BRASELTON, GA – February 27, 2025 — The AJGA today announced its partnership with the Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau for the inaugural Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach VCB Junior Championship. The championship will be held at the renowned Aileron Golf Club in Lake Suzy, Florida, from May 26-29, 2025. This four-day event will feature 78 of the nation’s top junior golfers competing for valuable AJGA performance stars while experiencing the beauty and hospitality of Southwest Florida.
The Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach VCB plays a key role in bringing high-profile sporting events to the area, driving tourism and boosting the local economy. By hosting major events like the AJGA, the commission boosts local tourism while fostering community engagement and showcasing Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach area as a hub for athletic excellence, welcoming visitors from across the globe.
“The Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau is thrilled to partner with Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor’s Aileron Golf Club to host our first tournament with the American Junior Golf Association,” said Sean Walter, Business Development Director, Sales/Sports, Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. “We look forward to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership for years to come. Aileron Golf Club will set the stage for great competition, while a visit to our area promises unforgettable experiences for these young golfers and their families.”
The Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach VCB Junior Championship is set to be an exciting event on the AJGA schedule, with competitors battling it out on the challenging and scenic Aileron Golf Club course. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both the AJGA and Punta Gorda, showcasing the region’s commitment to fostering young golf talent and bringing world-class events to the area.
“We are immensely proud and honored to host the upcoming AJGA event at Aileron Golf Club by Sunseeker Resorts. This prestigious tour presents an exceptional opportunity for elite junior golfers to not only showcase their remarkable talents but also to experience the world-class facilities of our championship golf club,” said Aaron Merritt, General Manager, Aileron Golf Club. “We eagerly anticipate welcoming these young athletes and witnessing their impressive skills on our meticulously maintained course. Together, let’s inspire excellence and create lasting memories in the spirit of competition and camaraderie.”
As part of this partnership, the Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor has been selected as the official host hotel for the championship. Located just minutes from the course, the Sunseeker Resort offers luxurious accommodations and a variety of first-class amenities, providing a perfect home base for players, families, and spectators attending the event.
The AJGA is excited to bring this prestigious tournament to Punta Gorda, further cementing the town’s reputation as a premier golf destination. Spectators will have the opportunity to witness elite-level junior golf while engaging with the Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach community.
“We are thrilled to host an AJGA event at Aileron Golf Club for the first time,” said Patrick Cansfield, Director, Development, American Junior Golf Association. “We look forward to working with the community and Aileron Golf Club membership to create a truly unforgettable experience for our players and their families.”
For more information on opportunities to get involved with the event please contact Matt Emmi (memmi@ajga.org) in the AJGA Tournament Business Affairs Department.
For more information on the AJGA’s programs, upcoming tournaments, or initiatives, please visit ajga.org or contact Lily Joyce (LJoyce@ajga.org) in the AJGA Communications Department.
For more information on Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach VCB, please visit its website https://www.pureflorida.com/ or if you’re interested in hosting a sports event in the destination, please reach out to Sean Walter, sean.walter@pureflorida.com
