2013 Archived News

LETTER FROM FORMER LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYER
(12/16/2013)

Little People’s Golf Staff,

I recently called to inquire about the status of the Little People’s Golf Tournament for my 14 year old daughter. To my delight, I had the opportunity to talk to Nan Ryan, golf professional and tournament director. It was a very pleasant conversation that led me down memory lane about myself and my experiences playing the Little People’s Golf Tournament from 1984-87 or so. This tournament was the highlight of my summer each year, in which I had the opportunity to play and participate in the many different events that this tournament offered (father/son, practice rounds, banquet, picnic, and two playing rounds). This tournament was always run in a first rate manner and the people of Quincy, Ill. were extremely polite. The tournament directors and the town itself made all junior golfers and their parents feel welcome and returning each year was not even a question. The most memorable experience that I had was getting the opportunity to meet Payne Stewart after he had completed a golf demonstration at the opening dinner. You see, my dad and I were practicing and he walked up and started having a conversation with my dad about Junior golf and how the sport was so good to him. He then came over and asked me how my game was and began working with me for about 30 or so minutes without any hesitation. He truly made an impact on me, and from that point forward I followed his career and tried to model that perfect swing that I believed he had. This tournament I believe is an experience that all junior golfers should experience at least once. There are not many mid-west tournaments where kids get the opportunity to play with other players from all over the United States. I really want my daughter to experience this tournament and the joy that I took from it. I want to thank you for your commitment and continued excellence in running such a quality junior golf tournament.

Brad Snell


FORMER LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYER RORY MCILROY A 2013 WINNER
(12/1/2013)

Rory McIlroy, a two-time major champion, won for the first time in 2013 with a victory in the Emirates Australian Open, taking the title from Adam Scott at the Royal Sydney Golf Club. It was his first victory since November 2012.

McIlroy has had a rough year, so this victory was especially sweet for the former Little People’s player.

“Golf’s a long career and I’m 24 years old,” said Rory. His final round 66 was just too good for Scott, who finished with a 71, his worst round of the tournament.


PLAYING OTHER SPORT IS A PART OF SUCCESS
(11/22/2013)

Rod Niebrugge, father of former Little People’s player Jordan Niebrugge, has written that Little People’s has been a HUGE part of Jordan’s success.

“It was Jordan’s 2nd ever golf tournament,” said Rod, “and he still has friends from that first event.

“One of my favorite golf memories is when we were sitting on a bench on the 8th hole at River Valley Golf Club,” said Rod. “There was a backup hitting into the par 3 and one of the boys ahead of us hit the perfect shot, about 5 feet below the hole.

“Jordan was still playing travel baseball (and was better at baseball than golf). He looked up and asked if I thought he could ever be as good as that boy if he gave up baseball.

“I told he him I had no doubt he could, but I wouldn’t let him give up baseball. He continued to play other sports throughout High School and I believe that has been a big part of his success (match play for sure),” said his Dad.

Jordan, now a sophomore at Oklahoma State, is a ranked Collegiate player, winner of the 2013 Western Amateur and member of the 2013 Walker Cup Team.


JORDAN NIEBRUGGE SET FOR GOLF CLASSIC
(11/22/2013)

A field of 21 of the nation’s top collegiate golfers will compete in the 2013 Sun Bowl Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic November 23-26 at El Paso (TX) Country Club.

Included in the field is former Little People’s player Jordan Niebrugge, a sophomore at Oklahoma State. Jordan was a member of the 2013 Walker Cup Team, won the 2013 U.S. Amateur Public Links, the Western Amateur and WSGA Match Play Championships this summer, and is currently ranked 10th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. He was selected to the 2012 Big 12 All Rookie Academic Team and is majoring in entrepreneurship.

Alumni of the Golf Classic have gone on to earn more than $1.6 billion and win 617 events on the PGA tour, raising over $730,000 in scholarship money for the participating institutions.


FORMER LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYERS RANK IN TOP 10
(11/21/2013)

Former Little People’s players Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Niebrugge have been named to the World Amateur Golf Rankings Top 10 Men, placing 6th and 10th, respectively, in the rankings. Congratulations!


HY-VEE TO CO-SPONSOR TRI-STATE JUNIOR TOUR WITH TITAN
(11/19/2013)

The Little People’s Golf Championships Association is pleased to announce that Hy-Vee of Quincy is the new co-sponsor of the Tri-State Junior Golf Tour, along with Titan International Inc.

“We are delighted that Hy-Vee has become an integral part of the junior golf scene in Quincy and the Tri-State area,” said Nan Ryan, President of the Little People’s Golf Championships Association that oversees the Tri-State Tour.

The Pepsi/Hy-Vee Tri-State Junior Golf Tour will conduct five or six golf events in the Tri-State area during the 2014 summer season, under the direction of Stephanie Burry.

“The year 2013 was a successful one for us,” said Stephanie. “We played six events, three in Quincy at Westview, Spring Lake and Quincy Country Club, and one each in Keokuk, Hannibal and Camp Point. Each event drew some 40+ junior golfers from the area. We look forward to an even more successful season in 2014”

“Hy-Vee is very excited to be a co-sponsor of the Titan/Hy-Vee Tri-State Junior Golf Tour for 2014,” said Steve Labs, Store Director of Hy-Vee at 14th and Harrison in Quincy. “It is a great event for our community and we feel fortunate to be a part of it.

“These events afford us the opportunity to watch young golfers develop their skills as young players — and who knows — maybe we will be watching a future professional golfer right here in Quincy!”

The Tri-State Junior Tour has been in existence for 22 years, and serves as a steppingstone for players who wish to gain more competitive experience before moving up to larger tournaments such as Little People’s, the Callaway Golf Junior World and AJGA tournaments.

The Tri-State program also offers paid-for entry scholarships into the Little People’s tournament, based on participation. In 2013, seven Tri-State players received scholarships for the 2013 Little People’s

“Titan is pleased to have Hy-Vee joining us as a co-sponsor of the Tri-State Junior Golf Tour,” stated Paul Reitz, Chief Financial Officer at Titan International Inc. “Their addition allows us to continue to offer a great opportunity to young golfers and a boost to our local economy.”

KHQA TV has been a supporter of the tournaments for many years and will again produce coverage of each tournament.

Titan International Inc. is the leader of both Titan and Goodyear Farm Tire brands, and offers a full line of wheels, tires and undercarriage products for a wide variety of off-the-road equipment, and has a network of dealers all over the world.

Hy-Vee has two stores in Quincy, at 36th and Broadway and 14th and Harrison. The company, based in West Des Moines, IA, is an employee-owned corporation operating 233 retail stores in eight Midwestern states, and is ranked among the top 25 supermarket chains and the top 50 private companies in the United States.


FORMER LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYER PETER UIHLEIN WINS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ON EUROPEAN TOUR
(11/19/2013)

Peter Uihlein eschewed the PGA Tour to go over to Europe a few years ago and try his hand at the Challenge Tour (Europe’s version of the Web.com Tour).

That went well as he won the Madeira Islands Open this May, thus earning his European Tour card for the rest of the season.

He took full advantage of it notching five top 10s the rest of the year and finishing 14th in the Race to Dubai — ahead of bigger names like Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy.

On Monday he was honored for his success by becoming the first American to win the European Tour rookie of the year award.

“It’s an honor to win the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award,” said Uihlein. “I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s been a great year and I’m very pleased. I think I’m the first non-European to win it, so that’s a great honor. Any time you’re the first of anything, it’s neat.”

Uihlein also noted what a launching pad his first win was for the rest of his season.

“The win in Madeira was great and I had a lot of top tens. I played well all week in Madeira and handled myself well in the wind, and it was nice to get the job done. The win opened a few doors for me and I was able to play at Wentworth (the BMW PGA Championship) the following week.

“I was supposed to start the year on the Challenge Tour, but instead I was 11th in The Race to Dubai heading into the final event, so it wasn’t what I’d planned on but obviously it’s fantastic the way it has worked out.”


LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYERS ON ROLEX TEAM
(11/03/2013)

Three members of the 2013 Rolex Junior All-American Teams Boys Division are former Little People’s players — Brad Dalke, Scott Scheffler and Adam Wood.

Brad of Hobart, OK, and Adam of Zionsville, IN, are the only two 2012 first-team Rolex All-Americans to return to the boys First Team in 2013.

Scott, from Dallas, TX, won the 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur and has committed to Texas.

Introduced by the AJGA in 1978, the Rolex Junior All-America Teams annually recognize players who have proven to be the world’s premier junior golfers. This year’s selections distinguished themselves through their outstanding play in 114 national events, 100 of which were conducted by the AJGA. The Rolex Junior All-America Teams were determined exclusively through the Polo Golf Rankings as of Oct. 16.

The teams are comprised of 97 junior golfers, ages 13-18, from 24 states, Puerto Rico and seven foreign countries (Bolivia, China, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand and Zimbabwe). These standouts will be honored at the Rolex Junior All-America Awards Banquet, Nov. 24, at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.


ERICA JACKSON TAKES 7TH AT STATE
(10/22/2013)

10222013Erica Jackson from Chicago, a regular contender at Little People’s, finished 7th in the Illinois Class A IHSA Girls Golf Finals at Red Tail Run Golf Course in Decatur, IL.
Erica was 7th out of 110 girls, the only girl from Chicago Public Schools to make it to the Finals and the only African American in the Class A finals.  She had the best finish of any girl from Chicago proper.
Two other Little People’s regulars also placed in the finals — Shawn Rennegarbe from Nashville, IL, placed 4th, while Lucy Clark from Quincy was 8th.

Erica receives her medal at State.

 


ZACH BURRY LEADS QHS TO SECOND WESTERN BIG SIX TITLE
(10/07/2013)

Zach Burry shot a 1-over-par 73 to earn medalist honors and lead the Quincy (IL) Blue Devils to their second straight Western Big Six conference title with a 304.

Burry, an annual contender in the Pepsi Titan Little People’s won his 16-17 division in Little People’s earlier this year with a 141, four shots better than his nearest competitor.

Another Little People’s player, Kolbe Rodemich, finished fourth overall with a 75 at the conference meet.


LUCY CLARK WINS WEST CENTRAL CONFERENCE GIRLS
(10/07/2013)

Quincyan Lucy Clark, who finished T-3 in this year’s Pepsi Titan Little People’s, shot a 3-over-par 74 to win the West Central Conference Girls golf title over the Arrowhead Heights Golf Course.

Another Little People’s player, Dakota Limkermann, finished second with 83.

Clark, a senior at Quincy Notre Dame, bogied the first hole but birdied the second on her way to the individual title.


PATRICK AKANIROJ AMASSES IMPRESSIVE LITTLE PEOPLE’S RECORD
(09/11/2013)

 

patrickakanirojPatrick Akaniroj from Willow Springs, IL, has amassed an impressive record in the nine years that he has been playing in the Pepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships in Quincy, IL.

Patrick played his first Little People’s at the age of 5 in 2005, finishing T-5 in his 3-5 Division with a 22-23-45 score. In the following 8 years, Patrick finished in the top 11 each of the six years he entered Little People’s.

In 2006 in moved to the 6-7 age division, shooting 38-37-75 to finish T-11. He followed that in 2007 with a 2nd place finish in that Division with 32-30-62.

Patrick graduated to the 8-9 Division in 2008, when he again finished T-10 with a 39-44-83 total. He was T-6th in that Division in 2009 with 40-47-87.

The young golfer skipped the event in 2010 and 2012, but finished T-5 in 2011 in the 10-11 Division with 75-83-158 over the 36 holes.

In 2013, Patrick came out victorious over a strong field to take the title in the 12-13 Division with an outstanding first-round 68, followed by 75 for a 143 total.

Congratulations to Patrick on his outstanding performances in the Pepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships. We look forward to him coming back to the tournament for many years to come!


JORDAN NIEBRUGGE NAMED TO WALKER CUP TEAM
(08/19/2013)

Former Little People’s player Jordan Niebrugge, of Mequon, Wis., has been named to the prestigious 2013 Walker Cup Team, which will compete against Europe’s elite amateurs at National Golf Links of America in Southampton, NY, September 6-8.

The Oklahoma State sophomore started his season with a win in the Wisconsin Match Play event, and followed that with a three-week winning streak. He won the U.S. Amateur Public Links, Wisconsin Amateur and then the difficult Western Amateur on his 20th birthday. He qualified for the U.S. Amateur and made it to the Round of 64 in match play.

Congratulations Jordan! We wish you and your team the very best!


NAN RYAN TALKS WITH CNN LIVING GOLF HOST
(08/19/2013)

During the recent Solheim Cup Matches at Colorado Golf Club, Parker, CO, Nan Ryan, Pepsi Titan Little People’s Executive Director, did a 10-minute radio interview with Shane O’Donoghue, CNN Living Golf Host from Ireland, talking about the tournament, and former Little People’s player Rory McIlroy. Nan was a volunteer in the Solheim Cup Media Center for three days, and was able to meet and talk with many media people from around the World.


PATRICK AKANIROJ WINS 14-15 DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT
(08/13/2013)

Patrick Akaniroj, another Pepsi Titan Little People’s contender, won the boys 14-15 division of the Regional Drive, Chip and Putt contest, at Oak Brook, IL, August 10, and will compete in the Championship Finals in April at Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA.

Congratulations, Patrick!!


ZELL WILSON WINS REGIONAL DRIVE CHIP & PUTT
(08/13/2013)

Zell Wilson, a regular competitor in the Pepsi Titan Little People’s, won the Regional Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying at Oak Brook Country Club near Chicago.  Zell won the 7-9 girls division with an overall total of 120.  She made the 6-foot putt, got the 15 footer close, her first chip from 15 yards missed falling in by 2 inches and the other 2 chips were within 3 feet.  All three of her drives were in the fairway.  

Zell will compete in the Championship finals on Sunday, April 6, 2014, at Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA.

In the boys 7-9 division, two Little People’s players also did well, with Pranay Singh finishing second and Derek Quinlan third.

Congratulations to all!


EIGHT FORMER LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYERS TO COMPETE IN US AMATEUR
(08/12/13)

The 2013 US Amateur will be held at The Country Club, Brookline, MA, August 12-18, with eight former Little People’s players competing.

Topping the list is Jordan Niebrugge from Mequon, WI, who in the last three weeks has won the US Public Links Amateur, Wisconsin Amateur and Western Amateur.  Other Little People’s alum competing will be Kyle Kochevar, Raymond Knoll, Richy Werenski, Ryan Zech, Beau Hossler, Jim Liu and Brad Dalke.

All of us at Little People’s are sending all of you best wishes for great golf!


FORMER LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYERS TOPS IN US AMATEUR
(08/12/13)

Emma Talley, a sophomore at Alabama who finished third in her 12-13 division at Little People’s in 2006, ended a 34-hole battle with another Little People’s alum, Yueer Cindy Feng, with a 2-1 victory to take the 2013 US Women’s Amateur title at the Country Club of Charleston.  Feng had finished third in her 10-11 division of Little People’s in 2007.

Congratulations to both fine young players!!


LITTLE PEOPLE’S ALUMS DO WELL IN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
(08/12/13)

Six former Little People’s players competed in the 2013 PGA Championship at Oak Hills Country Club, Rochester, NY.  Two of them, Zach Johnson and Rory McIlroy, finished T-8.  D.A. Points, a multi-winner at Little People’s was T-40, while Quincyan Luke Guthrie, another multi-winner at Little People’s and the only PGA Tour rookie to make the final cut, was T-47.  Ben Curtis finished at T-66.  The other player was Peter Uihlein, a winner on the 2013 European Tour, who missed the cut by 3 shots.

Congratulations to them all!


LP PLAYERS IN US KIDS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2013
(08/11/2013)

zell-usReese and Zell Wilson, who finished 3rd and 5th respectively in the 8-9 girls division of the 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s, competed in the recent U.S. Kids World Golf Championships at Pinehurst, NC.

Zell finished 3rd in her Girls 8 year division, with a one-over-par 36-36-37–109 total.  Reese was 24th in her Girls 10 year division, with a 236.

Also competing in the US Kids event was Bella Dovhey, winner of the 3-5 Girls division at the 2013 Little People’s.  Bella finished 10th in her Under 7 Girls division.

Congratulations Girls!  We look forward to seeing you back in Quincy next June.


CLAIRE HODGES WINS FIRST AJGA TITLE
(08/08/13)

Claire Hodges of Sorrento, Fla., won the Girls Division championship of the AJGA Junior hosted by the Ocala-Marion Sports Commission in a sudden-death playoff for her first AJGA title. 

After 54 holes, Claire was tied with Shannon Aubert at 4-under-par 212, and won on the first extra hole.

Claire was a regular competitor in Little People’s from 2003 through 2011, and during those nine years amassed four first place finishes (2003, 04, 05, 10), one second place (2009) and two third places (2010, 11).

Shannon played Little People’s a number of years, and was second in her 8-9 division in 2005.  She will represent France in the 2013 Junior Solheim Cup Matches at the Inverness Golf Club in Denver, CO, August 13-14.

Congratulations to both young ladies on their fine play!


LP ALUM JORDAN NIEBRUGGE CONTINUES AN INCREDIBLE SUMMER
(08/08/13)

Jordan Niebrugge, who placed 3rd in his 1999 3-5 Division at Little People’s and 3rd in his 2003 8-9 Division, has had an awesome summer.

Jordan’s incredible summer run continued last Monday at the Western Amateur.
All square in his final match against Sean Dale, the Oklahoma State sophomore ran off three consecutive wins when play resumed at the Alotian Club and dropped only one hole the rest of the way en route to a 3-and-2 victory.

This latest victory should lock up an improbable Walker Cup berth for Niebrugge, who wasn’t even on captain Jim Holtgrieve’s radar before this summer. But in the past three weeks, the 20-year-old has bolstered his resume by capturing the U.S. Amateur Public Links, Wisconsin Amateur and Western Amateur – all match-play events.
His latest feat is undoubtedly his most impressive. The Western Amateur is the most grueling test in amateur golf, with 72 holes of stroke-play qualifying, followed by two matches on both Saturday and Sunday. It also boasts the strongest field of the summer.

Jordan will continue his summer as he plays in the 113th U.S. Amateur at The Country Club, Brookline, MA, August 12-18.

Jordan’s Dad, Rod, wrote on Facebook:  “Thanks Nan!  He got hooked on golf at LP tourney when he was 5.  Thank you for providing him the opportunity to compete and make life long friends.”

Good luck Jordan!!!


BELLA DOVHEY TAKES 4TH AT CALLAWAY
(07/25/13)

Bella Dovhey, who won the 3-5 divisions of the 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s, qualified for the Callaway Junior World in San Diego, and exceeded her goal for a top 5 finish, placing 4th in the Under 6 division there. The tournament was played on a similar par-3 executive course, and Bella was proud of her 9-hole 28 during the final round — a personal best for 9 holes for her. Also competing in the Under 6 division at Callaway was another Little People’s qualifier, Ava Kolasinski.


BURRY REPEATS AS GRAND CHAMPION
(07/18/2013)

For the past four years, Little People’s and Country Youth Classic have teamed to present Grand Champion Awards to the two players who finish best in both tournaments in the 16-17 age divisions.

In 2013, those winners were Zach Burry, 17, from Quincy, IL, and August Will, 16, from Hudson, IL

Burry also won Grand Champion honors in 2012.  Zach won his 16-17 division at Little People’s in 2013, and his 141 total combined with his CYC total of 154 was 295.  August shot 173 at Little People’s and 177 at the CYC for a combined 350 total.


GARRICK HIGGO WINS AT COUNTRY YOUTH
(07/18/2013)

garrickGarrick Higgo, 14, from Stellenbosch, South Africa, took top honors in the Championship Flight of Division 6-B (Boys 14-15) at the recent Country Youth Classic in Bloomington, IL.

Higgo shot 77-75–152 over the Prairie Vista Golf Course to outdistance his nearest competitor, Kyle Eggenberger by three strokes.

Garrick made his first appearance in the 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships the previous week, shooting 84-73–157 to finish T-21.


2013 JOHN HOWERTON MEMORIAL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD FOR BOYS
(07/02/2013)

2013-howertonPepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships Association is pleased to announce the winner of the John Howerton Memorial Sportsmanship Award for Boys for 2013.

The winner this year is 16-year-old Seth Rebbe, son of Larry and Jennifer Rebbe, from Petersburg, IL

Rebbe was nominated by Tom Ernst, a former Little People’s Board member and a rules official at the 2013 tournament.

“Seth had a four-inch birdie putt on #18, and when he grounded his putter, the ball moved very slightly,” said Ernst.  “He asked for a ruling even though no one else saw it, and accepted the penalty graciously.”

This was the PORTA High School junior’s first time at Little People’s.  He started golfing with his father 10 years ago, and is a member of the school’s golf and basketball teams.  He qualified for the IHSA State Golf Tournament with his team his freshman year and was medalist in boys 14-15 at the 2012 Drysdale Junior with a 72.

“As a parent, watching him golf over the years, I have seen him grow into an awesome young man because of what he has learned on the golf course,” stated his Mother.

Seth will receive the John Howerton Sportsmanship Award for Boys, named for the former Little People’s Board member and Transportation Chair John Howerton.


LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYERS INVITED TO SOUTH AFRICA TOURNAMENT
(06/14/2013)

The top 10 players in each age division of Little People’s, boys 7-18 and girls 8-18, are invited to compete in this premium golf event in South Africa August 26-30, 2013.  Please read all the information below — this is an opportunity of a lifetime!!!  

saSA Kids Golf is proud to host the inaugural SA Kids Junior Africa Challenge at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa and Elements Private Golf Reserve from the 26th to 30th August 2013.

This event will attract the top children golfers from 52 countries. The age Groups will be from Boys U7 to Boys u18 and Girls U8 to Girls U 18. There will be individual age groups except for the Boys and Girls U15-18 age groups which will be combined.

The event will be held over 5 days with the Monday being the official practice round and the official tournament rounds taking place on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. A one-day team event on the Friday, based on the Ryder Cup format, will also be played with Africa as the host country competing against a team lead by American, European, and international players for each age group. The top two children per age group for Africa will play against the top two International finishers per age group.

These two Bushveld courses have Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Kudu, Bush pig and various other Antelope and Buck species roaming the course which allows for an ultimate Africa golf experience. Both Courses have 5 star bush lodges and accommodation available on site which will reduce the travelling required for the duration of the tournament.

Along with this there is the opportunity for our overseas visitors to experience, Quad biking game drives, a 5 star Spa for the ladies, a unique game drive on the back of an Elephant and watching a live Cheetah run. Please visit the Zebula website to view all activities available. http://www.zebulalodge.co.za/

When you visit the Zebula website you may wish to play the course on line to get a feel of the experience you may encounter when playing it live. This clever application gives you pictures of each hole and yardages so you know what to expect when you arrive in sunny South Africa

For further information on the Elements golf course, accommodation and activities please log onto http://www.elementspgr.co.za/

SA Kids Golf have partnered with Jason Wheeler from High Flyers who will assist all our local and overseas visitors with travel packages which include flights, accommodation and car hire if so required. His contact details are available on the SA Kids Website

Entry will cost $315 per player for the tournament which includes a welcome pack and practice round (Golf Shirt, Cap and Caddy Bib) and you can enter on the SA Kids website under Junior Africa Challenge. http://www.sakidsgolf.co.za/

We look forward to welcoming you to come and enjoy a truly African golf experience, which will leave you with many exhilarating memories of this beautiful country we live in and call home.



SIX PLAYERS FROM CHINA ENTERED IN 2013 LITTLE PEOPLE’S
(04/24/2013)

We are delighted this year to have six players coming from China!  All are the guests of Golf Professional Bill Crabtree from Evansville, IN.  Bill has spent time teaching golf in China, and these six students will be spending time with him in Indiana this summer.

The players are:
XIanqyui Bai, age 11, who has won 10 times in championships in China tournaments
Bo Peng, age 12, who shot 71-68-67 in the 2012 US Kids, and 68-71-67 in the 2012 Callaway Golf Junior World
Sifan He, age 13, the only girl, who finished T-2 with 71-69-77 in the 2012 Callaway Golf Junior World
Yihao He, age 15, who won the 2012 Veritas World Junior with 69-76-74
Showai Wu, age 13, who shot 70-72-72 in the 2012 US Kids World Championships
Quahzhou Zhu, aage 20, who finshed second in the Faldo Taihu qualifier


FORMER PLAYERS BRING THEIR SONS TO LITTLE PEOPLE’S
(04/24/2013)

It is always exciting for us to have the children of former players competing in the Pepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships.

Two men, who played in the first Little People’s tournament are bringing their sons to compete this year.

Luke Fisher, of Chicago, will be playing in his first Pepsi Titan Little People’s as an 8-year-old. His Dad, David, played in the first Little People’s in 1974 at the same age. His Uncle Dan, who still lives in Quincy, also played in the first Little People’s, and their parents were instrumental in helping to develop the tournament.

Don “Tripp” Walsworth III from Leawood, KS, will be playing in his first Little People’s at age 16. Tripp’s Dad, Don, played in the first Little People’s and won his 12-13 age division in 1977. Tripp’s Uncle Ed won the 14-15 division in 1975.


NEWS RELEASE FROM THE PEPSI TITAN TRI-STATE JUNIOR GOLF TOUR
(04/12/2013)

Refreshment Services Pepsi and Titan International Inc. arethe new major sponsors of the Pepsi Titan Tri-State Junior Golf Tour, a series of one-day events in the tri-state area for golfers ages 17 and under. KHQA TV-7 will continue to cover all events.

The Tour replaces the old Tri-State Junior Golf program which had been in existence
since 1991.

The PTTSJGT is designed for boys and girls seeking competition and experience in tournament golf, and this year offers play at three Quincy venues, one in Hannibal, MO, one in Camp Point, IL, and one in Keokuk, IA.

Entry fee for each event is $15 for 8 and under, $20 for ages 9-11, and $25 for ages 12-14 and 15-17.

All 8 and under players will compete over 5 holes of 150-200 yards in length. The 9-11 divisions will play 9 regulation holes, and the older groups will play 18 regulation holes. There are separate divisions for boys and for girls.

Pre-registration is required for all events, and can be made at www.CompeteToday.com, with payment by credit card. Entry forms are also available on the Little People’s website, www.littlepeoplesgolf.com.

Points will be awarded for 1st through 4th places in each Division in each tournament.
Top point winner in each Division will receive a trophy.

Every player who competes in each of the six events on the 2013 schedule will be given a logoed t-shirt.

The PTTSJGT is also offering its players the opportunity to win a Scholarship to participate in the 2014 Pepsi Titan Little People’s — an entry-free chance to compete against golfers from all over the World on their home courses. Any player who posts a score in each of the six tournaments on the 2013 schedule will have their names placed into a drawing for a scholarship. A name will be drawn from each division.

Last year’s scholarship winners were Jacob Schisler, Quincy, 8 & under boys; Sean Minor, Hannibal, 9-11 boys; Alex Watson, Quincy, 12-14 boys, Hunter Baggett, Palmyra,15-17 boys; Cami Bross, Hannibal, 9-11 girls; Krystal Burtorf, Quincy, 12-14 girls, and Lauren Brown, Quincy, 15-17 girls.

All tournaments on the 2013 Pepsi Titan Tri-State Junior Golf Tour are sponsored by Refreshment Services Pepsi and Titan International Inc., and are conducted under the auspices of the Little People’s Golf Championships Association, with Stephanie Burry as Tournament Director.

For further information on the 2013 Junior Golf Tour, please contact Stephanie Burry at 319-520-5844 orburryst@qps.org.


 

LITTLE PEOPLE’S PLAYERS QUALIFY FOR TWO NEW EVENTS
(04/09/2013)

FIJPARSThe winners and runnersup in the 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships will now qualify for an exemption into the 5th World Masters of Junior Golf, July 22-25, 2013, in Las Vegas, NV, AND for the 18th PARS Florida International Junior at Orange Lake Golf Resort, Orlando, FL, December 28-30, 2013.

These are two very exciting events on the junior schedule.  The World in Las Vegas follows the Callaway Golf Junior in California, while the PARS event offers an opportunity for great competition during the winter months.

www.parsjuniorgolf.com
www.worldmastersofjuniorgolf.com

TM-WorldMasters

 

 

 

 

 


(01/22/2013)

JACOB JONES FROM ENGLAND TO PLAY IN 2013 LITTLE PEOPLE’S

jacobJacob Jones, 8, from England, will be representing the GM International Tours operated by Graham Moore, in the 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships.

Jacob qualified for Little People’s on the 2012 GM International Tour at Carden Park, Cheshire, England.

Jacob has been playing golf since age 6, and according to his father, Matt, “simply loves playing golf”!! His heroes are Seve Ballesteros and Gary Player, and he “spends hours practicing ‘Seve’ shots”.

Interestingly, Jacob is a classic club collector and has a good knowledge of early Ping clubs. He hopes to tour the Ping factory in Arizona or the Jack Nicklaus Museum in Ohio after playing Little People’s.

One of the highlights of his young life was holding the ‘real’ Claret Jug while at a golf show, where Gary Player was the star guest. Jacob was the proud recipient of a putting lesson from the great Mr. Player.

Jacob has won several junior competitions, and it was in a recent GM International event that he qualified for Little People’s. Little People’s has a reciprocal agreement with GM whereby winners in a GM tournament qualify for Little People’s, and vice versa.

Several members of Jacob’s family, from Texas, Canada and England, will be watching Jacob compete in Quincy.


(11/11/2012)
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Updates about past and present Little People’s players, as well as information on the upcoming 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s and Collegiate tournaments, can be found on our Facebook page.

Just click on the Facebook logo at the bottom right of this website’s Home Page.  If you have an item you wish to be included, please email it to jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com.


(10/30/2012)
BURRY AND GOLDENSTEIN ARE GRAND CHAMPIONS

For the past three years, Little People’s and Country Youth Classic  have teamed to present Grand Champion Awards to the two players who finish best in both tournaments in the 16-17 age divisions.

In 2012, those winners were Zach Burry, 16, from Quincy, IL, and Emily Goldenstein, 16, from Chesterfield, MO.

Both Burry and Goldenstein finished tied second in their respective divisions in the Pepsi Titan Little People’s.  Zach had a combined total of 304 (151-153), while Emily shot 158-148–306.

Congratulations to both of these fine young players!!


(10/12/2012)
CAPE AIR MAKES TRAVEL TO QUINCY EASY!

Cape Air has announced that it has six flights a day between St. Louis and Quincy, making travel between those cities for the 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s tournament easy!  Cape Air is a convenient alternative to driving.   AND, flights are only $49.97 each way!  Visit capeair.com, aa.com, Travelocity or Expedia to book or call 1-800-Cape Air.


(10/12/2012)
REESE AND ZELL WILSON HAVE GOOD SUMMER

Zell Wilson - Ryder Cup IIIReese and Zell Wilson from Chicago, two prominent Pepsi Titan Little People’s players, had a good summer of golf.

Zell won her girls 6-9 division in the Ryder Cup Youth Skills Challenge at Medinah Country Club and received a trophy and prizes for her good work.

In the U.S. Kids World Golf Championship, Zell placed 5th in Girls 7 and under, while Reese came in 15th in Girls 9.  Reese also finished 7th in the Callaway Golf Junior World.

In the 2012 Pepsi Titan Little People’s, Zell finished 1st in her 6-7 age group, while Reese finished 4th in the girls 8-9 division.

Congratulations Wilson girls!  We look forward to seeing you back in Quincy in 2013 for the 40th anniversary of the tournament!


(09/18/2012)
2013 PEPSI TITAN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACE OF PLAY – READY GOLF

Each golfer is expected to play a round of 18 holes of golf in 4 hours and 30 minutes. This averages out to 15 minutes per hole. Each golfer should be able to play his/her shot in no more than 45 seconds.

HOW TO DO THIS?

The answer is READY GOLF.  This does not mean you have to rush your shot, but it does mean that you have to beREADY to hit your next shot as soon as the other player has played.  Ready Golf applies EVERYWHERE on the golf course – the tees, fairways, and greens.

On the Tee
The player with the honor should be ready to hit first.  If he/she isn’t ready, then someone else should hit.

On the Fairway
All golfers should go to their ball as soon as possible and get ready to hit.  While waiting for others, players should look at their shot, get the yardage, select the club, and stand at their ball ready to hit when it is their turn.  If you are not away but the person further away is not ready, then you should go ahead and hit.

On the Green
Be ready to putt before it is your turn.  Players should line up their putt while others are putting so they are ready to putt when it is their turn.

Ready golf means

THINKING AHEAD so that you are READY TO PLAY when it is your turn

HINTS:
Players should walk down the side of the fairway to even with their ball, determine yardage and club selection, then move towards their ball after the player(s) behind have hit.

Everyone (players, parents, spectators) should try to help find a lost ball, but should do so AFTER hitting their shots, not before.

Always leave your golf bag at the back or side of the green closest to the next tee.  Don’t stand on the green writing down scores; go to the next tee and record scores.

Putt continuously if possible.  Marking and remarking balls takes time and slows down play.  If you must mark your ball, take the time the other person is putting to survey your putt and be ready to putt when it is your turn.

Walk fast – don’t be a ‘slug’ on the golf course.

If a situation arises and a player does not know how to proceed, he/she should play a second ball under Rule 3-3 and continue play.  He/she must report the facts to the tournament rules official afterwards regardless of score, and must NOT sign the scorecard until an official decision has been made. 


(09/05/2012)
JOHN HOWERTON SPIRIT OF GIVING AWARD

In 2011, Little People’s established the “Spirit of Giving” Award in honor of John Howerton, a Little People’s Board member and Chair of the Transportation Committee, who passed away unexpectedly in March of 2011 following routine surgery.

John was a great ambassador for Little People’s and established many friendships with Little People’s players and their families.

maggie-ambroseParents were asked to nominate their son or daughter for the award and to send details.

In 2011, the first Spirit of Giving Award went to Claire Hodges of Wildwood, MO, for her work as a volunteer with Ranken Jordan, a pediatric specialty hospital in Missouri.

In 2012, Little People’s had two Spirit of Giving Award winners, Maggie Ambrose and Zachary Hoskins.

Maggie won the award for her passion for helping young girls learn and enjoy golf.  In addition, she serves her church, school, and her community by volunteering at a local nursing home.

zachary-hoskinsZach’s interest in helping others in the game won him the award. Zach loves to engage with others and instill confidence in them.  He is a leader on his high school golf team.

Both Maggie and Zach are excellent golfers, and both tied for 4th in their respective divisions in the 2012 Little People’s.

The award was presented in 2012 by John’s son, John Howerton Jr.


(09/05/2012)
DON SYKES SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

don-sykesLittle People’s was saddened in early 2012 by the death of one of its Advisory Team members, Don Sykes.

Don had been a loyal volunteer since 1998, when his home club, River Valley Country Club, became a venue for the 10-11 players and the Parent-Child event.

On his spring trips to visit family in Texas, he always attended the PGA Tour events there and made a point of seeking out former Little People’s players.

He was a member of the Little People’s Publicity Committee, and his primary passion was taking pictures.  He could be seen snapping shots of the teams during the Parent-Child tournament, during competition, and being front-row center taking pictures at the annual Picnic.

When the 10-11 division and Parent-Child event moved to Westview in 2011, Don was there with his camera to capture the moments.  His were always the first pictures to be posted on the Little People’s website, and he took pleasure in naming each photo.

Because of his dedication to Little People’s, Don was awarded the Volunteer-of-the-Year Award in 2012, but unfortunately passed away prior to the event.

In Don’s memory, Little People’s has established the Don Sykes Scholarship for boys aged 10-11, which will be available for the first time in 2013.

For more information, click here… Scholarship Information | Scholarship Application


(08/22/2012)
2013 LITTLE PEOPLE’S WINNERS TO QUALIFY FOR EVENT IN INDIA

Winners in the 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships will qualify to compete in one of the Little Masters Junior Golf Tour events in late 2013.
Negotiations with Faisal Qureshi, Founder and Tour Director of LMJGT, have been ongoing since 2009, when he first conceived the idea of a national junior golf tour.  The organization held its first event in July of 2012, with future events scheduled in September and November of 2012, and January and March of 2013.  Since the summer months in

India are quite warm, the next events will be held in the winter months of 2013.           
More information on qualification will be forthcoming as the 2013 Little People’s draws closer.  For more information on the LMJGT, go to www.lmjgt.org.


(08/22/2012)
PLAYERS FROM INDIA COMING TO LITTLE PEOPLE’S

lpjgtPlans have been finalized for winners from the Little Masters Junior Golf Tour in India to play in the 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships.
The Little Masters is dedicated to providing a positive competitive environment for junior golfers ages 7 through 15, and to assisting in the growth and development of every young man or woman who seeks to go to the top level.  LMJGT also has a Master’s Charitable Program, with part of their proceeds going to local and national charitable organizations involving young people.

Little Masters was founded by Faisal Qureshi, a golf professional who has played the Indian, Asian and Pakistan circuits.  He was head golf professional at Royal Colombo Golf Club in Sri Lanka for four years before moving to India, where he ran golf operations at two clubs.  He has also helped his wife, Nonita, with junior training programs at Delhi Golf Club.  A favorite with kids, he teaches golf in schools to students ages 3+ using a system called SNAG (Starting New at Golf).  He also helped organize a fund raising event for the earthquake victims of Pakistan and India.

Nonita Lal Qureshi, Faisal’s wife, serves as Consultant to LMJGT.  A Psychology graduate, Nonita is a member of Delhi Golf Club and was the club’s and the country’s best amateur golfer for more than 11 years.  She has won tournaments in many countries  and has represented India in numerous amateur events worldwide.  She turned professional in 1999 and has been instrumental in founding the Indian National Golf Academy.  She coached the Indian Women’s and Junior Girls Team from 1999-2003 and was coach of the Indian Mens team to the Nomura Cup in 2009.

It is expected that at least nine players from the LMJGT will compete in various age groups in the 2013 Pepsi Titan Little People’s, June 17-19.
For more information on the LMJGT go to www.lmjgt.org


(08/21/2012)
LITTLE PEOPLE’S TO CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY   

The Pepsi Titan Little People’s Golf Championships will celebrate its 40th anniversary June 17-19, 2013.

“It doesn’t seem possible that we have already enjoyed 39 wonderful years of Little People’s,” stated Nan Ryan, Founder and Executive Director of the championships. 

“It just wasn’t that long ago that my daughter, Kathleen, climbed up on my lap and said ‘Let’s call it Little People’s — that’s who it’s for’ — and the tournament had its name.”

Since that memorable time, Little People’s has seen some 15,000 young players and twice as many parents — all of whom have become a special part of the “Little People’s family”.  Many of our former players have gone on to make names for themselves on the various golf tours, as coaches or as golf administrators, while many have chosen other fields to excel in.

The Little People’s staff is asking that former players contact them about their experiences or memories of Little People’s — messages can be emailed tojrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, with subject 40th Anniversary.  We welcome any former players also to attend the Picnic on Monday night, June 17.

Plans are underway for some special events to celebrate the 40th anniversary — more information will be available later on this website.


(08/21/2012)
COLLEGIATE DIVISION OF PEPSI TITAN INCREASED TO 22

At the recommendation of Mel Blasi, golf professional and golf coach at the Harry Mussatto (Western Illinois University) Golf Course in Macomb, IL, site of the 2013 Pepsi Titan LP Collegiate Golf Championships, the age limit has been raised to 22.

“We hope that this increase will encourage more collegiate players to enter the 2013 event,” stated Blasi, a former Little People’s player himself. “We are looking forward to once again hosting the talented collegiate players aged 18 through 22.”

The WIU course has been the venue for the Collegiate Divisions of Little People’s since 2009, and has proven to be a challenging course for the players.  Gift certificates for merchandise are awarded to the first three places in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Entry forms for the 2013 Collegiate event will be on this website on February 1, 2013.