2021 News

2021 News

 

July 11

            Thirteen current Pepsi Little People’s players have qualified to play in the 2021 IMG Academy Junior Golf World Championships in San Diego, CA, July 12-16.

            “We are excited for these players,” said Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director.  “It’s quite an honor to play in the IMG, the largest and most prestigious of the junior golf tournaments.”

            Boys and girls aged 5 through 17 were given the opportunity to try to qualify for the IMG during the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s in Quincy, IL, June 22-23, 2021. The honor went to the lowest scoring boy and girl aged 5 through 17 who had registered to try to qualify at Little People’s.  Little People’s has been a qualifying event for the IMG since 2010.

            This year’s winners who will compete in the IMG event are Ashton O’Kola, 5, St. Peter, Barbados; Kamdon Jones, 6, Hanover, IN; Luke Mulligan, 9, Burr Ridge, IL; Lester Low, 11, Evanston, IL; Leona Rupp, 10, Iowa City, IA; and Caden Fehr, 12, Wildwood, MO.

            Also Kieran Low, 13, Evanston, IL; Mason Lewis, 14,  Edwardsville, IL; Tanner Leonard, 15, Frankfort, IL; Avery McLaughlin, 14, St. Louis, MO; Keaton Thissen, 16, Davenport, IA; Eric Klutke, 17, Crystal Lake, IL, and Paige Compardo, 16, Murphysboro, IL.

            The Junior World Golf Championship has been an integral part of the junior golf scene since 1968, when 475 juniors participated representing 7 countries and 20 states.  Today, the tournament has grown to 1250 participants representing 56 countries and 42 states.  It is the largest international event in the world and is unique for its international representation and cultural diversity.

            “We look forward to watching our Little People’s players compete in the IMG event,” stated Ryan, “and wish them all the very best.  It’s a great opportunity for them to test their golfing skills against players from other states and countries, and to make everlasting friendships,” added Ryan.

July 9

            The three Maureen J. Garrity Scholarship for Women winners in 2021 display a wide variety of aspirations, from a career in golf to software engineer to law.  All three are very active in community work.  Each young lady will receive $1200.

            Emily Wilson, 16, has been described by her peers and teachers as caring, passionate and uplifting to others.  The Brentwood, TN, resident, loves personal connection with students and plans to minor in Special Education. Her career aspirations are to pursue a career on the LPGA or Symetra Tour, or to become a PGA professional at a renowned golf course. Emily is active in community work, and designed a summer curriculum for Nashville’s Salvation Army’s Camp Paradise Weekly.

              Jaelyn Kelly, 17, is described as kind and helpful to others.  She has a strong work ethic and has maintained a 4.0 GPA, taking Advanced Placement courses, while being a multi-sport student athlete and volunteer.  A resident of Hudson, IL, she plans to pursue a career in a STEM field, with aspirations to become a successful software engineer by attending a top university. Jaelyn volunteers at Midwest Food Bank, Blessed Birthdays at the Home Sweet Home Ministries, and makes cards for patients at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center.

                Olivia Ruffalo, 17, has been described as extremely passionate and has learned to use her own leadership skills as a means of bringing people together. A self-motivated organizer and Glen Ellyn, IL, resident, she hopes to pursue a career in the fields of business, finance and law, and hopes to attend law school after college graduation.  A people person, Olivia volunteers to instruct and direct her local Little Chippers Youth Golf Program.

            The Maureen J. Garrity Scholarship for Women was established to honor Dr. Garrity, who spent 34 years at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and was particularly impactful in supporting student-led programs on  leadership, community service, and social determinants of health.

            Maureen was a long-time supporter and volunteer with Pepsi Little People’s, winning the 2017 Little People’s Volunteer of the Year Award.  She passed away in December of 2018 after a long battle with cancer.

            The MJG Scholarship is ongoing and will be available to young women who will be graduating in 2022 or 2023 and who will be participating in the 2022 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.  To apply, each applicant must submit a current high school transcript and write a personal essay describing herself, her career aspirations, and her community service activities.

July 7

This year the Pepsi Little People’s Volunteer of the Year Award goes to the entire Little People’s staff of volunteers, for their outstanding work in making the 2021 tournament a great success.

“I was unable to be at the tournament in person this year,” said Nan Ryan, Little People’s Founder and Executive Director, “but everyone banded together to make the tournament one of  the best we’ve had in the past 47 years.  This includes the Little People’s Board of Directors, Advisory Team, Committee Chairpersons and all of their volunteers.

“I have received many compliments from parents, not only about the running of this year’s tournament, but also about the hospitality shown by all of Quincy,” added Ryan. 

Each year Little People’s depends on the many volunteers who work diligently, some throughout the year, and others before, during and after the tournament. 

“I can’t point to one person, which is why this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award is going to all  of those volunteers who made the 2021 tournament such a success,” said Ryan.  “Congratulations to everyone.”           

July 5

The Little People’s Golf Championships is happy to announce that the winners of the 2021 Best Letter Awards are Courtney Beerheide and Liam Kelly.

Each year, the Quincy (IL) Herald Whig presents Best Letter Awards to the player or players who submit the best letter with their Little People’s entry.

“These letters just jumped out at me,” stated Matt Schuckman, Whig Sports Editor.

Courtney, 13, from Arlington Hts., IL, was a competitive swimmer at age 8, but fell in love with golf while attending a golf lesson with her brother Ryan and swing coach Jon Reese.  Coach Reese help Courtney develop her swing and become a fundamentally sound player.

She experienced success during her years with the IJGA, including a hole-in-one at age 10.  Her goals are to grow taller and become stronger so she can hit drives of 200 yards consistently, shoot a score in the 60s, make the Varsity high school golf team and win at least one state event during her four years of high school.

A straight A student, she enjoys reading, but math is her primary interest, as she enjoys the challenge of solving multi-step equations.

Courtney’s family has always been very athletic.  When talking about playing Pepsi Little People’s, she said, “winning would be the icing on the cake!”  And she DID win her 12-13 division at Little People’s,  by shooting 71-74—145 and edging out her nearest opponent by one shot.

Liam, 12, from Winnetka, IL, feels that golf is two different games, social and competitive, and enjoys both.  He has had a golf club in his hand since age 2. 

“I’ve been fortunate to have a local par-3 course that I can play with friends,” he says. “It’s nice to have a little freedom for my pursuit of happiness,” he adds.

He has also played a variety of tournaments that have opened up different situations that taught him many different lessons. 

“That’s another great thing about competitive golf,” he says.  “You get to practice, then try out your practice, then practice some more.”

“Golf is kinda my life style and I will always play a round when I get a chance,” he adds. 

Congratulations to both Courtney and Liam on winning a Best Letter Award from Pepsi Little People’s and the Quincy Herald Whig for 2021!

 

April 30

Tournament officials are delighted to announce that the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships will again be recognized by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).  Little People’s has been a part of the AJGA recognition system since 1987, with the winners and subsequent places in the boys and girls 14-18 and 12-13 divisions receiving Performance Stars.  Below are the Performance Stars given for each Division in 2021.

Boys

Age

Rank

Status

12 – 13

1 to 1

2 Stars

12 – 13

2 to 5

1 Star

14 – 18

1 to 1

8 Stars

14 – 18

2 to 5

4 Stars

14 – 18

6 to 10

1 Stars

     

Girls

Age

Rank

Status

12 – 13

1 to 1

2 Stars

12 – 13

2 to 3

1 Star

14 – 18

1 to 1

8 Stars

14 – 18

2 to 3

4 Stars

14 – 18

4 to 5

1Stars

     

It is important that Pepsi Little People’s is able to offer its golfers in these age groups an opportunity to gain AJGA Performance Stars, as it helps them to build a resume under the AJGA PBE system and helps with possible college scholarships.  In addition, it provides the AJGA an opportunity to recognize and provide opportunities to golfers who might not have had a chance to play in an AJGA event.

The 48th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, for boys and girls ages 3 through 18, will be played June 21-23 at two golf courses in Quincy, IL.  Throughout the past 47 years, more than 24,000 young golfers have played in Little People’s.  Many of them are now instrumental in golf in some way, and a good number are now playing on one of the professional golf tours or on their college teams.

For more information on the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, go to www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, or call Tournament Director Nan Ryan at 217-257-5718.

April 27

           Since 2010, Pepsi Little People’s has been a qualifying event for the IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships  in San Diego, CA, for boys and girls aged 5 through 14.

            We are delighted to announce that in 2021, boys and girls ages 15 through 17  will also be able to try to qualify for the IMG event!

            The lowest scoring boy and girl aged 5 through 17 will qualify to play in Junior World July 12-16, if he or she has registered to try to qualify at Little People’s and has met the birthdate qualifications.

            Registration to try to qualify for the Junior World will be available at the Little People’s tournament  in Quincy, IL, on Sunday, June 20, from noon until 6 pm, and on Monday, June 21, from 9 am until 5 pm.  There is a $5 registration fee which goes to Junior World.

            “We are so happy to be able to offer this to our players ages 5 through 17 in the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships,” stated Nan Ryan, Executive Director of Pepsi Little People’s.  “We have been able to qualify many players for this prestigious tournament throughout the past 11 years, and look forward to having many more participants qualify this year.”

ABOUT PEPSI LITTLE PEOPLE’S        

            Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is an international event for boys and girls ages 3 through 18, and will celebrate its 48th annual event June 21-23, 2021. Play is in seven age divisions for boys and seven for girls (3-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18).  Trophies are awarded for 1st through 3rd in all divisions, with medals for 4th-6th in the 10-18 divisions, and participant trophies for all non-trophy winners ages 3 through 9.  Play is at the 27-hole  Westview Golf Course and the Par-3 KC Golf Course, both in Quincy, IL.  It is a ranked tournament by Junior Golf Scoreboard, GolfWeek/Sagarin and Global Junior Golf Rankings. More information and entry forms can be found at www.littlepeoplegolf.com, or by contacting Nan Ryan at 217-257-5718 or jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com

ABOUT IMG ACADEMY JUNIOR WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

            The Junior World Golf Championship was founded in 1968 with the goal of bringing young golfers from all parts of the world together in hopes of achieving a greater understanding among people of differing cultures and values through the game of golf.  It is open to boys and girls ages 6 and under to age 18, and is played on multiple courses in the San Diego, CA, area, June 10-16, 2021.  For more information go to www.juniorworldgolf.com  or call 619-546-6737.

April 21

THE ANNUAL FAMILY CELEBRATION PICNIC HAS BEEN CANCELLED!

Because of Covid and CDC restrictions, we are cancelling the annual

Family Celebration Picnic on Monday night, June 21, 2021.

            HOWEVER – we will still honor our commitment to all players that their entry fees include the Picnic Dinner, by giving EVERY player a coupon for $10, good at either of the two local Hy-Vee Stores, to be used by June 24, 2021. This coupon will be in each player’s registration envelope, so be sure to look for it.  Hy-Vee is one of our Picnic sponsors and would have been catering the Picnic.

            The two Hy-Vee stores both have eat-in areas at their Market Grilles, and do take out.  They also have delis with delicious Chinese and Italian food, as well as American cuisine and sandwiches.  And of course both have extensive grocery items for your every needs, which can be purchased using the $10 coupon.

            We are sorry that we cannot all get together for the annual Picnic, but we feel that it would not be a safe atmosphere for our kids, families, golf staffs and volunteers, plus we must follow CDC and State regulations.

            Trophies for the Parent-Child event will be given to as many winners as possible during the tournament; others will be mailed to the winners.  Awards for the Spirit of Giving, Best Letter and Volunteer of the Year winners will be given at the tournament or will be mailed, with the appropriate news releases.

            The raffle drawings will be done on Monday night  and a list will be posted Tuesday morning at Westview and at KC.  All winners can pick up their prizes at Westview before they leave the golf course on Wednesday.

            Thank you for understanding.  We look forward to seeing you at Little People’s 2021.

February 19

Due to popular demand, tee times for the annual Applebee’s Parent-Child event have been extended to include 8 am to 10 am on Monday, June 21, in addition to the 9 am to 4 pm tee times on Sunday, June 20.

This will allow families who can not get to Quincy on Sunday, the opportunity to compete in this very popular event sponsored by Applebee’s.

For entry form, rules and information about the Applebee’s Parent-Child, please go to the Home Page of this website under REGISTRATION>Parent-Child.

February 15

Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce a relationship between its Championships and the teamhappygilmore.com junior tournament, a new event being played in Sevierville, TN, July 12-14, 2021, that is open to boys and girls ages 3 through 18.

 The top three players in each of the 14 Divisions of the 2021 Little People’s will receive a confirmed place in the teamhappygilmore.com event, with each Division winner receiving a 15% discount on entry fee. Teamhappygilmore.com will then reciprocate, giving its top three players and winners in each Division the same opportunities to compete in the 2022 Pepsi Little People’s.

The teamhappygilmore.com event will be played on the Sevierville Country Club course and is partnering with Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs.

Ambassador for the tournament is Happy Gilmore himself, a 15-year-old golfer who has played in 9 Pepsi Little People’s tournaments, and in 2020 competed in 25 junior events, scoring 9 wins , 7 runner-up finishes, and 21 top 5 places.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer our players this opportunity,” said Nan Ryan, Founder and Executive Director of Pepsi Little People’s.  “It is encouraging to see our players engage in supporting another tournament that benefits junior golfers,” added Ryan.

Teamhappygilmore.com Tournament Director Chris Blackmore stated; Pepsi Little People’s is known worldwide and we are excited to give junior golfers the opportunity to play in that tournament as well!” One of the highlights of the teamhappygilmore.com junior event will be the “Happy Gilmore Swing” competition. You can check out the promo video on their website teamhappygilmore.com for more information.

Practice rounds for the teamhappygilmore.com event will be Monday, July 12, with competition in all divisions on July 13-14.  Play will be in seven age divisions for boys and seven for girls (3-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18), with Championship Belts for all division winners and trophies for the 2nd through 5th place and medals through 10th in all Divisions.

ABOUT TEAMHAPPYGILMORE.COM

            The inaugural teamhappygilmore.com Invitational Junior Golf tournament is for boys and girls 3-18.  This annual event will be held July 12-14, 2021, at the Sevierville Golf Club in Sevierville TN (River Course) in the Great Smokey Mountains.  Competition is held in seven age divisions for boys and seven age divisions for girls. The host hotel is The Ramsey, which is offering tournament discounts right on the strip of Pigeon Forge ,TN, in peak season!  Tournament Ambassador Happy Gilmore will be staying at The Ramsey and holding fun contests every night. Teamhappygilmore.com offers an exciting, fun-filled tournament on a premier golf course in one of the best vacation destinations! Bring the whole family and have fun in the Great Smokey Mountains! For more information or to register, please visit teamhappygilmore.com. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact teamhappygilmore.com by using the contact button on its website.                                                    

February 7

Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is pleased to announce that players in the 2021 tournament will be able to try to qualify for The Notah Begay III Jr. Golf National Championship Series (NB3 JGNC). This is a 2-stage qualifying process culminating in the 54-hole National Championship that will air on Golf Channel during a 2-hour broadcast.

Little People’s players will be competing for qualifying spots into the Illinois/Indiana Regional Qualifier July 28-29. There will be 1 spot available to the winners in each of the boys and girls 16-18 and 14-15 age divisions, and 2 spots (winner and 2nd place) available in both the boys and girls 12-13 divisions.

Pepsi Little People’s is an international event for boys and girls ages 3 through 18, and will be played June 21-23 at Westview Golf Course and KC Par-3 in Quincy, IL. Play is in seven age divisions for boys and seven for girls.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to our players in the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s,” said Nan Ryan, Tournament Founder and Executive Director. “I watched the National Championship on TV in November, and I’m always amazed at the high quality of golf that these young golfers play. It’s always a pleasure to see our kids going on to excel in other major junior golf tournaments.”

“It definitely has been a big undertaking, but we could not be more excited to finally introduce this unique championship to the junior golf circuit,” said Notah Begay III, founder of the NB3 Foundation and a four-time PGA TOUR winner. “Partnering with the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships I believe will accomplish our goal of offering every player throughout the Country the opportunity to play their way into the National Championship and ultimately help their chances of getting recognized by college coaches.”

February 1

Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is delighted to announce its relationship with Agogo Active, a new leader in the performance sock industry.  Agogo Active’s new collections are constructed to wick away moisture and reduce odor.

Agogo Active will offer all participants in the 2021 Little People’s a coupon code  for 20% off their entire order of socks, as well as a $20 Gift Certificate to the winner in each of the 14 age divisions, to be used on the Agogo Active website.

The 48th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is an international event, and will be held June 21-23, at two golf courses in Quincy, IL.  It is open to boys and girls ages 3 through 18.

Contestants in Pepsi Little People’s have the opportunity to qualify for several other major junior golf tournaments, as well as gain national rankings, so important to their college resumes.

“We are delighted to form this partnership with Agogo Active,” stated Nan Ryan, Founder and Executive Director of Pepsi Little People’s.  “I have been delighted with my first pair of Agogo Active socks, and I know that our players will be eager to try them also.”

“We are beyond excited to introduce the Little People’s participants to Agogo socks,” said Megan Prince, Director of Marketing and Social Media at Agogo Active. “It’s not often that you find a pair of socks that you fall in love with,” she added.  “ Our socks will provide the players with all-day comfort, allowing them to play their best game with happy feet! We hope our socks are everything you didn’t even know you needed.”

January 27

Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships and Ship Sticks are working together to ensure hassle-free travel for those competing in the Little People’s Tournament. As part of a collective effort, Ship Sticks will be offering an exclusive offer to players and families for shipping golf clubs and/or luggage.

Ship Sticks has won the Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award as “Best Golf Club Shipper” for the past five years.  The service makes getting golf clubs and luggage to and from your destination easier and more affordable than ever, allowing travelers to enjoy a hassle-free experience anywhere in the world.

Ship Sticks offers safe, no-contact pickups from your home, residence, pro shop, or hotel. Every shipment is backed by complimentary insurance, real-time tracking, and an on-time delivery guarantee. The Ship Sticks experience is complete with white-glove customer support available seven days a week.

Pepsi Little People’s is an international junior golf tournament for boys and girls ages 3 through 18, and offers players a chance for competition, rankings for college scholarships, and opportunities to compete in other major junior golf events. The 48th annual tournament will be held June 21-23, 2021, in Quincy, IL.

“We are extremely pleased to form this relationship with Ship Sticks,” said Nan Ryan, Founder and Executive Director of Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.  “It allows our players, who come from every state and many countries, the opportunity for easy traveling to our tournament, and to other junior golf tournaments.”

Shipping ahead will also allow players and families to avoid carrying, checking, claiming baggage, and waiting in long lines and crowded areas at the airport – a safety measure more important now than ever before.

“We’re no stranger to the hassles of traveling with golf clubs,” said Nick Coleman, CEO of Ship Sticks. “For that reason, we couldn’t be more excited to extend our golf club and luggage shipping services to those competing in the Little People’s Tournament and their families.”

Little People’s players can take advantage of this opportunity by logging into a special link created by Ship Sticks, which will be made available to Little People’s players, and is available from the Little People’s office.

For further information, contact Nan at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, or call or text 217-257-5718

ABOUT SHIP STICKS 

Founded in 2011, Ship Sticks is the world’s most reliable golf club shipping provider. As a company created by golfers, for golfers, Ship Sticks is designed to make traveling with golf club clubs and luggage safe and hassle-free, no matter where your travels may take you.

As airlines continue to find new ways to make travel more expensive, Ship Sticks offers a cost-effective and convenient alternative. By shipping golf clubs and luggage ahead, customers can avoid carrying, checking, and claiming baggage.

In an effort to offer unmatched convenience and reliability, Ship Sticks has strategically partnered with FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Ship Sticks is trusted by more than 3,500 world-class golf facilities and has assisted customers in shipping their gear over 277 million miles. The service now operates in 180 countries across the globe.

Complimentary insurance, white-glove customer support, and an on-time delivery guarantee complete the Ship Sticks experience. There’s no better way to simplify the way you travel than with Ship Sticks, the most trusted brand in golf club shipping. For further information, please contact:

January 22

            Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce that Garb Inc., the leader in kid’s golf apparel and proud apparel provider for PGA Jr. League, will again partner with Little People’s in 2021.

            Garb is offering all players in the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships a special code for a 20% discount off everything from garbinc.com. In addition to discounted apparel for all participants, the winner of each division of the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s will be awarded a $50 gift card redeemable for anything at garbinc.com.

            “We are delighted that Garb Inc. is offering these gift certificates and discounts 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 card to the winners,” said Tyler Silva, Garb’s Director of New Business Development.

ABOUT GARB INC.

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Garb is the original junior golf apparel brand. Founded in 1996 on the belief that kids needed a brand to call their own — a brand dedicated to golf’s next generation that offers great styling and unrivaled quality. In creating the junior golf apparel category, Garb has become a beloved brand, company and culture proudly embraced by some of the finest golf shops and most prestigious golf events throughout North America.

In 2006, Garb expanded its scope with entry into the collegiate licensed marketplace, launching its “Team” division. With over 130 Division I licenses Team Garb brings a fresh new offering to collegiate licensed merchandise for kids.

To learn more about Garb visit www.garbinc.com , email Garb at shop@garbinc.com or call (303)-674-3139, ext.101.

January 15

We are pleased to announce that Golfdotz has been named “The Official Golf Ball iD of the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships” for 2021.

Golfdotz produces transferable golf ball markings which conform with USGA and R&A specifications and can be used in competition.

Each contestant in the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s will receive a packet of Golfdotz, as well as a 20% discount coupon to be used on the Golfdotz website. 

In addition, each of the 14 division winners in the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s will receive a $25 Gift certificate, to be used on the Golfdotz website.

“This relationship with the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is such a perfect fit for us,” stated David Poole, President and Founder of Golfdotz.  “We love to support junior golf and I think it is so cool that we also supply some former participants of the event who are now on the LPGA Tour with Golfdotz.  I can’t wait to see the kids in action at this year’s event.”

“We felt it was time to take our involvement in junior golf up a level in 2020, and the Pepsi Little People’ platform enabled us to showcase Golfdotz product in a great environment,” added Poole.  We are pleased to be able to do the same thing in 2021.”

Golfdotz is used by many men and women professional golfers, including former Little People’s players Annie Park, winner of the 2018 ShopRite LPGA Classic, and two-time LPGA Tour winner Thidapa “Jasmine” Suwannapura.

“We are delighted with this relationship between Golfdotz and Pepsi Little People’s,” said Nan Ryan, Founder and Executive Director of the tournament. “We know that our players will be delighted with this new and innovative way of marking their golf balls, and we thank David and Golfdotz for making this possible.” 

ABOUT GOLFDOTZ…

            Golfdotz was founded by David Poole, who had a firm belief that golfers wanted more flair than a boring ink dot to mark their ball.  Golfdotz was launched to great acclaim at the PGA Show in 2008, and was approved by both the USGA and R&A in 2009. In 2009, PGA Tour professional Rory Sabbatini became the first player to use the product on a professional golf tour.  The Golfdotz collection is proudly manufactured in the USA and now has well over 200 ways to mark a golf ball or golf club in style.  From USA Clovers and flags, to Hawaiian Sandals or alphabets, the choice is unparalleled.  The business is small and family owned, and heads into 2021 with exciting new designs and a continued passion for the game of golf.  For more information go to www.golfdotz.com or contact David@golfdotz.com.

January 15

            Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce that Applebee’s will again sponsor the ever-popular Parent-Child tournament and associated events in 2021.

            The optional 9-hole Applebee’s Parent-Child will be played Sunday (Father’s Day), June 20, 2021, on holes #19-#27 at Westview Golf Course, Quincy, IL.  The alternate shot event is the kick-off to the 48th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, which will be played June 21-23 in Quincy.  The Parent-Child annually draws 60+ teams made up of one current Little People’s player and a parent, sibling or friend.

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

            In addition, on Monday, June 21 , 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 Family Celebration Picnic on Monday night to present trophies and medals to the winners in all Applebee’s events.

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

“Applebee’s has been part of Little People’s in Quincy for six years and really enjoys the partnership with this great event,” stated Kevin Allardice Managing Partner of The Bloomin’ Apple, LCC, franchisee of Applebee’s.  “ I love seeing the lifelong bonds this parent-child event brings to the Quincy community.  We proudly support the Little People’s Golf Championships!

            “We are happy to continue our sponsorship of the Closest to the Pin Contest and the Parent-Child event,”  added Allardice.  “As a golfer myself, I am extremely happy to help up-and-coming young 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 2000 locations in 49 states, 16 countries and one US 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 in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina, and operates 19 restaurants throughout the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, including the restaurant in Quincy, Illinois.

January 14

           The 48th Annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships for boys and girls ages 3-18 will once again be held on two golf courses in Quincy, IL, June 21-23, 2021.

            Pepsi Little People’s is an international event for boys and girls ages 3 through 18. During the past 47 years,  players have come from every state and some 38 countries.  It has been sponsored since its inception in 1974 by Refreshment Services Pepsi.

           Players ages 3-7 will play their two tournament rounds at the KC Par-3 Golf Course, while golfers ages 8-18 will play their two competitive rounds at Westview Golf Course.           

            Pepsi Little People’s offers all players an opportunity to qualify for or gain points for various other major junior golf tournaments, such as the IMG Junior World, Future Champions Golf and PLAY Junior Golf Tour of Canada.  Players also gain rankings from Junior Golf Scoreboard, Sagarin, and Global Junior Golf Rankings – so important to their future college resumes.

            Play is in seven age divisions for boys and seven age divisions for girls (3-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18).

            Trophies are awarded to the top three finishers in each division, with medals going to places 4-6 in the 10-18  age divisions.  All non-trophy winners ages 3 through 9 receive participant medals.

            Tournament events start on Sunday, June 20, with the annual Applebee’s Parent-Child tournament, an optional 9-hole alternate shot event featuring one adult or sibling and one Little People’s participant.

            Monday, June 21, is practice round day for all participants and includes the Applebee’s Closest to the Pin contest on the 9th hole at Westview.  The winner receives a $75 gift certificate from the Westview Pro Shop.  It is followed by the annual Family Celebration Picnic for all participants, families, friends and sponsors, on the KC grounds.

            Competition in all divisions is held on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by prize presentations on Wednesday for each age group.

            The annual Pepsi Little People’s is an opportunity for players to gain competitive experience, and for players and their families to reacquaint with old friends and make new friends.

            Entry forms and information on the 2021 Pepsi Little People’s will be available on the website, www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, on February 1.  Additional information can be obtained by contacting Tournament Director Nan Ryan at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, or by texting or calling 217-257-5718.