Before the cheers of the BMW Championship, before the world’s top 50 PGA TOUR players took over Bellerive Country Club, the next generation of golfers had their opportunity to take center stage.
On Sunday, Aug. 16, junior golfers gathered at Bellerive Country Club for the BMW Championship “Opening Drive” Junior Clinic, an exciting kickoff to championship week featuring PGA Professionals, special guests and plenty of fun on the driving range.
The complimentary clinic gave young golfers the opportunity to learn from PGA Professionals Adam Betz, PGA, and Jabarri Quarles, PGA, while experiencing the excitement surrounding one of the biggest events on the PGA TOUR.
Also joining the clinic was Trey Rusthoven, a former Gateway PGA Junior Tour member and current APGA Professional. Rusthoven brought his own perspective and journey in the game to the clinic, providing an inspiring example of how junior golfers can continue to grow their game and pursue opportunities in golf.
And it wasn’t just the golf that had the juniors smiling. The clinic got a little extra energy from some familiar faces around St. Louis, as Louie of the St. Louis Blues, Petey of St. Louis CITY SC, the Billiken from Saint Louis University, and Archie B. Hawk of the St. Louis Battlehawks all stopped by to join in on the fun. The mascots interacted with the juniors, posed for photos and helped turn the morning into a true St. Louis sports celebration.
With the driving range filled with young golfers, PGA Professionals and local personalities, the Opening Drive Junior Clinic created an energetic atmosphere to officially begin BMW Championship week.
Following the clinic, juniors were treated to ice cream, giving everyone one more reason to stick around and celebrate the start of championship week.
The BMW Championship “Opening Drive” Junior Clinic was more than just an opportunity to hit the range. It was a chance for young golfers to experience the excitement of professional golf, meet PGA Professionals and see firsthand the opportunities that exist within the game.
As the BMW Championship gets underway at Bellerive Country Club, the Opening Drive Junior Clinic served as the perfect reminder that the future of golf is already taking shape.