GO Junior Golf ready for 14th annual season

Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, KY)

May 13-- May 13--The 14th Annual Greater Owensboro Junior Golf Series is just around the corner, and founder and director Mark Price remains at the helm all these years later.

"I still really enjoy putting this thing together," Price said. "What's so rewarding to me is seeing these kids start out at a very young age and then mature into very good players -- it's exciting to track their development over a period of years.

"We're very happy to once again host this special program for junior golfers in western Kentucky and southern Indiana, and we're grateful to the host clubs for signing on again for 2019.

"We are looking forward to another outstanding summer of junior golf."

This year's GO Series -- presented by Worth Insurance Group and Chick-Fil-A -- will feature 16 tournaments in June and July, and is open to all juniors 18-years-old and under.

The GO Series caters to the advanced golfer by preparing them for the upcoming high school season competition, while implementing age-appropriate tee boxes and maximum stroke limits for the developing golfer in the younger divisions.

The competition is open to all boys and girls in the following age groups: 8-and-under (3 holes), 9-10 (6 holes), 11-12 and 13-15 (9 holes), 13-15 and 16-18 championship (18 holes).

Through the years, the GO Series has spawned a host of star golfers -- Matt Atkins (PGA Tour, Web.com Tour), C.M. Mixon (Louisville), Olivia Cason (Louisville), Dawson McDaniel (Western Kentucky), Ke'Asha Phillips (Xavier), Payton Carter (Murray State) and Austin Knight (Murray State), among others.

Moreover, four current high school coaches in the 3rd Region are GO Series alumni -- Bretnea Turner (Owensboro Catholic boys), Stacey Schepers (Owensboro Catholic girls), Lars King (Daviess County boys) and Jess Stevens (Ohio County boys).

Price, who coached Daviess County's boys' team to the 1995 KHSAA state championship, is encouraged by the event's heritage and staying power.

"A lot of great acquaintances and friendships have come out of the GO Series, and I believe that's been very gratifying to all involved," said Price, who is also serving as boys' golf coach at South Spencer (Ind.) High School.

"We all have a common interest in the sport of golf, and the event has just sort of perpetuated itself through the years," Price said. "Those who play in it really look forward to competing.

"I still have the energy to run the GO Series, and as long as that's the case I plan to stay with it."

The GO Series begins on June 3 and regular-season play wraps up on July 8 at Panther Creek Golf Course. The Southern Series championship is set for July 11 at Western Hills Golf Course in Hopkinsville, and the Northern Series championship will be played Ju;y 15 at Owensboro Country Club.

Registration information is available at www.gojuniorgolfseries.com or on the GO Junior Golf Series Facebook page. Those interested in additional information may call (270) 903-2780.

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