HOOVER, AL – (Dec. 10, 2024) Junior Golf Alabama (JGA) has announced the 2024 JGA Players of the Year after a successful 2nd season of the JGA Tour, the competitive component of Junior Golf Alabama’s programming.
To honor junior golfers who performed exceptionally in the JGA Tour, JGA identifies award recipients as the top-ranked golfer within their respective Age Division, based on the season-long JGA Tour Points Race presented by Edwin Watts .
The Age Divisions include Boys 14-18, Girls 14-18, Boys 12-13, Girls 12-13, Boys 9-11, Boys 9-11 (9-Hole), Girls 9-11 (9-Hole), Boys 6-8, and Girls 6-8.
2024 Junior Golf Alabama Player of the Year Award Winners
Boys 14-18 Age Division
2024 Player of the Year: Connor Hooper of Scottsboro, Ala.
“Connor had an impressive seven-shot victory at Burningtree Country Club in May and followed-it up with steady, consistent play through the JGA Tour Final,” Manager of Golf Operations & Championships, Karl Yergery said. “Connor exuded calm confidence over every shot I saw him strike and often gave a nod of acknowledgement as a “Hello” while on the course or after hearing, “Good shot!”
Girls 14-18 Age Division
2024 Player of the Year: Ella Roberts of Coaling, Ala.
“I have really enjoyed participating in the 2024 JGA Tour,” Ella said. “All of the JGA staff was so welcoming, and a lot of fun to be around!”
Boys 12-13 Age Division
2024 Player of the Year: Joe Hamilton of Mobile, Ala.
“The JGA tour offers great competition on some of Alabama’s hardest golf courses,” Joe said. “It is an honor to be a part of this tour and I’m looking forward to doing it again next year!”
Girls 12-13 Age Division
2024 Player of the Year: Kaylee Harrison of Mobile, Ala.
“My experience with the 2024 JGA Tour was nothing short of wonderful. In two of the tournaments that I played, both had rain delays,” Kaylee said. “Mr. Karl & his crew kept us informed as possible during the rain delays. In the second tournament, he saw an opening in the weather and made the decision that it was enough of a window to be able to finish the round before more inclement weather approached. This allowed me to finish my round and ultimately place in the top 3 of my age.”
Boys 9-11 Age Division
2024 Player of the Year: Troy Elmore of Valley Head, Ala.
“I really enjoyed playing in all of the JGA tournaments this past year,” Troy said. “The courses were all in fantastic shape and the staff did a great job of running the events”
Boys 9-11 (9-Hole) Division
2024 Player of the Year: Emmett Franklin of Pelham, Ala.
“It takes hard work and effort!” Emmett said.
Girls 9-11 (9-Hole) Division
2024 Player of the Year: Kennedy Cox of Hoover, Ala.
“I enjoyed how we got to play different courses in Alabama,” Kennedy said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of moving up next season. I want to thank the AGA Jr. Tour for all they do.”
Boys 6-8 Age Division
2024 Player of the Year: Tristan Cook of Birmingham, Ala.
“I loved playing on the JGA tour this year because of all the friends I have made and how well it is run,” Tristan said. “I am really proud to be named Player of the Year and am excited to play again next year.”
Girls 6-8 Age Division
2024 Player of the Year: Riley-Harper Lawrence of Daphne, Ala.
"It feels great to be named Player of the Year," Riley-Harper said. "I worked hard for this title by practicing. I’m glad I played in the Mobile Championship and the JGA Tour Final Presented by Smylie Kaufman. I look forward to playing more JGA tournaments. "
The 2025 JGA Tour schedule is available here.
About Junior Golf Alabama (JGA)
Established in 2022, Junior Golf Alabama (JGA) is a joint initiative by the Alabama Golf Association and the Alabama-NW Florida PGA Section to serve as a collaboration focused on junior golf for kids, parents, coaches, golf administrators, and PGA Professionals. By creating new educational, instructional, and playing opportunities, JGA streamlines the junior golf roadmap while bridging existing programs to further the development of junior golf in Alabama and NW Florida.
JGA is operated by a team of staff from both the Alabama Golf Association and the Alabama - NW Florida PGA Section. By combining the junior golf initiatives of both the Alabama Golf Association and Alabama - NW Florida PGA Section into one collaborative organization, Junior Golf Alabama can present prospective junior golfers with a robust set of resources and a supportive player pathway that guarantees success.
For more information about Junior Golf Alabama, please visit www.juniorgolfalabama.org.
Media Contact:
Mikayla King
Director of Media, Marketing & Communications
Alabama Golf Association
205-803-6524
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