If you’re a Florida golf parent looking for a well-run junior tour with real opportunity behind it, the Emerald Coast Junior Golf Tour (ECJGT) is one to put on your radar for 2026.

ECJGT is offering a packed season at top courses — with 11 two-day Junior Golf Scoreboard-ranked events, Florida Junior Tour (FJT) exemptions for winners and points champions, multiple Notah Begay III local qualifiers, an Optimist qualifier, and more ways for kids to compete, improve, and build confidence.

Below is a simple parent breakdown of what ECJGT is offering in 2026 and why it matters.

Why parents like ECJGT

Parents usually want three things from a junior tour:

1. Good competition that helps kids improve
2. Clear pathways (rankings, exemptions, qualifiers)
3. A season that feels organized (schedule, divisions, points, championships)

ECJGT checks those boxes — especially for families in North Florida / the Panhandle / Emerald Coast who want strong tournament options without traveling every weekend.

Big 2026 highlights

✅ 11 two-day Junior Golf Scoreboard-ranked events

Two-day events matter because they:

• feel more like “real” tournament golf
• test consistency (not just one hot round)
• can help with Junior Golf Scoreboard ranking progress (for kids who need it)

✅ Florida Junior Tour (FJT) exemptions for two-day winners + points champions

For ECJGT two-day events, winners in ages 12–18 earn FJT exemptions, and Points Champions also earn exemptions.

That’s huge for families trying to help a player move into bigger events.

✅ Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship Local Qualifiers

ECJGT is hosting three local qualifiers:

• Two qualifiers that advance to the Florida Regional
• One qualifier that advances to the Mississippi Regional

Qualifying opportunities are scheduled around:

• Stonebrook (March 8)
• ECJGT Spring Championship at The Raven (March 28–29)
• RTJ Magnolia Grove Junior Classic (July 20–21) for Mississippi Regional qualification

If your child loves “big goal” events, qualifiers are exciting because they give kids something to chase.

✅ USWING MOJING Junior World Championship Qualifiers

ECJGT is hosting two qualifiers tied to the Junior World pathway.

✅ Optimist International Qualifier (North Florida Region)

ECJGT will host the Optimist Qualifier for the North Florida Region. Qualifiers advance to play at Trump National Doral.

The Optimist is one of the best-known junior championships in the world and brings together a massive field each year — which makes this qualifier a big deal for motivated juniors.

College Prep events (great for serious middle school + high school golfers)

ECJGT is again offering College Prep events for boys and girls who have a Junior Golf Scoreboard ranking.

These divisions are designed to help juniors play distances that better match what college coaches want to see:

• Boys: 6800+ yards
• Girls: 5800+ yards

There are also divisions for non-JGS-ranked golfers at shorter distances, plus younger age groups (so it’s not “only for elite kids”).

If your golfer is starting to talk about high school golf, college golf, or “playing the back tees,” these events can be a smart step.

Special opportunity: Tournament round at Shalimar Pointe (with a caddie)

With the American Junior Golf Tour coming to Shalimar Pointe in April, ECJGT is offering a tournament-style opportunity on March 22 where golfers can play with a caddie.

For parents: this is a really practical type of event because it helps juniors learn:

• course management
• strategy under pressure
• how to prepare for a qualifier/preview environment

Even if a kid doesn’t play AJGA right away, learning how higher-level tournament prep works is valuable.

Gulf Coast Summer Slam: four-event summer points race (ages 14–18)

For older juniors (14–18), ECJGT is also highlighting the Gulf Coast Summer Slam, made up of four tournaments in June and July.

Points are earned from each event (based on field size), and two events are hosted by ECJGT while two are hosted by First Tee’s Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association:

• Two hosted by ECJGT
• Two hosted by First Tee / GPJGA
• Includes historic events like the Divot Derby and Daily News Jr. Classic

If your child is a high school golfer, summer events like this can be a great way to stay sharp and compete consistently.

Membership + registration (what parents should do next)

ECJGT membership registration for 2026 is open now, and tournament registration is open for most events.

A few important notes:

• The Season Championship requires qualification
• Each tournament page has its own details and registration info
• Qualifying spots for Optimist will be updated once ECJGT receives them

Quick parent FAQ

“Is ECJGT only for elite juniors?”

No. ECJGT offers multiple age groups and divisions, including younger golfers and players who aren’t JGS-ranked.

“What if my child wants college golf?”

Look at the College Prep events and the two-day events that support ranking goals and tournament reps.

“What if my child just wants to compete and improve?”

Start with events that fit your schedule and distance level. Consistent tournament reps are the fastest teacher.

Ready to explore the schedule?

If your junior golfer wants a season with ranked two-day events, exemptions, qualifiers, and strong courses, ECJGT is worth a serious look for 2026.

📌 Next steps for parents:

• Review the ECJGT schedule (attached by the tour / posted on their www.ecjrgolftour.com website)
• Pick 2–4 events to start (then build from there)
• Consider membership if your golfer plans to play multiple tournaments

Questions or contact info (from ECJGT):
Phone: 678-994-3367
Email: [email protected]