Michigan Golf Journal March 2020

39 March 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com Osentoski had 84 kids involved last summer, the largest in the region. Two seasons prior, there were just 24 kids. Osentoski offers nine practices and six golf matches. He names the teams after natural disasters, like the ‘Tornados’ or the ‘Hurricanes.’ “PGA Jr. League is really changing the way golf is introduced to kids,” said Chelsea Guoynes, who oversees player development at the Michigan Section PGA in East Lansing. “The kids get numbered jerseys and a team name to rally behind and it turns golf from an individual sport to a team experience. It really encourages players to mentor each other and grow as a golfer and as a team player. “We see unbelievably positive feedback from parents, players and captains on the positive impact PGA Jr. League has made on their child and growth of the game. PGA Jr. League encourages the growth of golf skills, creativity, sportsmanship, but most of all, having fun in sports.” Last year, more than 60,000 boys and girls of all skill levels participated nationwide, up 20 percent from the apx. 50,000 players in 2018. Visit PGAJrLeague.com   for more information, and follow PGA Jr. League on Facebook , Twitter ,   Instagram and YouTube . MGJ IF GOLF WAS LIKE OTHER SPORTS THIS SIGN STEALING SCANDAL HAS RIPPED THE GOLF WORLD APART. WHO WOULD DO SUCH A THING?