JGTA Hong Kong Junior Classic at Clearwater Bay

This week on the JGTA schedule is the Hong Kong Junior Classic at Clearwater Bay taking place February 20-22, arguably the most competitive field yet. The Tournament marks the third event of the JGTA season, the first two events being the 2018 Bintan Lagoon Junior Championship presented by Tradewinds Furnishings Singapore and the 2019 Bogor Junior Championship hosted by Sentul Highlands Golf Club.

Here are 5 reasons why the JGTA Hong Kong Junior Classic at Clearway may be the most competitive junior event in Asia’s history.

1. The Field

With well over 100 applicants vying for a spot in the Hong Kong Junior Classic field, only 78 of Asia’s best gained entry, based on American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) PBE Status and official tiebreaks, making it the most competitive it can be. Among the field is a diverse number of players ranging from those with college commitments such as Virginie Ding (2020) (Vanderbilt University) to 2017-2018 All-Asia Team Honorees, and to first-time JGTA competitors who have already made a name for themselves in junior golf such as Hsiao Che Yang (2021) (T4 at AJGA Junior All-Star at Hunter Ranch), Yiyang Xu (2021) (Rolex Rank of 343), Weilun Song (2020) (fired a 64 in the AJGA Junior All-Star at Morongo) and Maurice Leung (2022) (competed as an amateur at the 2018 PGA Tour Series-China Clearwater Bay Open).

2. The Diversity 

Not only is the field stacked, but it includes players from 11 countries and 7 graduating classes. Each of these players has different stories, different backgrounds, different accolades, but one thing remains the same, they are all chasing their dreams of playing college golf. Another reason why this field may be the most competitive yet.

3. The Tour 

While junior golf tournaments have been plentiful in Asia, up until the founding of the JGTA and the first event on the tour, the 2017 Bintan Lagoon Junior Championship presented by dwell Student Living, there hasn’t been a direct pathway providing the best junior golfers in Asia the opportunity to play in the AJGA, the gold standard in junior golf, where college coaches are recruiting. The number of JGTA competitors achieving success in the AJGA and making commitments to play college golf in the United States has rapidly increased since the tour’s founding.

4. The Stage 

Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, the host venue of the 2019 JGTA Hong Kong Junior Classic, is one of Asia’s best courses and has the track record to prove it. Hosting the 2019 JGTA Hong Kong Junior Classic will join the impressive list of tournaments held at the venue, including the PGA Tour Series-China Clearwater Bay Open.

5. The Stakes

AJGA Performance Based Entry (PBE) Status is the most sought-after status in junior golf in the world and creates the most competitive fields possible. Earning AJGA PBE Status through final standing on the JGTA Junior Order of Merit opens up the opportunity to compete in AJGA tournaments which are the main focal point for college coaches recruiting efforts. Competing in the JGTA Hong Kong Junior Classic at Clearwater Bay is just one step towards gaining a ranking on the Junior Order of Merit – the source for AJGA PBE Status in Asia, and those who are competing are chasing more than just a trophy.