2016 Archived News

2016 News

 

 

December 14, 2016

            Hy-Vee Supermarket Company is the new co-sponsor of the Pepsi Little People’s Family Celebration Picnic.

            Hy-Vee will join Refreshment Services Pepsi, WGEM and The Quincy Herald Whig in co-sponsoring this very popular event for Little People’s players, families, sponsors and others interested in junior golf.

            “Hy-Vee will also cater the event with all the food people like to eat at a picnic,” stated Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director.

            Hy-Vee is an employee-owned chain of more than 240 supermarkets located throughout the Midwest.

            “We are extremely pleased to add Hy-Vee to our picnic co-sponsors,” added Ryan. “The company has been very supportive of Little People’s and its events for the past several years.”

            “Hy-Vee is very proud to be a sponsor and partner of such a great event that brings all these young golfers to Quincy,” stated Broadway Store Director Steve Labs.

            The Picnic will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017, at the Knights of Columbus McGivney Hall, following practice rounds for the 44th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.

photo-jpg-copy

 

December 14, 2016

BREAKFAST OPTIMIST CLUB TO HELP LOCAL JUNIOR GOLFERS

                 The Quincy Breakfast Optimist Club has a long history of supporting youth golf and looks to start a new tradition by helping more local golfers participate in the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.

                  The BOC is proud to announce it will be providing scholarship funding to assist Adams County golfers who want to play in the Pepsi Little People’s as part of its efforts to promote youth golf in the Quincy area.

                  “With one of the top youth golf tournaments in the world held in our own backyard, we want local young golfers to have every opportunity to play against the best competition in the world. We want to make sure the entry fee is not an obstacle for any child who wants to compete,” said John Ohnemus, chair of the Optimist Club’s golf committee.

                  “Little People’s is delighted that the Quincy Breakfast Optimist Club is helping make it possible for more Quincy golfers to participate in our tournament” stated Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director. “Although Little People’s is an international tournament, we encourage local participation, as it gives Adams County youth an opportunity to compete in a national junior tournament with players from around the World.”

                  Since 1978, Optimist-sponsored golf tournaments have served as a springboard for many of golf’s greatest players. Phil Mickelson, Jason Day, Tiger Woods, Michelle McGann, and Lexi Thompson are just a few of the elite players who started their careers at Optimist Junior Golf events. The Quincy Breakfast Optimist Club hopes its support will also help launch the next young star to come out of the Pepsi Little People’s.

                  The 44th annual Pepsi Little People’s will be played at Westview and KC golf courses in Quincy June 19-21, with practice rounds at both courses on Monday, followed by two days of competition. The tournament is open to boys and girls ages 3 through 18.

                  The tournament will be preceded by the ever-popular Applebee’s Parent-Child event on Sunday (Father’s Day), June 18, at Westview, and includes putting and driving contests, as well as a Best Dressed Team contest.

                  For more information on the discounts that the BOC will offer to Adams County players, please go to www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, click on REGISTRATION, then Optimist Discount.

                  Entry forms for the 2017 tournament will be available at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com on February 1. For further information, please contact Nan Ryan at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, or call 217-257-5718.

 

November 26, 2016

           Little People’s player Quinn Thomas, 11, from Hannibal, MO., has qualified to compete in the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship in Augusta, GA.  Quinn won his division at the local and sub-regional levels before winning the finals.  Thomas won by scoring 120 points — 8 more than the runner-up.

           The nationwide competition started with 36,000 participants ages 7 to 15.  Only 80 will advance to compete April 2 at Augusta National Golf Club.  Competition will air live on the Golf Channel.

           Quinn is a regular participant in Pepsi Little People’s, and finished T-10 in his 10-11 age division in 2016.  Quinn’s father, Joe, is a former Little People’s player.

          Congratulations Quinn!  We will all be watching and pulling for you in April!!

ar-311269768

H-W Photo/Ashley Szatala

October 24, 2016

            All of us at Little People’s are saddened by the death of one of our loyal supporters, Lee Osborn, on October 20.

            Lee served in many capacities while associated with Little People’s, including Chair of all activities at the K of C, where the 3-7 year old players competed. He was also on the Scholarship and Team Committees, and was Vice President his final year, 2010.

            Lee was an avid sportsman and golfer, and a diehard Cubs fan. He was the first Head Coach of the men’s and women’s cross country teams at Quincy University until 2014, and was assistant coach in 2015.

            He served with the US Navy in the Korean War.

            Lee was always on hand to greet us at Westview when we arrived each June for the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.

            We will miss his smiling face and wit.

image1

Lee with Little People’s Secretary Judy Wilper

 

September 25, 2016

Former Little People’s player Rory McIlroy wins the Tour Championship AND the Fed Ex Cup — worth more than $11 million!  Congratulations, Rory!!!

September 20, 2016

Lisa goes to Augusta!

Eight-year-old Lisa Copeland won the Regional Finals for the Drive, Chip and Putt contest at Medinah near Chicago, and is going to Augusta for the finals in April!!!  Lisa won the Driving and Chipping events and was 3rd in putting, giving her a score of 84 —18 points better than her nearest rival.

Lisa won her 6-7 age division at Pepsi Little People’s in 2015, and finished 7th in the 8-9 group in 2016.

Congratulations, Lisa!!

20160917_104930

Lisa stand ‘tall’ at the DCP prize presentations, between her taller rivals.

August 9, 2016

            What fun it is to catch up with former Little People’s players — and Nan Ryan, LPGC Tournament Director had the pleasure of doing just that when former player Will Chambers and his new wife, Chelsea, came to Colorado.  Will, originally from England, is now working in San Francisco, after four years of college in Ohio, where he met Chelsea.  Oddly enough, the last time Nan met Will was at St. Andrews in Scotland.  Small world…….  Will is honing his golf game, and Chelsea is learning.  Congratulations to the newlyweds!  P1010136

July 16, 2016

            The 2017 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships will be played June 19-21, at two golf courses in Quincy, IL. This 44th annual event will be preceded by the ever-popular Applebee’s Parent-Child event on Sunday (Father’s Day) June 18.

            Little People’s is an international junior golf championship event for boys and girls aged 3 through 18, and is played in seven age divisions for boys and seven age divisions for girls.

            It is a qualifying event for the American Junior Golf Association for boys and girls 12-18, for the IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships for boys and girls 5 through 14, for Future Champions Golf, Future Collegians World Tour, PARS Florida International Junior, World Stars of Junior Golf, Optimist International and Little Master Junior Golf Tour in India, and is ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard and GolfWeek/Sagarin.

             Entry forms will be available on this website on February 1, 2017.  For questions or information about the tournament, please call Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director, at 217-257-5718, or email jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com.

 

July 16, 2016

            Braeden Sladek led the list of Little People’s players competing in the 2016 IMG Academy Junior Golf World event July 10-15.

            Braeden, who won his 10-11 Little People’s Division in June with a 69-67—136, finished T-10 in the Boys 11-12 Division at the IMG.

            Other Little People’s qualifiers competing in the IMG included Booth Hayes, Saachi and Isaah Kandula, Aiden Cudney, Areen Aggarwal, Emily and Allyson Duan, Conan Pan, Sarah Balding, Camille and Aaron Kuznik, Phasin Vichitcharoenpaisarn, Shannyn Vogler, Carlos Dugarte Hurt and Dawson Freeman.           

            Congratulations to all these fine young players!!

            For complete IMG results, go to www.juniorworldgolf.com

July 11, 2016

            Former Little People’s players sister and brother finished 1-2 in Quincy Men’s and Women’s City Championships.

            Zach Burry, a two-time winner in Little People’s (2001 and 2013), won his first City title by closing out five-time winner Adam Pfeiffer with a birdie on the final hole. The Illinois State University used his distance off the tee to an advantage over Pfeiffer, another former Little People’s player.

            In the Women’s City, two former Little People’s players battled it out, with Dakota Limkemann defending her title. Lindsay Burry, sister of Zach and winner of the Little People’s Girls 6-7 division in 1996, finished second.

June 29, 2016

Many Little People’s players continued on to The Youth Classic in Bloomington, IL, following play in the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s in Quincy, IL.

And many of them did well!!

In Division 1-B, Bear Johnson finished 1st and Luke Mulligan 2nd. Bear’s overall 88 set a tournament record for that division.

London Fitzgerald took top honors in 2-G and Joey Scott finished 1st in 2-B.

In 3-B, Saachi Kandula finished 2nd, while Siena Minor took 1st in division 4-G and Areen Aggarwal won his 4-G division.

Shannyn Vogler won 1st in her 5-G division, while Parker Wisdom’s overall 143 set a tournament record in division 6-B.

Allison Kinsinger won her 7-G division, and Noah Wilson came in 1st in 7-B

Congratulations to all these fine young players!!

 

June 29, 2016

In 2011, Pepsi Little People’s teamed with The Youth Classic in Bloomington, IL, to declare Grand Champions in the oldest divisions.  Winners combined their total score at Little People’s with their total score at The Youth Classic to determine the winners.  It was later expanded to include winners in both the 14-15 and 16-18 divisions.

This year’s winners in the oldest division were Dallas Koth of Bloomington, IL, with 144-150–294, and Allison Kinsinger of Washington, IL, with 162-161–323.

In the 14-15 division, Parker Wisdom of Bloomington, with 157-143–300, and Savannah Weyrauch of Kenosha, WI, with 167-157–324, took top honors!

Congratulations to all!!

June 29, 2016

Ray Winter of St. Louis, MO, won the City/County Archdiocesan 8th Grade Golf Championship on June 26, shooting an awesome 6-under-par 30 on the par 36 Eagle Springs Golf Course. 

Ray just came off of a T-2 finish in the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championship in Quincy, IL, shooting 75-74—149, and feels like his LP shirt, Garb cap and patriotic socks brought him luck!

Jack Cronin, another Little People’s player, finished 2nd behind Ray with an even-par 36.

Congratulation to both!   IMG_1835

June 29, 2016

Emily Duan from Buffalo Grove, IL, might believe that shooting 70 the final day is lucky for her!  

She won the 10-11 Division of Pepsi Little People’s on June 22, with a 72-70–142 total, then followed up with a victory in the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour at Royal Hawk CC on June 29 with another 70 to take the title in the 12-18 girls division by 1 stroke. And Emily is only 11!!!

image2

Other Little People’s players in the tournament were Sarah Hauenstein who finished T-3, and Grace Curran who was 6th!

Congratulations to all!!

2016 Little People’s Raffle Results

June 21, 2016

Callaway Men’s RH Driver — Booth Hayes

Callaway Stand Bag — Grace Frese

Carbon Putter — Bill Fromm

Phil Mickelson signed Photograph — Carol Halsey

Annika Sorenstam signed Photograph — Karen Blair

Luke Guthrie signed Tri-State Pro Am Flag — Tim Schrage

Brad Adamonis signed Little People’s Flag — Britt Pavelonis

Peter Uihlein signed Photograph — Addison Weyrauch

Michelle McGann signed Cap — Diane Jones

Becca Huffer signed Visor and Glove — Adison Weyrauch

Adam Schenk signed Shag Bag — Chandler Davis

Tommy Morrissey signed Little People’s Flag and Golf Ball – Bella Dedes

Lexi Thompson signed Cap — Siena Minor

 

June 20, 2016

image1
Dylan Davidson won the St. Louis Gateway Jr. PGA Qualifier last week with a final round even par 72 (career best) to win by 1 stroke and earn a spot in the 41st Jr. PGA Championship to be held at Wannamoisett Country Club in Rhode Island from 9-12 August 2016. Dylan turns 16 years old on the 4th of July and placed 5th in last year’s Little People’s 14-15 yr old division, where he’ll be competing again this week.June 19, 2016

APPLEBEE’S PARENT-CHILD AWARDS

Putting Contest

3 – 7 Boys and Girls

1st Caden and Chris Kite SC

2nd Bear and Tim Johnson SC

 

8 – 13 Boys and Girls

1st Chloe and Kent Johnson

2nd Camille and Tony Kuznik

 

14 – 18 Boys and Girls

1st Abby and Trent Marting

2nd Aaron and Tony Kuznik

 

Long Drive Contest

Girls 3-7

1st Sarah Scott

Boys 3-7

1st Joey Scott

2nd Caden Kite

Girls 8-13

1st Chloe Johnson

2nd Camille Kuznik

Boys 8-13

1st Braden Hoisington

2nd Alex Heard

Girls 14-18

1st Sophia Yoemans

2nd Shelby Keen

Boys 14-18

1st Lake Leroux

Applebees 9-hole Parent-Child alternate shot Event

Girls 3-7

Decided by a score card playoff

1st Taya and Alex Belloma

2nd Sarah and Maripat Scott

Boys 3-7

1st Tommy and Joe Morrissey (SC)

2nd Joey and Edward Scott

3rd Bear and Tim Johnson

Girls 8-13

1st Camille and Tony Kuznik

2nd Mia and Amaya Melendez SC

3rd Faith and Kent Johnson SC

Boys 8-13

1st   Tyler and Nathan McCutcheon

2nd Quinn and Joe Thomas

3rd Braden and Todd Hoisington

 

Girls 14-18

1st Allison and Carl Enchelmayer

2nd Shelby and Robert Keen

3rd Savannah and Brian Weyrauch

 

Boys 14-18

1st Lake and Mark Leroux

2nd Jimmy and Jim McLaughlin

3rd Aaron and Tony Kuznik

 

May 26, 2016

           Four young ladies who formerly played in the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, are scheduled to tee it up in the Symetra Tour’s W.B. Mason Championship in Brockton, MA, this weekend.  Wishing the best of luck to Becca Huffer, Mia Piccio, Megan McChrystal and Tessa Teachman.

May 25, 2016

           Four Tour Championships this coming weekend, with 13 former Little People’s players competing.

           Zach Johnson and Scott Langley will be teeing it up in the DEAN & DELUCA Invitational at the Colonial, while Haydn Porteous will be playing in the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.
 
            Eight young ladies, Simin Feng, Ginger Howard, Nicole Jeray, Kim Kaufman, Annie Park, Ashlan Ramsey, Alena Sharp and Julie Yang, will be competing in the LPGA’s Volvik Championship at Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor, MI.
 
            Jerry Smith, who played in the initial Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships in 1974, and Todd Hamilton, who played his first Little People’s in 1977, will be competing in the PGA Senior Championship at Benton Harbor, MI.
 
             Good luck to All!
 

May 25, 2016

         Three former Little People’s ladies are members of the Division 1 Stanford golf team, and are going for their second consecutive national title — Shannon Aubert, Mariah Stackhouse and Casey Danielson.  Wishing you the very best!

May 24, 2016

          Another victory for a former Little People’s player — Richy Werenski wins the BMW Charity Pro Am presented by SYNNEX by 2 shots — his first victory on the Webcom.com Tour. Congratulations Richy!

May 22, 2016

           Former Little People’s player Rory McIlroy wins the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open by 3 three strokes over Bradley Dredge and Russell Knox.

May 19, 2016

           Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director, had a great day watching former Little People’s champion Bryce Burke play the final 18 holes in the NCAA D-ll Men’s Golf Championship at Green Valley Golf Club, Denver, CO.  Bryce first played Little People’s in 2004, finishing 3rd in the 6-7 division.  He won his 14-15 division at Little People’s in 2012.   Nan also enjoyed spending time with Bryce’s Dad, Allan, who brought the first of some 65 players from South Africa to Little People’s, and who started SA Kids Golf.

May 17, 2016

            Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is pleased to announce a partnership with Michael Riggs, Founder of the nationally renowned ONE Way Golf mental fitness program.

            Riggs holds a Master’s degree in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. He has spent the past two decades guiding golfers, from Junior to Tour players, to realize their full playing potential.

            Mike has found that inside each player is the capacity to be extraordinary…all that may be necessary is a firm nudge, some trusty guidance and a clear-cut plan.

            Because of his partnership with Little People’s, Michael is offering each 2016 Little People’s participant, at no cost, a private phone call up to 30 minutes, for players or parents to discuss strategies to improve overall mental fitness and improve play, a $100 value.

            Each Little People’s participant will receive at registration for this year’s tournament, a certificate with more information, and Michael’s phone number.

            “We are delighted to be able to offer this unique experience to all of our 2016 Little People’s players,” said Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director. “Michael has a long-time relationship with Little People’s, going back to 2002 when he came to the tournament, spoke at the Picnic and offered one-on-one with parents.”

            “Thinking correctly, to improve success and heighten enjoyment of the game, starts at an early age,” said Riggs. “The best players sharpen their mental fitness as certain as they work on their swing mechanics.”

            “We hope that our players this year will take advantage of this very generous offer,” added Ryan.

May 4, 2016

            Former Little People’s Champion Bryce Burke fired a final round 73 to finish T-3 at the Midwest/Central Region Championships, gaining him a spot in the NCAA D-11 National Championships!

            Bryce, a freshman at Arkansas Tech, is from Johannesburg, South Africa, and came to Little People’s first in 2004 and finished 3rd in his 6-7 age division. He returned in 2012 and won his 14-15 age division.

            Bryce is joined on the Wonder Boys team by another Little People’s player, Jay Trusty.

            Bryce will compete in the NCAA D-ll National Championships at May 17-21 at Green Valley Ranch Golf Course in Denver, CO.

Bryce

April 26, 2016

Off the Green with Nan: Chandler Davis

Annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf player Chandler Davis went “Off the Green with Nan” to discuss his golf career thus far and his memorable experiences with Little People’s. The Davis family has attended Little People’s for 18 years. “That has to be close to a record,” said Nan Ryan. Davis has been attending Little People’s since he was three years old. Founder of Pepsi Little People’s Championship, Nan Ryan, interviewed Chandler Davis for our first installment of “Off the Green with Nan.”

NR: Why do you like playing in the Pepsi Little People’s Championship?

CD: Instead of just two or three rounds, there is more to it, like the parent-child tournament. It is fun to see the golf friends I have made over my time playing.

NR: What advice do you have for other players?

CD: Don’t be too tense. I don’t think about it too much. I just play my game.

NR: How long have you been playing golf?

CD: Ever since I could walk at 10 months old. I went to the golf course to watch my brother play in tournaments, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.  

NR: Do you take lessons?

CD: I take golf lessons once a month from Scott Morris, a PGA Pro in Fishers, Indiana.  

NR: Who is your favorite golfer?

CD: My brother is my golf idol. He plays Division One golf at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He always has different competitions for us to try. You wouldn’t know we are nine years apart in age because I keep it competitive.                                  ChandlerTyler2015

Chandler and his golfing idol brother, Tyler

NR: What is your favorite thing to eat before playing?

CD: Definitely waffles and bacon.

NR: Sounds like a winner’s breakfast to me!

NR: What is the best advice you have ever been given?

CD: The best advice I received is when you have a bad hole or shot, don’t overthink it. Put it in the back of your mind. It’s only one hole. You can have 17 good holes. 

NR: What should people make sure to bring to the tournament?

CD: Definitely bring snacks to the tournament. Protein bars, peanut butter crackers, and fruit snacks are my favorite.

Davis looks forward to trying a Par Bar at this year’s tournament.

Davis’s parents, big brother and his personal immersion in the Pepsi Little People’s Golf community has instilled a passion for golf that he will carry into his high school career and beyond. Will you join him at the tournament this year? Register here.

April 20, 2016

            Two winners of the Best Pee Wee Golf Swing contest, sponsored by Little Linksters, will be competing in the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.

            A part of the prize package each winner of the four divisions receives is entry into the Little People’s tournament in Quincy, IL.

            Carlos Dugarte won the 3-4 year-old division, while Tommy Morrissey won the 5-6 year-old division. Both Carlos and Tommy will be competing in the 3-5 age division at Little People’s.

            Carlos is from Caracas, Venezuela, and will be playing in several US Kids and other national tournaments this summer. According to his father, Carlos “dreams of playing outside his country using the flag of Venezuela”.

            Tommy , who was born without his right arm, has gained famed on The Ellen Show, and has played golf with Tiger Woods and Bubba Watson. He and his Dad, Joe, will present an interactive clinic for golfers during Little People’s.

 

April 11, 2016

            Britt Pavelonis, who won his 3-5 age division in the very first Pepsi Little People’s tournament in 1974, is returning to Quincy for the 43rd annual tournament.

            This time, he’s coming to mingle with the players and parents, and to give a short talk at the Picnic about what Little People’s and golf has meant to him and his career.

            “I want to give back to something that has given me so much in my life,” said Britt. “Golf has taught me about integrity, honesty, and respect for people and the game itself.”

            Britt’s golf career started as a 3-year-old, following his grandfather, father and brother around the short 9-hole golf course in his hometown, Harrisburg, IL

            He came to the first Little People’s as a 5-year-old, along with his older brother, Bobby, now a golf professional in St. Louis, and his Mother, Miki.

            Britt won his division that year, while brother Bobby placed 3rd in his 8-9 age division

            After graduating from Southern Illinois University, where he was a four-year letterman and won 4 collegiate events, he turned pro in 1992 and played the mini tours in Florida, supplementing his income by serving as a waiter, usher and in retail.

            He played three summers on the Canadian PGA Tour, then stepped out of golf to teach school, serve as a probation officer and prison administrator. He returned to pro golf full time in 2009.

            A winner of more than 50 professional golf tournaments and some 150 amateur and junior golf tournaments, Britt has achieved 7 holes-in-one, and holds the course record at four golf courses.

            “Everyone fails at one time or another,” says Britt, “but make sure that you give 100% at everything you do. Then if you fail, you will never doubt your effort.”

            Britt will spend Monday at Little People’s talking with players and parents, taking in the Tommy Morrissey golf clinic at 4:30 at the KC Driving Range, then speaking during the Family Celebration Picnic that evening.

April 11, 2016         

            Braden Hoisington added another victory to his resume when he won the Golfweek Junior Tour event at University Club of Kentucky in a three-way, one-hole playoff.

            Braden rallied from four shots behind in the final round, but made his move up the leaderboard starting on the final nine, with birdies at 10 and 12. He finished with rounds of 82-78—160.

            Congratulations, Braden! We look forward to seeing you at the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.

April 7, 2016

             It’s not every day that a 15-year-old takes it upon himself to help other golfers, but that’s exactly what Jimmy McLaughlin has done.

            Jimmy’s father heads the SLICJGA – St. Louis Inter-Club Junior Golf Association, an organization dedicated to promoting great golfing experiences for junior golfers by playing the finest golf courses in St. Louis, MO.

            One of their service projects for 2016 is to raise funds to send two or more less fortunate young players to compete in the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s.

            Although Jimmy’s father got the ball rolling, Jimmy has taken over raising money for their “spirit of giving scholarship” to send players to Little People’s.

            Jimmy is contacting area golf clubs and courses and placing donation containers in their pro shops. He has sent out emails introducing the idea, has followed up personally by phone, and plans to visit each pro shop very two weeks to collect the donations.

            Although Jimmy has played in Pepsi Little People’s for the past seven years, he has never finished in the top third in his division, but he considers a trip to Quincy a ‘must do’ every golf season.

            “Little People’s has been such a rewarding experience for him,” said his father. “I think this was a great opportunity for him to share his love of Little People’s and his experiences with other junior golfers.”

            Jimmy plans to use this same opportunity to encourage the golf professionals at those country club pro shops to assist in directing quality junior golf candidates to make application for the scholarship.

            “We are delighted to see what Jimmy is doing to help promote junior golf among all golfers,” said Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director. “His spirit of giving to help others experience the same enjoyment at Little People’s as he has received is especially rewarding.”

            At last report, Jimmy had been successful in raising fund to send two players to Little People’s this year, with hopes of the possibility of three.

 

March 29, 2016

         Highlighting the annual Pepsi Little People’s Family Celebration Picnic will be a special clinic presented by Tommy Morrissey and his father, Joe. The clinic is an interactive event with the theme of understanding your brand of awesome and appreciating other’s brand of awesome!

            Tommy is 5, and was born without his right arm. He has played golf with Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson and has appeared on The Ellen Show. Tommy and his father, Joe, have presented their inspirational clinic at The Indonesian Masters, The Open Championship, the PGA Merchandise Show and other venues.

            Being an interactive clinic, audience members will have the chance to learn about “life without limitations” by hitting one-handed shots and showing attendees, of all ages, that being different is awesome!

            Tommy has a series of self-taught trick shots that will inspire all and challenge attendee’s golf IQ.

            “We are delighted that Tommy and his Dad, Joe, will be presenting their unique golf clinic for Little People’s families and golfers in the tri-state area,” said Nan Ryan, Executive Director of Pepsi Little People’s.

            “It‘s an honor to be a part of the Pepsi Little People’s Championships and have the opportunity to share our son’s journey with both children and adults. Tommy is a tremendous example of “life without limitations” and the belief that “the right attitude” conquers all of life’s challenges.

            In addition to the clinic, award winning Golphin golf clubs, made in Scotland especially for junior golfers, will be available for Little People’s participants to try on the KC driving range.

         Tommy will be making his first appearance in the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships on June 20-22 in Quincy, IL, and will be playing with the Golphin clubs.

            The clinic is open to all Little People’s families and to golfers from the tri-state area, and will be held Monday, June 20, at the KC Driving Range at 4:30 pm.

ABOUT GOLPHIN CLUBS FOR JUNIORS

            Golphin clubs, designed to benefit children ages three through 12, were developed in partnership with PGA Professionals and the biomechanical department at Strathclyde University, in Glasgow, using technology transfer from the aerospace industry. They are 22% lighter and 35% larger than most junior golf clubs, making it easier for players to swing, control and hit. A radial profile was added to the sole of the clubs to provide greater forgiveness for differing lie angles and to accommodate children’s various address positions and heights.

            The GFK line of Golphin product selections is based on the height of each individual child. The model numbers correspond to the appropriate age ranges (i.e., “GFK324” corresponds to children ages three to four, approximately). GFK 324 clubs are for children 39-43.5” tall; GFK 526 clubs are for children 43.5-48” tall; GFK 728 clubs are for children 48-52.5” tall; and GFK910 clubs are for children 52.5-57” tall.

 

March 29, 2016

SA KIDS TO HOLD INTERNATIONAL EVENT

            South Africa Kids Golf will hold its International Event at San Lameer Country Club in Southbroom, South Africa, August 29-September 1, with the Dunbar Cup on September 2.

            The tournament is open to boys and girls ages 6 through 18, and is a qualifier for three major U.S. Kids Golf Tournaments. Entry fee is $275 and consists of 3 rounds of tournament golf, prizes, practice round, cap, memento and qualifier for the Dunbar Cup.

            Little People’s has had a close relationship with SA Kids Golf since 2006, and has had one or more players from South Africa entered in the tournament every year since.

            The Nan Ryan Floating Trophy (in honor of Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director) is given annually to the player displaying outstanding sportsmanship while playing on the SA Kids Golf Tour. The 2015 winner was 12-year-old Kim Turgut, who played in Little People’s five years ago. Another winner of the Ryan Trophy was Bryce Burke, who won his 14-15 Little People’s division in 2012.

            For further information, go to www.sakidsgolf.co.za

 

March 28, 2016

2016 TRI-STATE JUNIOR GOLF TOUR

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

June 13 — Norwoods Golf Club, Hannibal, MO

Tee times starting at 8:00 am off multiple holes

July 11 — Arrowhead Heights Golf Course, Camp Point, IL

Tee times starting at 8:00 am off multiple holes

July 25 — Spring Lake Country Club, Quincy, IL

Tee times starting at 8:00 am

August 1 — Deer Run Golf Course, Hamilton, IL

Tee times starting at 8:00 am

August 8 — Quincy Country Club, Quincy, IL

Tee times starting at 8:00 am

For entry form and additional information, go to

Tri-State on this website.

 

March 22, 2016

            Pepsi Little People’s is excited to announce that Applebee’s will be the sponsor of the annual Parent-Child tournament and associated events.

            The Applebee’s Parent-Child tournament will be held Sunday (Father’s Day), June 19, 2016, at Westview Golf Course, Quincy, IL. It is an optional 9-hole, alternate shot event, and is the kick-off to the 43rd annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships June 20-22. The Parent-Child event annually draws some 60 teams, made up of one current Little People’s contestant and a parent or friend.

            Applebee’s will also sponsor the Putting, Driving and Best Dressed contests, held in conjunction with the Parent-Child tournament.

            In addition, on Monday June 20, practice round day, Applebee’s will hold a Closest to the Pin contest on the 9th hole at Westview, with a $75 Gift Certificate from the Westview Pro Shop going to the winner.

            An Applebee’s representative will be on hand at the Picnic on Monday night to hand out trophies and medals to the winners in all events.

            “We are extremely delighted to have formed this partnership with Applebee’s,” stated Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director. “Applebee’s has been a strong supporter of the tournament for several years with its Closest to the Pin contest, and sponsoring the Parent-Child tournament and associated events solidifies their belief in the tournament.”

            “We are happy to continue our sponsorship of the Closest to the Pin Contest and to extend that partnership to include the Parent-Child Tournament,” says Kevin Allardice, Managing Partner of The Bloomin’ Apple, LLC, franchisee of Applebee’s. “As a golfer myself, I am extremely happy to help up and coming golfers in the hopes that we may see them in the pros in the future.”

 

ABOUT APPLEBEE’S

            Applebee’s is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with approximately 2,000 locations in 49 states, 16 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Glendale, California, Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. All Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® restaurants are franchised.

            The Bloomin’ Apple, LLC is a franchisee of Applebee’s, based on Mt Pleasant, South Carolina and operates 19 restaurants throughout the states of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, including the restaurant in Quincy, Illinois.                                                                   

 

March 17, 2016      

            Beau Hossler of Texas tops the U.S. side of the Arnold Palmer Cup Rankings, and Sam Horsfield of England, via Florida, tops the European rankings as of March 17. Both Hossler and Horsfield are former Little People’s players.

            Hossler, now ranked the nation’s top collegian golfer, won his 12-13 age division at Little People’s in 2008, while Sam was 2nd in his 8-9 division in 2006 and 2nd in his 10-11 division in 2007.

            The top six golfers from the final rankings on April 15 from both sides shall be among the 10 individuals selected to compete in the Arnold Palmer Cup at Formby Golf Club, Liverpool, UK, June 24-26.

March 17, 2016

            Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce a partnership with PAR BAR, the first all-natural nutrition bar developed specifically for golfers.

            Each participant in the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships will receive a PAR BAR, compliments of Gerry Mullally, creator of PAR BAR.

            “We are excited to be able to offer a PAR BAR to each contestant in the 2016 tournament,” said Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director. “Every golfer needs energy and focus to sustain him or her throughout a round. The PAR BAR is designed to do just that”.

            The 43rd annual Pepsi Little People’s, an international Junior golf tournament, will be played June 20-22 on two golf courses in Quincy, IL, and is open to all golfers ages three through 18.

            PAR BAR was created by a seasoned food scientist who combines a lifetime of golf with more than 30 years of experience in the development of high performance nutritional products.

            One ingredient of the bar is L-Theanine, which occurs in green tea leaves and has been shown to improve athletic performance through improved alertness and concentration. PAR BAR is an all natural, gluten-free bar that offers a unique opportunity for golfers to get the right balance of energy and focus for an optimum performance.

            “It is never too early to introduce good nutrition to young people,” states Mullally. “PAR BAR is delighted to partner with the Little People’s Golf Championships by offering a bar to each player in the 2016 competition”.

ABOUT PAR BAR.

            PAR BAR is an all-natural, gluten-free, nutrition bar designed specifically for golfers. It provides the golfer with the optimum combination of protein and carbohydrates for sustained energy, as well as Theanine, a green tea extract that has been clinically proven to improve focus. PAR BAR is available at many pro shops, or can be purchased at www.parbargolf.com.

 

March 8, 2016

             Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce a partnership with Garb Inc., the leader in kid’s golf apparel.

            Garb is offering all players in the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships a special code for discounts off everything from garbinc.com. In addition to discounted apparel for all participants the winner in each division of the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s will be awarded a $50 gift card redeemable for anything at garbinc.com. The winners and runnersup in each division of the 2016 tournament will also receive a hat from Garb.

            “We are delighted that Garb Inc. is offering these items to our Little People’s players,” stated Nan Ryan, Executive Director of Pepsi Little People’s. “We know that our players will be extremely pleased to be able to purchase Garb Inc. clothing using this discount”.

            “After meeting Nan and learning all about the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships and what it means to young golfers and the community I knew that their core values aligned with ours at Garb and it was something we wanted to be a part of. We are happy to offer these talented junior golfers discounted apparel and gift cards to the winners,” said Garb’s marketing Manager, Tyler Silva.

March 7, 2016

            Eighty young golfers from 30 states and two Canadian provinces will be competing in the 3rd annual Drive, Chip and Putt Championship National Finals on Sunday, April 3, at Augusta National.

            Of those 80, seven are Pepsi Little People’s alumni, with five having finished in the top four spots in their Little People’s Division in 2015.

            They are Emerson Blair, West Point, MN, who won her 8-9 Division and will be competing in the Girls 7-9 group; Emily Duan, from Schaumburg, IL, who finished 3rd in her 10-11 Division, who will be competing in the Girls 10-11 group; J.P Hepler from Overland Park, KS, who was 2nd in his 8-9 Division and will be competing in the Boys 10-11 group; Siena Minor, from Columbia, MO who finished T-3rd in her 8-9 Division and will be competing in the Girls 10-11 group, and Kathryn VanArragon from Blaine, MN, who was 4th in her 10-11 Division, and will be competing in the Girls 10-11 group.

            Also, Anika Dy, from Traverse City, MI, who will be competing in the Girls 14-15 group, and Jay Nimmo from Benton, KY, who will be competing in the Boys 12-13 group.

            We wish the best to all of our players!!

March 3, 2016

UPDATE ON DIRECTIONS TO WESTVIEW, KC, FROM THE WEST

Quincy’s Memorial Bridge closing this summer will have no effect on the many families coming to Quincy for the 43rd annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.

The bridge, which presently brings traffic east on Highway 24 from Missouri to Quincy, will close for three months for repairs after May 21. The newer Bayview Bridge will then switch to two-way traffic until Memorial reopens some time in August.

The only difference will be that for that time, traffic will enter Quincy on Broadway, rather than on Maine Street. Broadway is three blocks north of Maine and runs parallel to it. Golfing families will continue east on Broadway to 36th Street, turn right, and continue south on 36th for about 2-1/2 miles to the KC Par-3 and Driving Range, and slightly further south to Westview Golf Course.

 

February 24, 2016

Griffin Steer will be playing in his 15th consecutive Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships in June of 2016. He joins an elite group of four other players who have participated in 15 consecutive Little People’s events.

Griffin, now 17, played his first Little People’s in 2002 as a 3-year-old. Because Little People’s now accepts 18 year olds, Griffin has a chance to set a new record of 16 consecutive events if he competes in the tournament in 2017!

Mike Suhre of Edwardsville, IL, was the first to reach 15 consecutive events, in 1995. Mike is now a golf professional in Edwardsville, and has brought his three children, Ryan, Drew and Ally, to Little People’s.

Todd Rodemich and Jason Traeder, both of Quincy, IL, completed 15 consecutive events in 1997, while Tyler Dickens, also of Quincy, did it in 2003.

 

February 9, 2016

BRADEN HOISINGTON WINS ON GOLFWEEK JUNIOR TOUR

            Braden Hoisington won his 13 & Under Division on the Golfweek Junior Tour at the University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens, GA, January 17-18.

            Braden, a Little People’s alumni, had rounds of 76-75—151 to win the title by 18 shots.

            The 13-year-old from Dardenne Prairie, MO, will be competing in the 12-13 age Division of the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.           

 

February 9, 2016

NEW SCHOLARSHIP OFFER FROM SLICJGA AND LITTLE PEOPLE’S

         The St. Louis Inter-Club Junior Golf Association and the Little People’s Golf Championships are teaming up to provide entry and travel accommodations for a young golfer to participate in the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, June 20-22, 2016 at two Quincy, IL, golf courses. 

         The scholarship is available to any junior golfer, boy or girl aged 12-17, who is NOT a member of a St. Louis area country club nor private golf course, and who meets special needs requirements. The scholarship is being offered by the SLICJGA. Applications can be obtained at www.slicjga.com  

February 3, 2016           

RYAN ARMOUR WINS PANAMA CLARO CHAMPIONSHIP

            Ryan Armour, a Little People’s Alumni, shot weekend rounds of 65-64 to win the Panama Claro Championship by three strokes, giving Armour his first web.com Tour victory in 217 starts. The tournament was played at Panama Golf Club.  The Ohio State graduate finished 2nd in his 10-11 age Division of Pepsi Little People’s in 1987.  Congratulations, Ryan!

January 28, 2016

Julia Bower, 17, has entered the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s for the second year.  Julia, who sports a 2.5 handicap, is from Columbia, MO, where she takes lesson from Jake Poe, a Little People’s alumni.  Jake finished 3rd in his 10-11 division in the 1987 Little People’s Golf Championships.  Jake is head professional at Perche Creek Golf Club near Columbia, MO.

 

January 26, 2016

Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce a partnership between its annual Golf Championships (LPGC) and the PLAY Junior Golf Tour (PJGT) of Prescott, Ontario, Canada.

Little People’s will invite the winner of each of the eight PJGT divisions of the Village Quay Marina 2015 Order of Merit standings to compete in its 2016 Championships, scheduled June 20-22 in Quincy, IL

In return, the winner in each of Little People’s 14 divisions will be invited to compete in a PJGT Tour Championship in the fall of 2016.

Pepsi Little People’s is an international junior golf tournament for boys and girls aged 3 through 18, and will be celebrating its 43rd year in 2016. Competition will be held at two Quincy golf courses, the 27-hole Westview Golf Course and the 9-hole KC Par-3 Golf Course and Driving Range. See www.littlepeoplesgolf.com for further information, or contact Tournament Director Nan Ryan at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com

The PLAY Junior Golf Tour (PJGT) presented by Callaway Golf, is a grass roots development tour available to junior boys and girls ages four to eighteen. Tour members enjoy a variety of events in the Eastern Ontario/Ottawa area, from stroke play tournaments, development camps, education & coaching seminars & charity events. See www.pjgtour.com for further information, or contact Founder and Director Chris Veltkamp at cveltkamp76@gmail.com or 613.246.5776

 

January 26, 2016

GRAND CHAMPIONS TO BE DETERMINED IN 2016

For the sixth consecutive years, Pepsi Little People’s and The Youth Classic will declare Grand Champions in the 16-­‐18 and 14-­‐15 age divisions.

Finals scores for players competing in both events are combined to determine the winners.

Pepsi Little People’s will be played June 20-­‐22 in Quincy, IL, while The Youth Classic will be played June 27-­‐29 at various courses in the Bloomington, IL, area.

Last year’s recipients were Noah Wilson, Palmyra, MO (7-­‐B), Megan Medinger, East Moline, IL (7-­‐G), Tadiwa Dzuda, Harare, Zimbabwe (6-­‐B), and Myah Jackson, Chicago, IL (6-­‐G).