By Rex Grayner, SVP Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
Junior golf has never been more competitive, or more expensive. Between tournament fees, travel, equipment, and coaching, families invest significant time and resources to support their child’s passion for the game. But here’s something many parents don’t realize: behind every successful junior golf tour, there’s a network of sponsors and strategic partners helping to keep costs manageable and enhance the overall experience for players.
At the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT), we see firsthand how the right partnerships can make a real difference. Sponsorships aren’t just about logos on banners or marketing dollars. They shape the junior golf landscape in ways that impact families, players, and the future of the sport.
Making Junior Golf More Accessible
One of the biggest challenges in junior golf is affordability. The cost of tournament entry fees alone can add up quickly, especially for families traveling to multiple events each year. Sponsors play a crucial role in helping to offset these costs, making high-quality competition more accessible to a broader range of players.
For example, through our partnerships with brands like Srixon, Mizuno, and Good Good, we’re able to provide HJGT members with exclusive equipment discounts, complimentary tournament gifts, and access to premium golf gear at a fraction of the retail price. These benefits aren’t just perks. They’re tangible ways that families can save money while ensuring their junior golfers have the tools they need to compete at their best.
As Lauren Smith, Player Development Manager at Mizuno Golf, puts it, “Our goal is to grow the game, and we believe that the best way is to support the younger generation of golfers. By continuing this partnership with the HJGT, we hope that the discount we provide encourages players to gain access to our top-of-the-line golf equipment while also providing financial assistance to parents.”
Enhancing the Tournament Experience
Sponsorships don’t just reduce costs; they elevate the entire tournament experience. When brands invest in junior golf, they’re investing in creating an environment that feels professional, exciting, and rewarding for young athletes.
Consider our partnerships with technology and performance brands. Through collaborations with companies like Foresight Sports, JumboMax, and Bushnell, we’ve integrated advanced technology into our events, allowing players to access cutting-edge data and analytics to refine their game. These resources help juniors develop a deeper understanding of their performance, an invaluable asset in their development.
“The HJGT is a great partner for us because the new 15th club in the bag is technology, and junior golfers improve their games faster with it. The opportunity for Foresight Sports to enable members greater access to tour-validated data is a no-brainer,” says Ethan Ganot, Marketing Director at Foresight Sports.
“We’re excited to partner with the HJGT to introduce our unrivaled grip fitting technologies to the next generation of golfers. By working with Bryson DeChambeau and top players at all levels of the game, we’ve demonstrated how properly fitted grips can increase distance, improve consistency, and enhance comfort. We’re proud to bring this proven performance advantage to junior golfers striving to reach their full potential,” says John Mazzanoble, President of JumboMax.
Additionally, sponsorship dollars contribute to the overall quality of tournaments, from upgraded course setups to enhanced player amenities. It’s why HJGT events continue to stand out as a premier destination for junior golfers aiming to compete at the next level.
“The HJGT is a great partner for us because the new 15th club in the bag is technology, and junior golfers improve their games faster with it.”
Ethan Ganot, Foresight Sports
Supporting College Golf Aspirations
For many junior golfers, the ultimate goal is to play at the collegiate level. Sponsorships and strategic partnerships can play a vital role in helping players get noticed by college coaches.
By working with technology partners and recruiting platforms, we ensure that key player data, like tournament scores, video highlights, and profile information, are accessible to college coaches. This streamlines the recruiting process, making it easier for players to showcase their abilities and connect with the right programs.
In addition, sponsorships help fund national championship events and other high-profile tournaments that attract college recruiters. These events offer players a bigger stage to compete on, with enhanced exposure that can lead to scholarship opportunities and the chance to continue their golf journey at the next level.
“Based on the professionalize I witnessed at the Tournament of Champions event in December, I would highly recommend HJGT golf tournaments to players that have aspirations of competing at a higher collegiate level,” says Katelyn Chipman, coach of the Grand Valley State University women’s golf team in Michigan.
Building a Stronger Junior Golf Community
Another overlooked benefit of sponsorships is the sense of community they help create. Junior golf isn’t just about individual success; it’s about building lifelong relationships and fostering a love for the game that extends beyond competition.
Through partnerships with brands that align with our mission, we’ve been able to introduce unique experiences for players and families. Whether it’s educational webinars, special member-only opportunities, or on-site events before high profile tournaments, these collaborations add value to the HJGT experience in ways that go beyond the leaderboard.
“It was truly inspiring to meet such a remarkable group of young, talented golfers and to connect with the Hurricane staff and other esteemed vendors,” said Luke Stava of IMG Academy, who participated in this year’s National Championship Weekend Kickoff Party. “The energy and commitment at the event underscored the shared passion we each have for developing the next generation of athletes.”
Why Sponsorships Matter for Junior Golf Families
So, why should parents and families care about sponsorships in junior golf? Because these partnerships are working behind the scenes to make tournaments more affordable, more competitive, and more rewarding for every player.
Without the support of sponsors, the cost of participation would rise, access to resources would be limited, and the overall experience wouldn’t be the same. When you see a sponsor’s logo at an event or receive a membership benefit tied to a partner brand, know that their investment is helping to shape the future of junior golf in a meaningful way.
At HJGT, we’re committed to continuing to build relationships with brands that believe in junior golf as much as we do. Because at the end of the day, these partnerships aren’t just good for business. They’re good for the game, good for families, and good for the young athletes who dream of playing at the highest level.
So the next time you’re at an HJGT event and see a sponsor’s presence, take a moment to appreciate the role they play in making junior golf possible. Because thanks to them, thousands of young golfers get the opportunity to chase their dreams, one tournament at a time.
