As this column series continues, I am presented with new and exciting opportunities to speak to individuals in-and-around the local community who are doing great things when it comes to promoting the sport of golf among younger players. The most recent opportunity came just last week, when I met with Bill Moore, a golf pro who helped build Crooked Creek (now the Oaks of London) and created the Southeast Kentucky Junior Golf Tour (SEKJGT) back in 1995.
Moore was kind enough to take the time to speak to me recently about the SEKJGT, including how the event has evolved over the past 30 years, and his hopes for what lies ahead this season and beyond.
“At the time, I had a younger daughter who played, but there weren’t any local opportunities for kids to play without traveling overnight to places like Louisville or northern Kentucky,” Moore said of the situation that led him to start the SEKJGT in 1995. “I started it as an opportunity for kids in our area to play some competitive golf through the summer so that they can develop their skills and knowledge of the game.”
As the years went by, Moore said that participation increased to the point where more courses and competitions had to be added in order to accommodate the amount of players that were signing up. Eventually, a cup series was introduced that presented young golfers the opportunity to accrue points throughout the summer as they chased an overall championship to be awarded at the end of the tour.
“Over the years it has evolved into a good tour for beginning golfers to get a taste of competitive golf,” Moore said. “I enjoy watching these young kids as their game develops and they learn about sportsmanship. I have seen a lot of kids who started out on this tour go on to play college golf.”
Moore added that, after 30 years, he is also beginning to see some second-generation competitors as participants in some of the earlier tours are now brining their own children to play.
So, how exactly does the cup series work?
Moore recently announced the dates and locations for this year’s tour. That schedule looks like this:
• June 2 – Battlefield Golf Club (Richmond)
• June 5 – Somerset Country Club
• June 9 – Old Bridge Golf Club (Danville)
• June 12 – Eagles Nest (Somerset)
• June 23 – Lakewood Country Club (Russell Springs)
• June 26 – Woodson Bend (Bronston)
• June 30 – Gibson Bay (Richmond)
• July 7 – The Oaks of London
• July 10 – London Country Club
Players are split up into divisions that include 8 and under, 10 and under, 11-12 year-old boys, 11-13 year-old girls, 13-15 year-old boys, 14-15 year-old girls, boys 16 and up, and girls 16 and up. All boys competitors 12 and under and all girls 13 and under are allowed to have caddies assist them on the course. The top two divisions for each gender play on their own.
A flat $60 per course entry fee is charged, with discounted rates available for golfers who choose to compete in five or more events. In order to be eligible for the overall cup championship at the end of the season, a golfer must compete in at least five events.
Serving as the sponsor for this year’s cup series is Legacy Golf Cars of London, whose advertisements have been seen regularly here in the pages of the News Journal since the beginning of the year. When asked about the opportunity to sponsor the tour, General Manager Bobby Kidd said, “Legacy Golf Cars is thrilled to team up with the Southeast Kentucky Junior Golf Tour as it swings into its 30th anniversary. Championing the region’s young talent has been a driving force for Legacy dealerships since day one, and we’re ready to take it to the next level.”
“Bill Moore has been the real MVP,” Kidd added. “Sparking a passion for golf in countless kids. With Legacy on board, we’re set to push the SEKJGT farther than ever.”
Moore has already sent out a mailer to the families of kids who played in last year’s tour, and he will be providing additional details on this year’s event in the coming days via the SEKJGT Facebook page. Anyone interested in learning more can also send a text message to (606) 682-2570.
Moore is looking forward to seeing what the 30th edition of the Southeast Kentucky Junior Golf Tour will have in store this summer, and he hopes to see even more opportunities for young golfers in our region in the years ahead.
