Youth Skills Challenge To Begin Competitions

Local qualifying competitions for the first-ever PGA Championship Youth Skills Challenge will begin next week as 28 public and private courses in the Chicago area begin to host drive, chip and putt events from May 13-June 15.

Male and female winners between the ages of six and 17 in four age groups will advance to one of two Regional Qualifiers scheduled for July 16. The finals will be Sunday, August 13 at Medinah Country Club on the eve of PGA Championship week.

Nike Golf is presenting sponsor of the events, which have been organized by the Illinois PGA Section and will be conducted by PGA golf professionals at their respective golf courses. Schedules and entry forms may be found at www.ipga.com.     

"The 88th PGA Championship Youth Skills Challenge is a fun way for young golfers to test their abilities in all areas of the game in a competitive setting," said Roger Warren, president of the PGA of America. "It also is a way to help the public see the important relationship between the PGA Championship and local golf professionals who are responsible for teaching and growing the game. We truly appreciate the involvement of Nike Golf as presenting sponsor of this worthy program."

Michael Miller, executive director of the Illinois PGA, said male and female champions in each age group will receive prizes and VIP treatment at the 88th PGA Championship, Aug. 14-20, at Medinah.

"The Illinois PGA is proud to be the first PGA section to conduct a Youth Skills Challenge tied directly to the PGA Championship," Miller said. "Our Illinois Section PGA golf professionals look forward to participating in this exciting event and generating participation at the local level."

The competition will showcase the driving, chipping, and putting skills of up-and-coming young golfers ages six to 17 and spotlight some of the local PGA teaching professionals who helped them learn the game. As presenting sponsor, Nike Golf will provide prizes and other forms of event support, officials said. Officials said everyone who competes in the Youth Skills Challenge will receive two free practice round tickets to the 88th PGA Championship at Medinah.

Here is the competition's age-category and event breakdown:

Age/Gender Divisions

* Age 6-8, male and female
* Age 9-11, male and female
* Age 12-14, male and female * Age 15-17 male and female

Events (age 6-17, local, sectional and final)

* Driving (distance and accuracy)
* Chipping
* Putting

Winners of local and regional qualifiers will receive gifts. A list of host courses and the dates of their respective qualifiers accompanies this communication.

The PGA Championship is one of four premier golf events conducted by the PGA of America. Others include the Ryder Cup, the Senior PGA Championship and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Since 1916, golf's best professionals have been competing for the PGA Championship's coveted Wanamaker Trophy. Past champions include Mickelson, Woods, Vijay Singh, Davis Love III, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan and Walter Hagen.

The 88th PGA Championship will be played August 14-20, 2006 at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill. The 39th Ryder Cup is schedule to be played at Medinah in 2012.