IJGT Mission:

The mission of the International Junior Golf Tour is to provide exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game.

IJGT History:

In 1995, Ray Travaglione founded the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA) on Hilton Head Island.  He opened the Academy doors with an enrollment of six students.  As the six students began to achieve their potential, it became apparent that without the challenge of competition, it would be impossible for the students to become successful players.  Since no organized school year junior golf tour existed at that time, Travaglione created his own, the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT). 

The IJGT began with the sole purpose of providing a means for IJGA students to gain competitive experience.  However, the IJGT quickly developed into the second most recognized junior tour in the country, after the American Junior Golf Association, which was founded in 1978.

In its first year of operation, the IJGT held a total of eight regional events.  Just three years later, with the popularity of the academy and the addition of weekly summer camps, that number increased to 23 events nationwide.  The continued success of the academy fueled the tour and by 2002 the IJGT conducted 45 nationally ranked tournaments. 

Now in it’s 13th year, the upcoming 2007-2008 season will feature 70 events at some of the finest venues in the U.S., as well as tournaments in Mexico, Colombia, Canada and Scotland.  Most events have fields of 96 players and there are roughly 2,000 junior golfers who compete on the IJGT circuit who represent 20 states and as many countries.

In addition to competing for individual event trophies, IJGT players can earn exemptions to some of the most prestigious amateur events in the country including the Players Amateur, Dogwood International, Rice Planters Amateur, Monroe Invitational, California State Fair Championship, Southwestern Amateur, Optimist International, Junior Heritage and the Junior World Golf Championships.

IJGT Staff

• Chris Benitez, Director of Operations (view bio)
• Kailey Brooks, Assistant Tournament Director (view bio)
• Kent Brown, Executive Director (view bio)
• Kim Campbell, Assistant Tournament Director (view bio)
• Travis Lesser, Managing Director of Tour Administration and International Competitions (view bio)
• Mark Plevyak, Tournament Director (view bio)
• Klint Talmadge, Assistant Tournament Director (view bio)
• Michael Trino, Director of Member Services (view bio)