Everything players and parents should know before teeing it up — formats, divisions, exemptions, on-course rules, refunds and the conduct we expect at every event.
Founded in 2003, the Top 50 Junior Tour exists to give students more opportunities to compete, get recognized by college coaches, and earn scholarships. Please read the information below so both students and parents are familiar with how the tour runs — from registration through rules of competition.
Ranked by JGS & GJGR (some by AJGA). A cut to the Top 50 and ties after Day 1, applied fairly by the percentage of players in each age group.
Played in a single day with no cut. Ranked by GJGR.
For the Co-ed 8–10 division. Played on Day 1 of Michigan 36-hole events; in Florida the co-ed division plays both days.
Divisions are determined by the player's age on January 1. Players may choose to play up a division at registration. Full-time college students play in the College division regardless of age.
| Division | Holes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boys 15–18 | 36 / 18 | Junior boys, 18-and-under and not full-time college students |
| Girls 15–18 | 36 / 18 | Junior girls, 18-and-under and not full-time college students |
| Boys 11–14 | 36 / 18 | Preparation for high-school and college competition |
| Girls 11–14 | 36 / 18 | Preparation for high-school and college competition |
| Co-ed 8–10 | 9 | Double-par max per hole. A caddie is required in this division. |
| College | 36 | Full-time college students, all event days |
Players aged 8–10 are developing their interest in the game and their understanding of the rules. Please make their experience enjoyable before, during and after the event. The Tour Director is always available to help students and parents with the rules of golf — when in doubt, just ask.
All spring tournaments offer qualifying exemptions into the Optimist State Championship. State division winners advance to the Optimist International Junior Championship in Miami.
The Golf Association of Michigan invites the Top 3 boys and girls (15–18) and Top 2 boys and girls (11–14) in Player-of-the-Year points to the GAM Junior Invitational in September.
Several tournaments offer AJGA Performance Stars throughout the season, helping students earn their way into AJGA events.
All events are played under the USGA Rules of Golf. Local rules are provided on the first tee of every tournament. In addition, the following Tour rules apply at all events.
Pace is monitored and your group must not fall more than one hole behind. At the turn: if your group isn't on #9 tee when the group ahead leaves #9 green, you may be penalized two strokes. If you're more than a hole behind at the turn, make the turn in 2:15 to avoid a penalty.
Arrive at the first tee 5 minutes early for announcements and local rules. A player more than 5 minutes late to their tee time is assessed a 2-stroke penalty.
Caddies must carry or push the clubs, wear the Top 50 caddie bib, and use no motorized cart. Spectators may not assist with playing decisions. You are either a caddie or a spectator — not both.
We make every effort to finish rounds the same day. If conditions prevent completion, the Tour Director may alter the number of holes that make up the stipulated round — which may mean nine holes. Players should be prepared to stay the full day if needed.
A long horn blast suspends all play. If you see lightning before you hear a horn, seek shelter immediately — mark your ball with a tee and move quickly to the nearest building. Trees do not offer protection and can be hazardous.
When a tournament is full, players join the waitlist at no charge. As spots open, players are added in waitlist order and notified by email and/or text. You then have 12 hours to accept by registering online, or the spot passes to the next player.
Cancel by emailing tourdirector@top50jrtour.com. Failure to notify an official of a cancellation results in suspension from the following week's tournament. Emergency or sudden-illness refunds require a written request with a physician's note.
Cancel at least 7 days prior to the event for a full refund.
Email or call to notify us you can't play to receive a partial 50% refund.
No refund is issued for cancellations within 24 hours of the tournament.
All refunds are distributed 10 business days after the end of the season.
The Top 3 champions in every division are awarded at the conclusion of each tournament — 1st place with a flag or trophy, 2nd and 3rd with medals. Player-of-the-Year points are earned at every start, with Championships worth double. See the full points explanation and current standings.
Golf asks each player to hold themselves accountable to the rules. Players on the Top 50 Junior Tour learn respect, honesty and personal responsibility. As a member you are a guest at every facility and represent the tour — all members agree to the following.
Exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Help fellow players with the rules to avoid penalties — often a penalty is avoided simply by communicating. Every player is responsible for protecting the field.
Leave the course better than you found it: replace divots, fix ball marks, rake bunkers and pick up trash. Be courteous to staff, volunteers, club members and fellow competitors.
Cheating will not be tolerated. Know the rules and follow them. Providing false information during registration forfeits all scholarship funds and results in removal from the tour.
No t-shirts, jeans or denim. Boys wear a collared shirt or turtleneck, tucked in. Shorts for all players must be no higher than 4" above the knee. Final discretion rests with the host starter.
Any use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs is strictly forbidden and results in immediate disqualification from the tournament series.
Club throwing, profanity and disrespect toward competitors or staff will not be tolerated. Consequences range from penalty strokes to suspension and loss of accumulated scholarship funds, at the discretion of the tour official and host professional.