Optimist Junior Championship Qualifier Event Information

Heatherwoode Golf Club

Tuesday, June 09, 2026 - Wednesday, June 10, 2026

36-Hole, Individual Stroke Play (18-Holes per Day)

Field will be divided in the following divisions (based on participation): 

• Boys 16-18
• Boys 14-15
• Boys 12-13
• Boys 10-11
• Girls 15-18
• Girls 13-14
• Girls 10-12

If there is a tie for first place, the last qualifying spot, or the final alternate position in a division, there will be a sudden-death playoff immediately following the conclusion of play. It is the players' responsibility to keep informed as to the time and status of any playoff. Conditions of the playoff will be announced on-site by the GCGA Rules Committee.

Eligibility for this event is limited to individuals who are in good standing with the GCGA and meet all of the following criteria:

1. Must be between the ages of 10-18. 

2. For Boys between the ages of 10-11, 12-13 and Girls 10-12 ages are calculated as of July 19th, 2026. 

3. For Boys between the ages of 14-15, Girls 13-14 ages are calculated as of July 24th, 2026. 

4. For Boys between the ages of 16-18, and Girls 15-18 ages are calculated as of July 29th, 2026. 

**Golfers must currently be enrolled in high school or be a 2026 high school graduate. A golfer who is still 18 on July 29th and who graduated high school in 2026 or earlier, is also eligible provided he/she has not yet attended college.

Tee Times are scheduled to start at 7:30 AM

$175 per Player

 Method of Play

 Eligibility

 Schedule of Events

 Registration Deadline

International Championship Information

 Entry Fee

 Rankings

 Approximate Yardages

Boys

16-18: 6,800 yards

14-15: 6,500 yards

12-13: 6,000 yards

10-11: 5,500 yards

Girls

15-18: 6,000 yards

13-14: 5,500 yards

10-12: 5,000 yards

In order to qualify for the National Championship, players must finish the following in their division and be equal to or below the max score:

Boys

16-18: Top 6 - Max Score 154

14-15: Top 5 - Max Score 164

12-13: Top 3 - Max Score 178

10-11: Top 3 - Max Score 190

Girls

15-18: Top 7 - Max Score 168

13-14: Top 4 - Max Score 184

10-12: Top 2 - Max Score 192

 Qualifying Spots per Division & Max Score

Trump National Doral Resort and Spa
Miami, FL

2026 Schedule
July 15-20, 2026
Boys 10-11, 12-13 and Girls 10-12

July 20-25, 2026
Boys 14-15 and Girls 13-14

July 25-30, 2026
Boys 16-18 and Girls 15-18

Click Here for Additional Information

 Qualifier Reimbursement

A first place In-District winner (i.e. lives in Ohio) in each division will have their registration to the Championship fee paid in full. This approximately $730 value includes:

• Tournament Entry fee
• Golf-Tournament Rounds
  (practice rounds not included)
• 5 Nights Lodging
• 5 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners
• Access to all Special Events

*Additional fees do apply for parents/family attending which includes their housing and meals as well. Due to the exclusive nature of the event, golfers are required to stay at Doral Resort and Spa.*

There is no guarantee that financial support will be provided to golfers who travel outside of their Home District (i.e. lives outside of Ohio). A winner of a division who is outside their Home District will at least receive $60 off of the National Championship registration fee.

This event has a registration limit of 100 players

who are in good standing with the GCGA. Those

added to the waitlist during the registration process

will be elevated into the event based upon openings in their respective divisions.

Waitlist Information