By Rex Grayner, SVP Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
For competitive golfers, tournaments are where the magic happens.
It’s where skills are tested, friendships are formed, and coaches take notice. But not all tournaments are created equal, and choosing the right ones can make all the difference in your junior golfer’s development and exposure.
But building a strategic tournament schedule shouldn’t feel overwhelming. With thoughtful planning, you can give your golfer the experience and opportunities they need to succeed—while making the most of your time and budget.
Here’s how to create a competitive tournament schedule that works for your family.
Understand Your Goals
Every junior golfer has different goals, and your tournament schedule should align with those aspirations.
- For Beginners: Focus on gaining experience and building confidence. Local events are perfect for this stage.
- For Competitive Players: Seek out events that challenge your golfer and provide opportunities to earn rankings or points. And travel to other states to gain experience in various playing conditions.
- For College-Bound Golfers: Prioritize tournaments that carry more weight, offer exposure to college coaches, and prepare your player for the demands of collegiate competition.
At the HJGT, we make it easy to find tournaments that align with your goals. With over 350 events annually across the U.S., we offer a range of opportunities for players of all skill levels—from beginners looking to grow their competitive experience to advanced players aiming to impress college coaches.
Mix Local, Regional, and National Events
A well-rounded schedule should include a balance of local, regional, and national tournaments.
- Local Events: These are ideal for players building confidence and minimizing travel costs. HJGT offers numerous local events that deliver a professional tournament experience close to home.
- Regional Events: As your golfer develops, regional events provide tougher competition and opportunities to build a tournament resume. HJGT’s regional events are strategically located to provide families with manageable travel distances while still offering a highly competitive field.
- National Events: Save these for when your golfer is ready to compete at a higher level. HJGT’s national events, including the annual National Championship Weekend in December, attract top talent and provide valuable exposure to college coaches.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
It can be tempting to pack the schedule with as many tournaments as possible, but too much can lead to burnout—for both the player and the family. Instead, focus on quality:
- Choose events that align with your golfer’s goals and skill level.
- Look for tournaments that offer additional benefits, like HJGT’s College Prep Series, which provides opportunities to play collegiate courses and spotlights the path to college golf.
HJGT also prioritizes a professional tournament atmosphere at every event. From detailed course setups to live leaderboards to tour sponsors, our events give players the feel of competing like the pros—while ensuring they have fun along the way.
Explore how HJGT events can align with your golfer’s goals—view our upcoming tournaments at HJGT.org.
Key Considerations When Selecting Events
For competitive players, rankings and college exposure are important considerations when selecting tournaments, but they aren’t the only factors. Equally important are the opportunities to have fun, build confidence, and gain valuable experience in a competitive setting. Creating positive memories and friendships along the way can be just as impactful as a good score.
HJGT tournaments provide the perfect balance. They are ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard and other ranking systems, allowing players to boost their rankings and stand out to college recruiters while also enjoying a professional yet supportive environment that fosters growth and camaraderie.
Balance Travel and Budget
Travel costs can quickly add up, so it’s important to plan strategically.
- Leverage Tour Partnerships: HJGT partners with hotel brands to offer discounted rates at family-friendly lodging options near tournament venues. If you’re traveling to a tournament from out of town, check the event registration page for designated host hotels.
- Plan Ahead: Registering for events several weeks in advance can save money and reduce stress. HJGT’s “early bird” registration rates, which are typically available until 6 weeks before the event registration deadline, can save tour members $125 per event vs. regular non-member registration rates.
Involve Coaches and Mentors
Your junior golfer’s coach or mentor can provide valuable insight into which tournaments will best support their development. Coaches often have a deep understanding of a player’s strengths, areas for improvement, and readiness for different levels of competition. Many HJGT players work closely with their coaches to plan schedules that balance growth and competition.
At HJGT, we actively collaborate with coaches, instructors, and golf academies to recommend the best events for players based on their individual goals. Whether a player is just starting to compete or preparing for college golf, we work to ensure families are making informed decisions. Our partnerships with leading golf academies around the country also provide players with access to specialized events and other exclusive perks.
This collaborative approach ensures that each tournament on the schedule serves a purpose, whether it’s for skill development, building confidence, or gaining exposure to college coaches. Together with your golfer’s support network, we aim to create a roadmap that helps them achieve their goals both on and off the course.
Evaluate and Adjust
A great schedule isn’t set in stone. It’s important to evaluate how tournaments meet your golfer’s goals and adjust as needed.
At HJGT, we offer a diverse calendar of events year-round, making it easy to pivot and add tournaments to your schedule based on your golfer’s evolving needs.
Why HJGT is the Best Choice for Your Schedule
With hundreds of tournaments across the country, HJGT provides unmatched flexibility, quality, and value. Whether your player is just starting out in tournament golf or competing at the highest level, we’re here to support their journey every step of the way.
- Professional Experience: Every event is operated at the highest standards in the industry.
- Path To College Golf: From rankings to direct communication to college coach attendance, HJGT is designed to help players advance beyond high school golf.
- Family-Friendly Approach: With multiple opportunities to reduce expenses and a focus on creating memorable experiences, we make it easier for families to enjoy the journey.
Conclusion
Building a competitive tournament schedule is about more than just signing up for events. It’s about creating opportunities for growth, exposure, and unforgettable experiences.
At HJGT, we’re proud to offer the tools and tournaments families need to succeed. With thoughtful planning and the right opportunities, your junior golfer can take their game—and their confidence—to the next level.
Ready to start building your schedule? Check out our full calendar of events at HJGT.org.
– Rex Grayner
SVP Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour