Feature Article: Community Makes Golf Better
Golf has a reputation for being a “individual” sport.
Just you, the course and your score.
But if you look closely at the environments where young golfers truly flourish, there’s something bigger happening behind the scenes. They’re not training alone. They’re surrounded by a community, and this is where youg golfers grow and develop. I got to see it firsthand as a guest coach at the International Junior Golf Academy in Bluffton South Carolina. Community Works.
Because while golf may look individual — the best development happens together.
Why Community Changes Everything
When kids train and compete side-by-side, something powerful happens:
1. They learn faster.
Watching others succeed (and struggle) helps kids process concepts quicker and apply them with confidence.
2. They become more resilient.
A tough round doesn’t feel like failure — it becomes a shared learning moment.
3. They stay motivated longer.
Golf becomes something they look forward to, not something they feel pressured to do.
3. They experience healthy competition.
Rivalries turn into friendships. Wins are celebrated. Losses are lessons, not setbacks.
And it isn’t accidental. It’s what community creates. Community Builds More Than Golfers
Golf skills matter — but the game also shapes character. Within a strong junior golf community, kids learn:
Encouragement – lifting each other up
Accountability – showing up ready to work
Friendship – building connections that last
Fun – remembering why they love the game
They discover that golf isn’t just about the scorecard. It’s about Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgement — qualities that influence every area of life and help build Character and Life Skills.
Where This Happens in North Alabama
That’s exactly why the North Alabama Junior Golf Association (NAJGA) exists.
Our mission is simple:
👉 Create opportunities for kids to play, learn, compete — and belong. Like we really have for the last 30 years.
We bring junior golfers together through:
Structured tournaments - The North Alabama US Kids Local Tour and the Chris Burns Junior Series
Developmental programs - We support our local golf coaches to create the best opportunities for development
Mentorship Programs - Building community where the older juniors can help develop and mentor the young ones. We also will offer a COHORT Program for high school kids to help develop leadership skills
Positive coaching environments - Encourage coaches to get involved in the Positive Coaching Alliance and support them financially.
Events built around fun and friendship - 2026 North Alabama Junior Golf Awards, Divot Derby Classic, Junior Cup Matches, The Collegiate Junior, and more.
Families should het involved in the NAJGA because it provides:
1. A safe, encouraging environment
2. Creates clear pathways for improvement
3. Opportunities to compete close to home
4. A community that celebrates every child — not just the winners
And junior golfers will love it because…
1. They have opportunities to develop.
2. They grow more confident.
3. They find a community of like minded juniors.
It's A Community Worth Joining!!!!!
If you’re a parent who wants your child to develop confidence, discipline, and friendships — Junior Golf offers a powerful foundation. And if you want them surrounded by leaders who care about character as much as performance, NAJGA is the place to be. Because when kids step onto the course with friends beside them… Golf becomes more than a game.
It becomes a community — and that makes everything better.
