Junior Golfers to Compete in China-USA Youth Team Championship

Eight United States junior golfers will compete July 23-25 in the first China - USA Youth Team Golf Championship in Langfang City, China. This is the first such match between junior golfers from the USA and China.

The match, a precursor to the Olympic Games, is being conducted by several golf organizations, including the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the China Golf Association. The organizing committee includes the Golf Association of Hebei Province in China and was approved by the Small Ball Sports Management Centre of China's State Sports General Administration.

The eight youths on the USA team are all from California and range in age from 12 to 18. They are: Rico Hoey III of Rancho Cucamonga, Steven Kearney of La Costa Canyon, Mathew Miller of Pleasanton, Grant Rappleye of Elk Grove, Sydney Burlison of Salinas, Bonnie Hu of Fremont, Jennifer Johnson of La Quinta and Rachel Morris of Carlsbad.

USGA Secretary Emily (Missy) Crisp is captain of the USA team. Randolph Ford of Boston, Mass., is assistant captain. "This is a cultural exchange with golf as a common bond," Crisp said. "China wishes to become more knowledgeable about golf and golf for juniors. The emphasis is very much on serving as good ambassadors for the United States and the United States Golf Association. This is a wonderful educational opportunity for the youngsters to travel to and experience a foreign country."

The competitive format is similar to other international amateur competitions, such as the Curtis Cup Match. The first day of play will be 18-hole foursomes' matches, followed by 18-hole four-ball matches on the second day and 18-hole singles matches the final day. Each team member will participate in each day of matches.

The official competition will be preceded by informal play with supporters and officers of the associated organizations on July 21 and 22 while July 26 and 27 have been set aside for sightseeing by the USA team members.