, coaching, and more.
Mario shared on the podcast that one of the best pieces of advice he ever received was, “Use your age to your advantage.” The earlier you start building these skills, the more momentum you will have when opportunities come your way.
Every Step Counts
The beauty of this moment in junior golf is that every step, including the missteps, teaches something valuable. Vulnerability, creativity, and persistence matter just as much as skill on the course. Influencer culture, when used the right way, is helping kids put themselves out there, grow their confidence, and connect with people who can shape their futures.
Why This Matters for HJGT Families
At the HJGT we are committed to creating the most complete junior golf experience in the country. That means:
- Elevating the player experience with events like the Fore All Junior Golf Foundation Match Play Challenge in West Palm Beach, FL last weekend, which combined competition and purpose in a unique way.
- Planning ahead for the 2026 HJGT membership launch in October 2025, and our biggest National Championship yet, held in Orlando on Dec 5-7, 2025.
- Building the best tournament schedule ever for next season, filled with opportunities to grow, compete, and connect.
We are doing things no one else is doing in junior golf and the Beyond the Scorecard podcast is another way we are shaping the next generation.
The World Is Yours
If you are a young golfer right now, you are living in one of the most exciting times in the sport’s history. You have access to tools, mentors, and opportunities that past generations could only dream about. The world is yours both on and off the course.
Start building your skills, your network, and your brand now. Listen to Beyond the Scorecard each week and be ready for whatever your future holds. Golf is just the beginning.
🎧 Listen to Episode Zero: The Current Landscape of Junior Golf → HERE
