April 16, 2017
U.S. Girls’ Junior Champ From Poppy Hills Will Play at Pebble Beach in 2019
Indiana resident and defending champion Erica Shepherd will get a tune-up for this year’s U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship by competing at Shinnecock Hills as part of the USGA’s inaugural Celebration of Champions event.
The four-hole exhibition, to be held Tuesday, June 12 of U.S Open week, was formed as a way to honor the winners of every 2017 championship and celebrate their distinguished achievements. That means that the winner of this year’s U.S. Girls’ Junior, slated for July 12-21 at Poppy Hills Golf Course, will get a slot in next year’s Celebration of Champions at Pebble Beach Golf Links as part of the 100th U.S. Open.
Eight-time USGA champion Jack Nicklaus will help launch the festivities in what will become an annual tradition. That means that the winner of this year’s U.S. Girls’ Junior, slated for July 12-21 at Poppy Hills Golf Course, will get a slot in next year’s Celebration of Champions at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
“I’ve always loved USGA championships,” said Nicklaus, who won USGA championships in five different decades. “Since I was a junior, they have always been the ultimate examinations of a golfer. I always felt that the USGA did the best job of preparing a golf course that will completely test you and every part of your game. And for me personally, to be able to compete for a championship of the country I live in made a victory that much more meaningful.”
“I am honored to be part of the Celebration of Champions and the USGA’s enduring commitment to celebrate the game and its legacy. The U.S. Open is widely regarded as golf’s ultimate test, making it the ideal setting for an event designed to applaud each 2017 USGA champion.”
-NCGA Staff
