July 5
Six young ladies have been named winners of the 2023 Maureen J. Garrity Scholarship for Women, a merit scholarship established to support the education of women who participate in the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.
Maddie O’Brien from Quincy, IL, wants to do many things, but becoming a physical therapist is utmost, due to personal experiences. She has been admitted to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Carroll University. A soccer player in high school, she enjoys reading.
Ava Kalanek from Bismarck, ND, will be playing college golf at Black Hills State University, while majoring in Business Management. Her future career goal is to be a cosmetologist and own her own salon.
Catalina Easley, from Cantrall, IL, took up golf at age 8, and it is her passion. Catalina has verbally committed to Milligan University in Tennessee to study nursing and play golf. She is bilingual and plans to volunteer abroad in medical missions. Influenced by Japanese home cooking, Julia Imai from Brookline, MA, is a golfer and baker, and works for a local golf tour. She aspires to be a D1 collegiate golfer, majoring in food science – and dreams of opening her own bakery.
Ella Barton from Ft. Worth, TX, holds the scoring record at her high school, and plans to play golf in college while majoring in psychology or child life studies. She hopes to pursue a career as a child life specialist or counselor, and train to be an animal assisted therapist.
Coming from a family of golfers, Mia Natividad from Yorkville, IL, will play college golf at the University of Toledo, along with her sister, and aspires to make lifelong connections with coaches, teammates and friends she has yet to meet.
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 2024 or 2025 and who will be participating in the 2024 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.
ABOUT PEPSI LITTLE PEOPLE’S
The Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is an international junior golf competition for boys and girls aged 3 through 18. The 51th annual tournament will be held June 17-19, 2024, at two golf courses in Quincy, IL. Information on the 2024 event will be available at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com
July 1
After 50 years of leading the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, Founder and Executive Director Nan Ryan is stepping down.
“The tournament needs new and younger ideas,” said Ryan. “I feel confident that the people
at Quincy Service Club, which will be taking over the leadership of Little People’s, will do a great
job.”
“The QSC is honored to carry on the outstanding family tradition of the Pepsi Little
People’s Golf Championships,” said QSC member Mike McLaughlin. “We look forward to the 51 st
year with Nan Ryan coming back to enjoy watching what she created 50 years ago.”
Since the first event in 1974, with 174 players from 13 states and Canada, the tournament
has grown, and in 2000 hosted a record 922 players.
“More than 10,000 different junior golfers, coming from every state and some 39 countries
and provinces, have come to Quincy, IL, to compete in Little People’s,” said Nan. The tournament was originally for boys and girls ages 3 through 15, but was extended to age 17 in 1986 and to 18 in 2015.
Over the years, the tournament has contributed more than $300,000 in scholarships and donations through its ‘Kids Helping Kids’ program. In 1995, they selected Transitions of Western Illinois, an organization that provides special services for emotionally and physically challenged young people and families, to be a recipient of part of the tournament proceeds.
“We wanted our kids to know that there is more to golf than just playing it,” said Ryan. “We wanted them to know that they can help others less fortunate.”
“Many of our players have gone on to excel on the various professional tours,” said Ryan. “Many others are now club professionals, or are in golf administrative positions or other walks of life.”
Throughout the years the tournament has been held at nine different golf courses in the Tri-State area, but for the past few years the 27-hole Westview Golf Course, and 9-hole KC Par-3 have been the venues Refreshment Services Pepsi has been the major and title sponsor since the tournament’s inception in 1974. “We are extremely fortunate to have had Refreshment Services Pepsi remain as our major and title sponsor,” said Ryan. “They have been extremely generous to us in providing monetary support, along with their products.” Little People’s also has its own scholarship program, which has served more than 70 players, and the Maureen J. Garrity Scholarship for Women, which has provided scholarships for 17 different young women playing in the tournament, to help further their education.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the tournament,” said Ryan. “Without the some 1000 volunteers over the years, this tournament would not have been possible.”
“Organizing and being a part of this great tournament has been my life’s work,” stated 89-year-old Ryan. “I have loved being a part of this great adventure, meeting so many people whom I consider friends, and watching our former players as they compete in many tournaments on television. Golf has given me so much. It’s been a great 50 years. It’s wonderful when your work is your passion,” she added.
The 2024 Pepsi Little People’s will be played June 17-19 at two venues in Quincy, IL, and will be conducted by the Quincy Service Club. More information on the tournament will be available soon on the Little People’s website, www.littlepeoplesgolf.com.
February 23
Pepsi Little People’s is delighted to announce that Southern Airways is a new sponsor of the 2023 Golf Championships!
Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is an international event for boys and girls ages three through 18, and has been held annually since 1974 at golf courses in Quincy, IL.
“Southern Airways is proud to partner with and support the Little’s People’s Golf Championships,” said Mark Cestari, Chief Commercial Officer at Southern Airways. “As Quincy’s new hometown airline this fantastic event will give attendees and participants from Chicago, St. Louis and beyond a chance to experience Southern’s special style of customer service first hand. Our aircraft can easily accommodate the players’ golf bags.
“We are very happy to bring Southern Airways on board as one of our sponsors,” stated Nan Ryan, Founder and Executive Director of Pepsi Little People’s. Their commitment to support Little People’s offers our players and parents a great opportunity to fly to Quincy.”
Southern Airways is offering Little People’s five pairs of round-trip tickets to/from Quincy, St. Louis or Chicago O’Hare.
Pepsi Little People’s will celebrate its 50th year June 18-21. Festivities start on Sunday, June 18 with the ever-popular Applebee’s Parent-Child event. Monday is practice round day for all players, followed by the Family Celebration Picnic. Competition will be held at the KC Par-3 course on Tuesday and Wednesday for players ages 3-7, while those ages 8-18 will play their competition rounds at Westview Golf Course in Quincy.
Players competing in Little People’s have the opportunity to gain Performance Stars for AJGA events, and try to qualify for the IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships, Future Champions Golf, PLAY Junior Golf Tour of Canada, and the Notah Begay Regional.
In addition, Little People’s tournament results contribute to Junior Golf Scoreboard, GolfWeek/Sagarin and Global Junior Golf Rankings, important factors in the ability of players to earn college scholarships.
Additional information on Pepsi Little People’s, can be found at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, or emailjrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, or text or call Nan Ryan at 217-257-5718.
February 6
CALLING ALL ADAMS COUNTY JUNIOR GOLFERS!
Now is the time to sign up for the 50th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, being held June 19-21 at Westview Golf Course and KC Par-3 in Quincy.
And, it’s time to take advantage of the Quincy Breakfast Optimist Club’s offer to provide scholarship funding to assist Adams County golfers who want to play Little People’s.
“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 Mike Wensing, 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 and Adams County 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.
“In addition, it gives our local golfers an opportunity to try to qualify for other major junior events, such as the American Junior Golf Association, IMG Junior World, FCG, PLAY Golf Canada and Notah Begay Regional, and gain rankings from Junior Golf Scoreboard, Sagarin and Global Junior Golf Rankings – so important for their college resumes,” added Ryan.
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.
Practice rounds are Monday, June 19, with competition at Westview and KC Par-3 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The tournament is open to boys and girls ages 3 through 18.
For more information on the discounts that the BOC is offering to Adams County players, please go to www.littlepeoplesgolf.com/registration then click on BOC Discounts.
Entry forms for the 2023 tournament will be available at www.littlepeoplesgolf on February 1. All divisions fill up fast, so get your entry in NOW. For further information, please contact Nan Ryan at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, or call or text 217-257-5718.
January 16, 2023
Pepsi Little People’s is pleased to announce that Applebee’s will again sponsor the ever-popular Parent-Child tournament, Closest to the Pin Contest, and associated events in 2023, and this year with very special gifts for all players!
The optional 9-hole Applebee’s Parent-Child will be played Sunday (Father’s Day), June 18, 2023, on holes #19-#27 at Westview Golf Course, Quincy, IL. The alternate shot event is the kick-off to the 50th Anniversary of the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, which will be played June 19-21 at Westview and the KC Par-3 Golf Course. The Parent-Child annually draws 60+ teams made up of one current Little People’s player and a parent, sibling or friend, and many Alumni-Child teams.
Applebee’s will also sponsor the Putting, Driving and Best Dressed Team contests, held in conjunction with the Parent-Child event on June 18.
Applebee’s is ‘stepping up’ it’s sponsorship this year in observance of the 50th anniversary of Little People’s, by offering every contestant two meal cards for 50% off each meal at Applebee’s, PLUS they are providing a $100 gift coupon for each of the six winning Parent-Child age division teams.
In addition, on Monday, June 19 , practice round day, Applebee’s will hold a Closest to the Pin contest on the 9th hole at Westview, with a $50 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 Founder and 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 eight years and really enjoys the partnership with this great event,” stated Kevin Allardice Managing Partner of The Bloomin’ Apple, LLC, franchisee of Applebee’s. “ I love seeing the lifelong bonds this parent-child event brings to the Quincy community. We proudly support the Pepsi 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 15 restaurants throughout the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, including the restaurant in Quincy, Illinois.
January 9, 2023
The 50th Annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships will be played June 19-21, at two Quincy, Illinois, golf courses.
Pepsi Little People’s is an international event for boys and girls ages 3 through 18. During the past 49 years, players have come from every state and some 39 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 the 27-hole Westview Golf Course.
Pepsi Little People’s offers players an opportunity to qualify for or gain points for many other major junior golf tournaments, such as the AJGA, IMG Junior World, Future Champions Golf, Notah Begay Regional National Championship and PLAY Junior Golf Tour of Canada. Players also gain rankings from Junior Golf Scoreboard, Sagarin, and Global Junior Golf Rankings – so important for 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 18, 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 19, 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, sponsored by Pepsi, Hy-Vee, WGEM and See Quincy, for all participants, families, friends, alumni and sponsors, on the KC grounds.
Competition in all divisions is on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 20-21, immediately followed by prize presentations for each age group on Wednesday.
The annual Pepsi Little People’s is an opportunity for players to gain competitive experience, gain entrance into other major junior events, be nationally ranked, and for player and families to reacquaint with old friends and make new friends.
Entry forms and information on the 2023 Pepsi Little People’s will be available on the website at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, on February 1. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Executive Director Nan Ryan at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com, or by texting or calling 217-257-5718.
December 14, 2022
The Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships is delighted to announce that the 2023 tournament 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 2023.
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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 50TH annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships, for boys and girls ages 3 through 18, will be played June 19-21 at two golf courses in Quincy, IL. Throughout the past 49 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 or high school teams.
Entry Form and additional information on the 2023 Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships will be available on February 1 at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, or call or text Tournament Director Nan Ryan at 217-257-5718.
