No metropolitan area in the United States has a junior golf circuit as steeped in tradition as Washington. And for that, the D.C. golf community has Frank Emmet to thank.
The former Georgetown Prep teacher established the Junior Golfers of Washington in 1927, the first youth organization recognized by the U.S. Golf Association. Eighty years later, the local junior golf schedule is loaded with prime summer events.
With the establishment of the Charley Ridgway Junior, the Washington Metropolitan Golf Association will conduct six junior tournaments this summer, giving local players a chance to test themselves against their counterparts from the area.
“They’re my favorite tournaments every summer,” said Jerrell Parrish, a freshman at DeMatha. “You get all the best players in the area together for a big battle. The competition is always good. You get to play match play and stroke play. It tests you in so many ways.”
For Parrish, a member at Glenn Dale, it taught him how to win. In 2005, he finished second in the 13-and-under division in two WMGA events. Last summer, after placing in the top four in three more events, Parrish won the 14-15 division of the Bob Riley Junior Open.
For all WMGA junior events, greens fees are not charged. The clubs donate their facilities. Players pay no more than $50 entrance fee.
Here are the events:
73rd Frank Emmet Schoolboy
When » June 20-22
Where » Worthington Manor
2006 Champion » Kyle Stough (DeMatha)
Tournament » Formerly dubbed simply “The Schoolboy,” the tournament took on the name of its founder after his death in 1982. Past champions include former PGA commissioner Deane Beman (1955-56).
48th Bobby Gorin Memorial
When » July 17-19
Where » Woodmont
2006 Champion » Jay Mulieri (Gonzaga)
Tournament » Named after a promising junior player fromWilson High and the University of North Carolina who died in an auto accident. His uncle, Louis Gorman, established the tournament and has presided over the event all 47 years. Woodmont has hosted the event every year.
56th Bubby Worsham Memorial
When » July 24-26
Where » Glenn Dale
2006 Champion » Devin Kay (Churchill)
Tournament » As a student at B-CC, Worsham was the first winner of this event in 1947. The tournament’s name was changed in 1951 after Worsham was killed in an auto accident as a student at Wake Forest. Instrumental in the name change and winner of the first Bubby Worsham Memorial was Arnold Palmer, Worsham’s college teammate and roommate.
85th Bob Riley Junior Open
When » July 30-31
Where » Belle Haven
2006 Champion » Charlie Winegardner (Calverton)
Tournament » The first tournament established by Frank Emmet. Re-named for former WMGA executive director Bob Riley in 2004. Past winners include longtime Washington-area legends and rivals Bobby Brownell (1934, ’36) and Ralph Bogart (1937).
25th Dewey Ricketts Memorial
When » Aug. 6-8
Where » Manor
2006 Champions » Steve Delmar (Gaithersburg) won 16-17 division; Jerrell Parrish (DeMatha) won 14-15 division
Tournament » Named for former pro at the defunct Brooke Manor Country Club. Ricketts was a key figure in promoting junior golf.
1st Charley Ridgway Junior
When » Aug. 16
Where » Falls Road
Tournament » Established this year for younger players. Named for a former WMGA official who was instrumental in organizing and promoting youth golf.
33rd Bobby Bowers Memorial
When » July 9-12
Where » Springfield Country Club
2006 Champion » Jack Bonifant (Good Counsel)
Tournament » Not a WMGA tournament, but one of the most hotly contested junior events in the area. Tournament draws 240 players, many from outside the D.C. area. Named for former Springfield Country Club pro Bobby Bowers who died of cancer in 1974 and was a key promoter of junior golf.
