AmateurGolf.com
AmateurGolf.com

Loading...

COVID-19 deals another blow: IMG Junior World at Torrey Pines
April 17, 2020 | by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com

see also: Junior World Golf Championships, Torrey Pines Golf Club - South Course

The five-petaled, white orchid flag of Hong Kong at the IMG Junior World
The five-petaled, white orchid flag of Hong Kong at the IMG Junior World

The Junior World, where Tiger Woods amassed 6 division titles, has been forced to cancel for the first time in 53 years

One of the most important and historic championships in junior golf is the latest event that will miss a year due to COVID-19. The IMG Junior World, which each year attracts upwards of 1500 participants from 50 countries to the various courses in San Diego has made the difficult decision to cancel for the first time in 53 years. The tournament committee, including executive director Megan Mahoney, knew that the chances of holding the July tournament weren't good, but until this week she was holding onto a glimmer of hope. "I've made the analogy for the last month I feel like Junior World has been a hospice patient for me," Mahoney told Tod Leonard of GolfWorld. "We tried to have hope, but the news wasn't what we wanted." The tournament field is comprised of players representing just about every country where golf is played. It's truly a spectacle for players, fans, and families -- kicking off with a festive flag parade the day before play gets started. The smiles on the boys and girls of all ages are priceless. It would have been unreasonable to expect that more than a small percentage of them could make an international trip as early as July. And rescheduling (especially at Torrey Pines' two courses) presents an insurmountable challenge. Both courses, as well as all other host courses in San Diego County, are currently closed. The cancellation will mean a missed opportunity for every boy and girl in the field, especially those in the upper age bracket. Many of the older golfers get to play in front of college coaches for the first time - more than 100 recruiters typically make the trip to Torrey Pines to size up the talent. IMG, the tournament sponsor, runs the biggest sports academy in the world in Orlando, Florida. "We think about the kids and their missed opportunities," said Mahoney. "They worked hard to get here."
About the Junior World

Age Divisions: 15-17, 13-14, 11-12, 9-10, 7-8, 6-under. 72 hole stroke play event for 15-17 division, 54 holes for other divisions. Qualifying required for 15-17, other divisions. Played at multiple courses in the San Diego area. Online application p...

Most Popular Articles
Rory McIlroy Wins 2026 Seminole Pro-Member With Dad Gerry

Rory McIlroy Wins 2026 Seminole Pro-Member With Dad Gerry

Mar 2, 2026Rory McIlroy added another trophy to the mantle on golf’s most exclusive Monday, teaming with father Gerry at Seminole Golf Club.
U.S. Open Qualifying 2026: Local & Final Qualifying Sites for Shinnecock

U.S. Open Qualifying 2026: Local & Final Qualifying Sites for Shinnecock

Feb 19, 2026The road to Shinnecock Hills begins in April as 110 local qualifying sites and 13 final qualifying venues are set.
FINAL RESULTS: Gasparilla Invitational 2026

FINAL RESULTS: Gasparilla Invitational 2026

Feb 21, 2026Hayes Brown wins Gasparilla at 2-under, edging Peyton White by one, while Jeff Frazier claims the Senior title at Palma Ceia.
Yunseo Yang Wins Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific at Royal Wellington Golf Club

Yunseo Yang Wins Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific at Royal Wellington Golf Club

Feb 15, 2026Yunseo Yang makes history as Korea’s first WAAP champion, earning major exemptions with a dominant win.
If You’re Entering the U.S. Open, Read This First: 2026 Qualifying Explained

If You’re Entering the U.S. Open, Read This First: 2026 Qualifying Explained

Feb 16, 2026110 locals. One Longest Day. Zero margin. Here’s what you need to know before filing for the 2026 U.S. Open.
Related Tournament
Junior World

Junior World

Loading latest news...