News

Golf Gratitude: Golf is getting younger

Published

2 years ago

Sep 19, 2024

The golf landscape has seen an unprecedented shift in recent years, as evidenced by the latest National Golf Foundation (NGF) statistics. Over the past four years, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of kids picking up golf, injecting fresh enthusiasm and diversity into a game once dominated by older generations.

According to the NGF’s 2024 report, the total number of golfers in the United States has reached nearly 45 million, with a significant chunk of this growth attributed to younger players. This remarkable growth trend is not just a fleeting pandemic-induced phenomenon; it represents a sustained and growing interest among the youth, driven by several factors, including increased accessibility, innovative youth programs, and the surprising resurgence of going outside and getting some old-fashioned physical activity in each day, something surely inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. When Americans could not participate in many activities in 2020 and 2021, golf was deemed a safe outdoor activity, contributing to its rise in popularity, kids included. The total number of junior golfers in the U.S. has experienced an incredible 40-percent upswing over the past four years, reflecting a trend toward a younger and trendier golfing demographic.

Golf on social media and YouTube has also played a big part in the rise of the game among our youth. For more on that part of the equation, check out my article on RG.org from last month, “YouTube Golf: Transforming the Game, One Click and View at a Time, And Mainstream Golf Has Now Officially Taken Notice,”

This surge in youth engagement heralds a bright future for golf, ensuring that the greens will be vibrant with young talent for decades to come. The NGF’s findings clearly indicate that the game is successfully bridging generational gaps and expanding its reach, ensuring that the love for golf continues to grow.

As the founder of my Little Linksters program, academy, and nonprofit organization back in 2008, I have long contended that golf is the perfect lifetime sport and that getting a club in kids’ hands at the youngest age possible is important.

Why is it important?

It is not at all about getting kids into the game young so you can train them to be the next Scottie Scheffler or Nelly Korda. If that happens, then fantastic, but that is not why introducing kids to the game is essential. Golf teaches numerous life lessons and is an incredible conduit for creating friendships that last a lifetime. That is the spirit of this great game.

One of the many initiatives I have started through Little Linksters celebrates golf among the youngest of our global population. I am immensely proud to celebrate the 13th year of our Little Linksters Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest this year. This contest has become a cherished tradition in the world of junior golf, providing a unique platform for young golfers, ages 2 to 12, to showcase their swings and grow their love for the game.

From its humble beginnings in 2011, the Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest was designed with a clear vision: to highlight the prodigious talent of our youngest golfers and foster a spirit of enthusiasm and sportsmanship from an early age. Over the years, it has become a global phenomenon, drawing entries from around the world and producing some truly unforgettable moments.

One of the unique aspects of our contest is the panel of distinguished judges we’ve had the honor of including. Notable golf figures such as Annika Sörenstam, Jordan Spieth, Lydia Ko, In-Bee Park, Tommy Fleetwood, Brooke Henderson, Andrew “Beef” Johnston, Tony Jacklin, Hank Haney, Lexi Thompson, Jim McLean, Paula Creamer, Brittany Lincicome, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Keegan Bradley, David Leadbetter, Michelle Wie, Lauren Thompson, Sam Ryder, Stacy Lewis, Alexa Pano, and many others have lent their insights and expertise, providing invaluable feedback to our young stars. Their participation elevates the contest’s prestige and inspires these young golfers to dream big as they hone their skills.

The contest is straightforward yet impactful. In ages groups of Under 3, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12, Parents and guardians are invited to submit a short video of their child’s golf swing, captured in a fun and positive environment. Over the years, we’ve seen swings on pristine courses, backyards, and even living rooms—each video brimming with the unique charm and promise of our participants. Our esteemed panel of judges then evaluates the entries, selecting the best swings based on form, technique, and overall potential.

But this contest is about more than just finding the next youthful phenom. It’s about celebrating the journey of learning golf, from those first swings to the more refined techniques that come with practice and dedication. It’s about building confidence, instilling the values of discipline and perseverance, and nurturing a lifelong passion for the game.

Little Linksters has always been about more than just teaching golf; it’s about creating a supportive and engaging environment for young golfers to thrive. Our programs are rooted in developing not just physical skills but also social and emotional growth. We believe that the lessons learned on the course—patience, integrity, and respect—are invaluable in life beyond golf.

Reflecting on our 13-year journey, I am filled with gratitude for the community that has supported us. From the parents and guardians who submit those cherished video entries to the professional golfers and instructors who give their time to judge to the sponsors who help make it all possible — each has played a vital role in the contest’s success.

This Year’s Contest…

As we look to the 2024 contest, our commitment remains steadfast: to shine a spotlight on the incredible young talents in our sport, to encourage their development, and to continue spreading the joy and values of golf to the next generation.

For full details, including rules, or to enter your child, go to: https://littlelinksters.com/2023-little-linksters-best-pee-wee-golf-swing-contest/

The entry deadline is Monday, September 30th, at 11:59 p.m.

Here’s to another fantastic year of celebrating the Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World!

Golf Gratitude: Your weekly dose of good vibes from the golf world is my new weekly look at the feel-good stories happening in golf. Why? Because we all need a little dose of good vibes occasionally.

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

1 day ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ben A

GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

2 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping Max G440
Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
Wedges
Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

A party on the green!

Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase