For nearly 30 years, the PGA of BC has celebrated the legacy of Jack McLaughlin and his significant contributions to junior golf through the annual Jack McLaughlin Memorial Pro-Junior Championship, an 18-hole two-net best-ball event at which PGA of BC Professionals team up with three junior-aged competitors from their facility. Sadly, the 2020 Pro-Junior Championship scheduled for July 23 at Vernon Golf & Country Club will not be held due to COVID-19. 

In addition to honouring McLaughlin, the Pro-Junior Championship has represented inclusiveness in competition, with a format that allows girls and boys of all ages and ability levels to participate and contribute to their teams’ success in the event, while providing junior golfers with an opportunity to play alongside a Golf Professional. The PGA of BC believes in preserving these qualities of the event, even if the tournament cannot proceed.

As such, special for 2020, the PGA of BC is proud to introduce the Jack McLaughlin Memorial Junior Golf Challenge presented by COBRA PUMA Golf. 

From July 20-26, junior golfers will be challenged to complete a 9- or 18-hole round under mock tournament conditions at their home course and submit their scorecard to their PGA of BC Professional. Net scores for each participant based upon their Golf Canada handicap or one that is assigned by their local Professional will be added to a province-wide leaderboard to recognize the top performances recorded throughout the week. If possible, PGA of BC Professionals are encouraged to take time out of their busy schedules to accompany participating juniors on course, assist with rulings during play and to cheer them on! There is no cost or entry fee for junior competitors, aside from any green fees that may apply at their respective facilities, and all participants will be eligible for post-event prizing through either their event performance or by random draw.

Here's how PGA of BC facilities can get involved: 

• PGA of BC Professionals administering the Challenge at their course can CLICK HERE to complete a facility registration form
• Facilities will be encouraged to pick one day during the event week (July 20-26) for junior participants to complete their round
• The PGA of BC Administration Team will provide the organizing Professional with a score-reporting form and further details on the conduct of play
• Organizing Professionals at each facility will receive two (2) points toward the Professional Development Program (PDP) Order of Merit

The Administration Team will contact the organizing Professional with additional details and information upon completion of the registration form. 

The PGA of BC would like to thank COBRA PUMA Golf for its support of the Jack McLaughlin Memorial Junior Golf Challenge in the absence of this year's Pro-Junior Championship.