Around the Green

LJT Winter Classic Set for Jan. 21-22

DALLAS – For the 10th consecutive year, the Legends Junior Tour’s Winter Classic will be the first event of the season. Since it first started in 2010, the strength of fields have made the Winter Classic one of the top-ranked events on the LJT calendar. 

“The LJT is excited to once again start the year with the Winter Classic,” Tournament Director Scott Davidson said. “We always look forward to bringing our players to Dallas Athletic Club. It’s such a fantastic venue for this LJT championship.” 

DAC’s Blue Course will play host for the 14th consecutive year. It was originally designed in 1954 by Ralph Plummer. Jack Nicklaus, who won the 1963 PGA Championship held at DAC, remodeled the course 30 years later to its current layout. The historic 18-hole championship venue has hosted many elite events, including the 110th Texas Amateur in 2019, as well as a U.S. Open Final Qualifying in 2021. The par-72 layout stretches to 6,922 yards. 

The 90-player field is divided into three divisions: Boys 15-18, Girls 12-18 and Boys 14 & Under. Players eligible for the tournament have an active membership with the Texas Junior Golf Alliance and have earned their way into the field by way of the LJT Priority Entry Status. 

This year’s Winter Classic yet again features a strong cast of players across all three divisions including previous champions and LJT Players of the Year. 

“The Winter Classic typically showcases a strong field because there aren’t many competing high-level tournaments this time of year,” Davidson said. “Across all three divisions there is a total of 50 players who won an LJT, All-American Tour, or Prestige Tour event in 2022. It’s a great opportunity for players to get back out on the course on a competitive stage.” 

Last year, Sam Jenkins of Garland beat out a crowded leaderboard by two strokes to win the Boys 15-18 title. Mimi Burton of Austin captured the Girls 12-18 Division by two shots, while Jack Clancy of Dallas clinched the Boys 14 & Under Division by five strokes. 

The Winter Classic is the first of 10 open LJT events. The open events are available to any member of the Texas Junior Golf Alliance, which is made up of the TGA, NTPGA, and STPGA. Players earn entry into the open events through their play on the LJT and in Texas Junior Golf Alliance events. 

Tee times begin Saturday, Jan. 21, at 8 a.m. The final round takes place on Sunday, Jan. 22. For more information on the LJT Winter Classic, click here.