Junior Golf Award

By Jeremiah Ritchie

Bryson hits bombs. 

New equipment, from clothing to drivers to limited edition headcovers, is eye-popping and trendy. 

And at the ‘frat house’ that is the 16th hole of TPC Scottsdale we see dad bods with golfer tans and greens carpeted with beer bottles. 

We try a lot of things to keep our sport interesting and grow the game. But true growth starts at the junior level.

Maple Hill Golf and their GM, Jason Sanchez, were honored this year for doing just that. The National Golf Course Owners Association presented the Player Development Award to Mr. Sanchez for his outstanding efforts in growing the game of golf. 

“When I was a junior golfer, I felt like the camps were boring and courses looked at us as more of a problem than a solution,” Jason said.  “It’s important to create space for young golfers to enjoy the game and receive quality instruction regardless of their skill level. They’re not just ‘junior’ golfers —they’re golfers! When you treat them like that, the way any golfer would want to be treated, it’s easy to get them hooked. It’s really the only way we can sustainably grow the game.” 

Under Mr. Sanchez’s guidance, Maple Hill Golf offers several opportunities for junior golfers who want to enter the sport as beginner players or continue to develop their skills. 

“We have a variety of summer programs, from our Pee Wee classes for golfers ages 7 and under to our Girl’s High School Camp or the Junior Academy for players desiring to play at a highly competitive level. We’re even adding an 8-week Junior League to our offering this year.”

Over 1,300 golfers took part in Maple Hill Golf’s junior programs in 2021, and Mr. Sanchez continues to look for ways to grow those numbers. Jason added, “I’m a kid at heart. There isn’t a better way to grow the game than to teach young golfers and pass on our passion for the sport to them.”

For more information on Junior golf opportunities, click here