By Rex Grayner, SVP Business Development, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
If you’ve ever wondered if the time, money, and weekends spent on junior golf are really worth it, you’re not alone.
Parents ask me this all the time. And after 25 years in youth sports, my answer is the same now as it was then: golf pays back every bit you put in, and more.
Here’s why.
Golf Teaches Skills That Stick
Golf is about a lot more than a good swing.
A junior golfer learns how to show up early, handle pressure, follow rules, and shake hands when it’s over, no matter the score. They learn to compete with respect. To lose with grace. And to win without boasting.
These lessons stick with kids long after they put the clubs away.
Years from now, your child won’t remember every scorecard. But they’ll remember how they handled tough days and how those moments made them stronger in life.
It’s a Direct Path to College
College golf is alive and well, and many schools are always looking for good players and good students.
Families don’t always realize this: in some sports, the path to a scholarship can be crowded and political. Golf is different. Scores don’t lie. Coaches recruit based on results, work ethic and how a player carries themselves on the course.
If your child loves the game and works at it, golf can open doors to schools that might otherwise feel out of reach. For some families, this alone makes every mile on the road and every entry fee worth it.
The Right People, the Right Memories
Families who look back with no regrets didn’t just build a junior golf résumé. They built memories together.
They found great people along the way. Teammates, competitors, coaches who cared. They traveled to places they might never have visited otherwise. They made friends that last a lifetime.
If you want your child surrounded by good kids, respectful parents, and mentors who teach the right values, golf is still one of the best communities you’ll find.
A Game for Life
This is the only youth sport where you can keep playing at 18, 38, or 88.
When your child learns to love golf now, they’re picking up something they’ll enjoy forever.
They’ll play with future business partners. They’ll take clients to the course. They’ll play with you when you’re older and maybe their own kids one day.
No other sport gives you that kind of return.
How HJGT Helps Families Stay in the Game
We know junior golf can stretch a family budget, which is why we work hard to keep it accessible.
We partner with brands that give our members exclusive equipment discounts. We offer membership perks like free premium golf balls at most events, special player programs, and promotions that help families save on entry fees and gear.
Our partnerships aren’t just business. They’re designed to help you stretch your dollars so your child can keep playing, learning, and growing in the game they love.
How to Get Started
If you’re new to junior golf or just ready to do more, here are three simple steps to get moving:
#1 Pick One Event:
Choose a local HJGT tournament that fits your schedule. Even one event can spark a new level of excitement for your child.
#2 Join as a Member:
Membership unlocks extra perks, player gifts, and year-round support. And the more you play, the more you save, so it makes a ton of sense to enroll as a member.
#3 Connect with Us:
All of us here at the HJGT are here to help. Reach out anytime with questions about schedules, travel, or how to build a plan that works for your family.
Final Thoughts
Golf isn’t always easy. It tests patience, yours and your child’s. The travel days are long. The early mornings can be rough. And the cost can add up fast.
But if you ask any parent whose kids grew up in this game if they’d do it again, most would say yes in a heartbeat.
Golf transforms kids. It makes them better students, better friends, better leaders. And it brings families closer, one shot at a time.
If you’re reading this and wondering if you should stick with it, take this as your sign.
You won’t regret it.
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Ready to give your child more opportunities through golf?
Check out our upcoming events and find one near you: https://tournaments.hjgt.org/Tournament
