LITTLE LINKSTERS
The Little Linksters is an introductory tournament-based program for golfers aged 6-12. The program is designed for players improve their scores and ability as well as learn to compete. Little Linksters allows for players to move at their own pace and allows the same-age juniors to compete at different levels.
The design of Little Linksters is for players to move up to the next division once they improve their scores. Adults are encouraged to support their juniors by caddying and being out on the course.
Caddie Information
The STPGA would like to welcome back all returning caddies to the STPGA Caddie program as well as welcome all new Caddies to the 2024 Caddie Program. The Caddie Program is such an important part of the STPGA Junior Golf Program, and we hope that each Caddie enjoys the opportunity to be a part of their son or daughter’s team.
Age and Hole Divisions
9-10 5-Hole Modified Tees
9-10 9-Hole Modified Tees
11-12 9-Hole Forward Tees
9-10 5-Hole Modified Tees
9-10 9-Hole Modified Tees
11-12 9-Hole Modified Tees
Approximate Yardages & Divisions
| Par 3 | Par 4 | Par 5 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All 5-Hole | 40-60 yards | 100-150 yards | 220-250 yards | 500-800 yards |
| Co-Ed 6-8 | Girls 9-10 | 60-80 yards | 150-200 yards | 250-300 yards | 1400-1700 yards |
| Boys 9-10 | Girls 11-12 | 80-100 yards | 200-250 yards | 300-350 yards | 1900-2200 yards |
| Boys 11-12 | Forward Tees | Forward Tees | Forward Tees | 2300-2600 yards |
Little Linksters Unique Rules of Play
- Participants may have one caddie to assist in keeping their score and assist with yardages, club selection, and guidance. Extensive coaching may result in a loss of caddie privileges.
- Penalty Area Rule - If a player hits two (2) balls into a penalty area that is designated by red or yellow stakes or freshly painted lines they may drop a ball on the opposite side of said penalty area for no additional penalty.
Example: The player hits his or her first (1) shot into the penalty area designated by red or yellow stakes or freshly painted lines. The player drops and lays two (2). The player proceeds to hit his or her third (3) shot into the same penalty area. The play may then drop on the other side of the penalty area. At this point, the player will be laying four (4) and will proceed to hit his or her fifth (5) shot.
Note: The player must count the two (2) strokes for hitting into the penalty area before proceeding under this rule.
- Bunker Rule - If a player’s ball is in a bunker and the player has taken two (2) strokes at the ball in the same bunker and has not advanced the ball out of the bunker, the player may under no penalty, drop the ball outside the bunker. The player will drop the ball at the nearest point of relief, one (1) club length no closer to the hole, and continue to play.
- Out of Bounds - As an additional option to stroke and distance, a player may, for a General Penalty, drop his or her ball at the nearest fairway edge no closer to the hole.
Target Scores for Division Advancement
- To advance to the 9-hole Modified Division, the player must shoot 8 over par or lower in two events.
- A junior who plays in the 5-hole Modified Division on a course with a par of 21, for example (one par 3, two par 4’s, two par 5’s), must post a score of 29 or better in two tournaments to advance to the 9-hole Modified Division.
- All juniors in the 11-12 Age Division will be placed 9-hole Red Division. Those scoring 9-over-par or better are encouraged to participate in the Junior Tour for continued improvement.
- The Junior Golf Committee and Director of Junior Golf have the authority to move a junior down a division if their tournament scores fall substantially and disrupt the overall tournament atmosphere in their division (pace of play, lack of knowledge on Rules of Golf, etc.)
2024 STPGA Spring Championship
April 27-28, 2024
Kingwood, TX
SITE: The Clubs of Kingwood - Forest Course
PLEASE NOTE: The STPGA Spring Championship is an invitation-only event. We are releasing a final invitation breakdown March 21st. Additional invitations will be added at a later date to account for changes or fluctuation in participation by metro area and division. Please note, no division will decrease in invitations when we make the update. We are excited for the Spring Championship and hope to see you there!
BECOME AN STPGA JUNIOR GOLFER TODAY