Things like checking the leaderboard are fun for kids. It's a labor of love for DiRico, who has been overseeing the tournament for 21 years, making sure the young players are treated the same way they would be treated in a PGA tournament. I get a lot of personal satisfaction and enjoyment out of it because I love to see the kids on the golf course, especially the younger ones. You listen to them talk about a shot they made or a birdie putt they barely missed. When our junior tournament first began 25 years ago with the help of then-sports editor Richard Osgood and some area golf pros, only boys entered.
Today girls compete in all divisions.
The junior tournament is one of three golfing events that we sponsor each year. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the Union-News and Sunday Republican Women's Golf Clinic. The next Tiger Woods might be teeing it up next month in Springfield. Used with permission.