(MIAMI, June 26, 2014) — The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department will present the Mayor’s Cup Youth Golf Series, during the months of June and July.  A series of two unique summer golf competitions, for boys and girls, which include the “Mayor’s Cup Youth Golf Tournament” for seasoned golfers, ages 17 and under, and the “Mayor’s Cup Youth SNAG Golf Challenge” for beginner golfers of all abilities, ages 14 and under.  The annual youth sporting events are part of the Youth Sports Championship Series, an initiative of Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez aimed at increasing participation in youth athletics. Registration is now open for both golf competitions.

As a father, grandfather and lifetime advocate of the long-term health benefits of regular exercise for children, Mayor Gimenez knows first-hand the esteemed values developed from continuous involvement in athletics. “Youth sporting events, such as the Mayor’s Cup Youth Golf Series, are a great way for children to learn how to play and compete in a sport,” he said. “Through sports like golf, they also learn life-skills such as good sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility, and discipline, which are the core ingredients for successful living.” 

Mayor’s Cup Youth Golf Tournament and Championship - Ages 17 and under

Sponsored by Golf Miami-Dade and the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade

Miami-Dade Parks’ five golf courses are designated tournament sites. Qualifying tournaments were held at Palmetto Golf on June 15 and at Briar Bay Golf on June 22.  Below are the dates and locations of three remaining qualifying tournaments. Advance registration is required. The cost is $10 per player. Tournaments tee off at 11:00 a.m.

June 29

Country Club of Miami

6801 NW 186 Street, Miami 

(18-hole site)

July 13

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne

6700 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne

(18-hole site)

July 20

Greynolds Golf Course

17530 W Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach

(9-hole site)

The format for the Youth Golf Tournament is individual stroke play and by age division: 12 and under, 13-15 and 16-17. Top golfers from each of the five qualifying tournaments will compete in the Mayor’s Cup Golf Championship taking place on August 10, at Crandon Golf. The public is invited to attend and watch the Championship free of charge. 

Mayor’s Cup Youth SNAG Golf Challenge and Championship – Ages 6-14

Sponsored by Golf Miami-Dade, Jack Nicholas Learning League, 2 Up Golf Club of Miami, Inc., and Golfing Gals

The innovative “Starting New At Golf” (SNAG) program offer players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn and play the game of golf in almost any environment. Since 2013, SNAG/JNLL (Jack Nicholas Learning League) has been a component of the Miami-Dade County Parks’ Fit2Play® after-school and summer camp curriculum.  The format uses lighter, kid-friendly golf clubs, Velcro balls, targets, and other teaching tools. 

Youth SNAG Golf teams will consist of four (4) players and be co-ed, having at least one boy and one girl on a team.  Teams in the 6-9 and 10-14 age groups are invited to participate in one of these regional SNAG Golf Challenges being held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on July 22:

North Region

Gwen Cherry Park

7090 NW 22 Avenue, Miami

Central Region

Tamiami Park

11201 SW 24 Street, Miami

South Region

Goulds Park

11350 SW 216 Street, Miami

Registration is free and required by Monday, July 21. Age-appropriate golf equipment will be provided. The regional SNAG Golf Challenges will culminate in the Mayor’s Cup Youth SNAG Golf Championship, taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on August 11, at Tamiami Park.  The public is invited to attend and watch the Championship free of charge. 

To register for the Mayor’s Cup Youth Golf Series competitions and for more information, visit www.PlayMiami.org, or contact Chris Evans at (305) 755-7885 or [email protected].

Registration fees for these sports competitions support the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade’s efforts for the youth sports development component of Miami-Dade County Parks’ Fit2Play® after-school and summer camp programs.