LIVE SCORING: 2023 IMG Junior World this week at Torrey Pines and more courses

MG Academy Junior World Championships tees off on Tuesday, July 11. More than 1,200 golfers representing 53 countries and 42 states tee off in San Diego for the 55th annual playing. of this truly international competition. It's a tournament that has given many future PGA and LPGA stars their first taste of international success..

The names of past champions are familiar: Lorena Ochoa, Amy Alcott, John Cook, Jason Day, Ernie Els, Anthony Kim, Billy Mayfair, Phil Mickelson, Corey Pavin, Craig Stadler, and six-time champion Tiger Woods.

Woods' record at Torrey Pines is often cited: 8 PGA Tour victories, including the 2008 U.S. Open. But his Junior World win at Torrey Pines in 1991 was also notable, as he became the first 15-year-old to win the 15-17 age division championship (it's 15-18 now), edging out fellow future PGA Tour member Chris Riley in the final round.

In 1984, Ernie Els won the 13-14 age division at Balboa Park by three shots over Phil Mickelson. Twenty years later, Mickelson would deny Els the Masters title with the memorable birdie putt on the 72nd hole at Augusta National that gave Mickelson his first major win.

But it isn't just the champions that make IMG Junior World the tournament it is. The tournament's global reach is staggering -- tens of thousands of kids from more than 80 countries have competed in the 55 years the event has been held. Players from far-flung reaches of the globe: Kazakhstan, Qatar, Zambia, Mauritius, New Guinea, San Marino, and Tahiti to name a few.

Related: IMG Junior World celebrates 50 years

The event's international flavor is reflected at the Opening Ceremony, held on Sunday and featuring a parade of international and state flags.

Click on the scoring link to follow your favorite players and countries during the week. AmateurGolf.com will provide a recap after the completion of play on Thursday.