Aurora to Host Junior Golf in June | Sports Destination Management

Aurora to Host Junior Golf in June

Share
Jun 18, 2021

The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is thrilled to announce that the Aurora Country Club will host the 94th annual Women’s Western Junior golf tournament in 2021. 

The tournament, organized by the Women’s Western Golf Association and Western Golf Association, is one of the oldest junior tournaments in the United States. 

“The Women’s Western Golf Association is truly excited to host the 95th Women’s Western Junior Championship at Aurora Country Club,” said Jackie Wacker, Tournament Chairman. “This is a marquee event for us, and we look forward to welcoming the best junior golfers for what we know will be an outstanding competition.” 

The Women’s Western Junior is set for June 21–25, 2021, and marks the first time that the Aurora Country Club will host a WWGA championship. 

“The Women’s Western Golf Association has been proud to host this championship and promote the game of golf for young women since 1920,” said Cece Durbin, President of the Women’s Western Golf Association. “After having to cancel our 2020 Junior Championship, we are thrilled to welcome the players to Aurora Country Club in 2021.”

“Founded in 1914, the Aurora Country Club is proud of its 106 year history, and its active role in both the community and the development of the game of golf for amateurs at the local, state, and national level,” said Tim Anderson, General Manager of the Aurora Country Club. 

“The Aurora Country Club is particularly proud of its partnership with the Western Golf Association, not only in providing a venue for its tournaments, but also in support of the WGA Evans Scholars Foundation,” Anderson said. 

According to the Western Golf Association Caddie Academy, the Evans Scholarship is a full housing and tuition college scholarship awarded to golf caddies with limited financial means. This year, 1,045 Evans Scholars were enrolled in 18 leading universities. 

“As a participating member of the Par Club, the members of the Aurora Country Club partner with the Western Golf Association in financial support of Evans Scholarships, which awards college scholarships to deserving caddies nationwide.” 

Proceeds from the WGA Women’s Western Junior Championship will also help fund the Evans Scholars program. 

Golfers expect a ‘stern test’ at Aurora CC

Aurora Country Club’s 6,800-yard layout was designed by Thomas Bendelow and William Boice Langford, both noted golf course architects who designed or remodeled many highly rated golf courses in the Midwest and across the United States. Bendelow’s work includes Medinah Country Club’s three courses and Olympia Fields Country Club’s South Course in Chicago.

“Participants of this prestigious event can expect an unparalleled level of service and amenities that Aurora Country Club is both ready and eager to provide,” said Nathan Perry, Head Golf Professional at Aurora Country Club. “Our golf course has undeniably withstood the test time and is revered by accomplished and recreational golfers alike. The young women competing in this tournament are sure to enjoy their time at our club.” 

“We’re looking forward to bringing the 2021 Women’s Western Junior to Aurora Country Club,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “We expect this classic layout to offer a stern test to a field that will feature the nation’s best junior golfers.”

Positive sign for local tourism 

The 95th Annual Women’s Western Junior was initially planned for 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was rescheduled for this year. By June, tourism officials at the Aurora Area CVB are cautiously optimistic that the event will go ahead, potentially with spectators. 

“We are very excited to be working with the Western Golf Association and the Aurora Country Club on this great event,” said Pete Garlock, Director of Sales at the Aurora Area CVB. “As a sports fan, it will be a thrill to be able to watch the future of women’s golf up-close and in person.”

“And from a tourism point of view, we anticipate the event to produce close to 300 rooms night for our local hotels, equating to approximately $65,000.00 in economic impact to the Aurora Area,” Garlock said. 

The Aurora Area of Illinois, located just 40 miles west of Chicago, offers visitors a collection of some of the largest and most unique attractions in the state. The state’s largest waterpark, Raging Waves, and the state’s largest outdoor outlet mall, Chicago Premium Outlets, are both located within minutes of Aurora Country Club.

“The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is honored that the Western Golf Association has chosen Aurora as the location of their 95th Women's Western Junior Championship,” said Cort Carlson, Executive Director of the Aurora Area CVB. “We are looking forward to welcoming the athletes and spectators to the Aurora Area and providing an outstanding visitor experience.”

About the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)

Founded in 1987, the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and marketing the area as an overnight destination for the maximum economic benefit of our tourism partners. The goal of the Aurora Area CVB is to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of our region compromised of 10 municipalities: Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Sugar Grove, and Yorkville. The Aurora Area Go Guide, the official visitors publication for the region, is available in print and online at enjoyaurora.com.

(Click to Expand)