American Junior Golf Association Returns to Lompoc with $20,000 Grant from Explore Lompoc

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – PHOTOS AVAILABLE          

March 6, 2019

Media Contacts:

Susan Bejeckian, Explore Lompoc PR Rep, 626-570-1051; sbejeckian@gmail.com

Maris Somerville, Explore Lompoc PR Rep, 310-701-6872; maris@somervillepr.com

American Junior Golf Association Returns

to Lompoc with $20,000 Grant from Explore Lompoc

La Purisima Golf Course in Lompoc a Favorite for Golf Tournaments

LOMPOC, CA –  In a joint venture with Explore Lompoc, the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is charting a course for promising youth as they make their way to Lompoc March 29-31, 2019 for the AJGA’s 3rd Annual newly renamed, “Explore Lompoc Preview at La Purisima,” a national Preview Series golf tournament.

This is the third time La Purisma Golf Course has hosted AJGA, The three-day adventure attracts nearly 80 players, ages 12-19 years old, for 36 holes of stroke play made possible by Explore Lompoc‘s generous donation of $20,000 grant to the organization. Teens from seven states throughout the U.S. and four foreign countries come together and participate with players from Lompoc and other cities in California. Spectators from near and far are invited to attend the tournament at no cost.

“We are delighted to partner with the American Junior Golf Association by providing a grant to the organization,” said Explore Lompoc Board President, Gilda Cordova. “Lompoc tourism has benefitted greatly from hosting the tournament because of the many guest rooms booked by AJGA for the players and their families,” added Cordova.  The Explore Lompoc grant is used to market the event and also allows two students from both Lompoc High School and Cabrillo High School in Lompoc to participate in the tournament.

AJGA’s Regional Director-West, Houston Denney said, “It’s great to return to Lompoc because of the phenomenal support from Explore Lompoc and the community including our host hotel. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Lompoc both on and off the course and believe this annual tournament proves worthwhile for all the teens involved.”

Many past AJGA players have taken their game to the professional level, including more than 300 PGA pros, Tiger Woods (PGA), Jordan Spieth (PGA) and Lexi Thompson (LPGA).  “The tournament also gives teens the chance to play against some of the best players in the country while learning code of conduct, etiquette and care for the course,” added Denney.  Following the tournament, officials present five boys and three girls with crystal glass trophies at an awards ceremony.

The award-winning La Purisima Golf Course was built to host golf events and remains one of the most challenging golf courses in the country, according to Russ Sandy, Operations Manager/golf pro at the course.  Originally designed by world-renowned architect Robert Muir in 1986, this 18-hole championship course on 309 acres of rolling green hills has been a favorite for PGA pros, celebrities and amateurs because of its distinct layout and natural beauty.

One of America’s best-designed courses and named one of “America’s 50 Toughest Golf Courses by Golf Digest,” La Purisma Golf Course is as challenging as it is beautiful and requires both skill and patience. Its stunning layout traces the valley floor before climbing to hilly terrain marked by huge oaks, slick perched greens, and giant sculpted bunkers. When the Pacific breeze funnels through the Lompoc Valley, which it does most afternoons, even good players fight hard for par.

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ABOUT LOMPOC

Located on scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, just 155 miles northwest of Los Angeles with close proximity to Santa Barbara and Solvang, Lompoc takes on a world of its own. Its valley setting, surrounded by spectacular rolling hills and vineyards, creates an invitation for visitors to detour off the main road, and discover what’s around the bend.

Lompoc is a destination for wine tasting, golf, cycling, hiking, skydiving and nearby surfing at Jalama Beach. It is home to La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, the most fully restored and furnished of the 21 California missions, and adjacent to Vandenberg Space Force Base, where rockets are launched throughout the year by NASA and SpaceX.

Lompoc has 12 hotels to welcome visitors. To discover more about the Lompoc Valley, and other things to see and do, visit: www.explorelompoc.com.