No one picks up golf at the same age. Some people take up golf the moment they start walking, some people take it up in high school to join the team, or some people start playing when their kids start playing. No matter when you start playing, it is never too late to take up golf!
The Sun Country Golf Cycle of life is a great model to follow when you start playing the game yourself or when your kids start playing. There is no exact starting point on the cycle because everyone begins to play golf at a different age!
Drive Chip & Putt
Drive Chip & Putt is an annual skills competition that gives boys and girls ages 7-15. There are four stages every year, with the final stage taking place at Augusta National Golf Club the week before the Masters. Sun Country Junior Golf runs two first stage events in Albuquerque and Las Cruces every year.
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PGA Junior Golf Camps
At PGA Junior Golf Camps, junior golfers will learn basic golf skills from PGA Professionals. Camps are a fun and safe environment where kids will make lots of new friends. No matter the child's age or ability, there is the perfect PGA Junior Golf Camp for them!
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PGA Junior League
PGA Junior League is a fun and inclusive activity where junior golfers compete together as a team. Everyone receives a uniform with their own number. Teams compete against other local teams, with the chance to make the national finals every year.
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Competitive Junior Golf
After years of golf camps, lessons, and Drive Chip & Putt, it is now time to put your skills to the test on the Sun Country Junior Golf Tour! The Sun Country Junior Golf Tour runs about 40 events a year, from local events, to regional championships, and national qualifiers. Boys and girls ages 7 to 18 are welcome to compete, no matter their skill level.
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High School Golf
Did you have fun playing on a team in PGA Junior League? You now have the opportunity to continue playing on a team in high school. There are multiple high schools in New Mexico and El Paso, TX that have golf teams that compete in the NMAA, UIL and TAPPS. You will compete against other high schools with the chance to win the state championship every spring.
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College Golf
After high school, there are plenty of opportunities to still play competitive golf in college! There are plenty of NCAA Division I, II, and III varsity golf programs in the country. In addition, college students have the opportunity to play club golf. Club golf teams play in the NCCGA, and are not part of college athletic departments. Students organize their teams themselves, schedule their own events, and compete against other local colleges and universities.
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After college, individuals have the choice to play golf recreationally as an amateur, or make a career out of golf as a professional.
Amateur Golf
The Sun Country Amateur Golf Association (SCAGA) provides administrative services for facilities and amateur golfers in New Mexico and El Paso County Texas. Services include providing handicaps and running regional championships. People who choose to be amateurs can play for fun with their friends on the weekend, or continue to compete in regional championships against other amateurs.
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Golf as a Career
The Sun Country PGA Section is one of the 41 Sections in the PGA of America. The Sun Country Section includes the state of New Mexico and El Paso County, Texas. PGA Members run golf facilities, give lessons, and compete in regional and national tournaments. If you are in college and interested in golf as a career, the PGA Golf Management Program is perfect for you!
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Golf as a Family
If you are looking for fun family activities, PGA Family Cup is perfect for you. In PGA Family Cup, families compete as teams of 2-6 players against other families in multiple fun formats. Not only will you have fun with your family, but your kids will learn to enjoy the game of golf and want to play more in the future. They will go through the cycle of golf just like you did!
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