A Semester of Precision and Competition on the Green
Saturday morning putting challenges have become a favorite tradition at the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA), bringing together 30 to 40 students for a fun yet competitive test of skill. Unless there’s a tournament that weekend, students gather on the expansive practice green for an 18-hole putting course, each hole between 10 and 20 feet.
The format is simple but demanding: each student completes four rounds and submits their best score. Throughout the semester, the top five scores are averaged, and the highest-performing boy and girl are crowned Putting Champions—earning not only bragging rights but a new putter.
Meet the Spring 2025 Putting Champions
After coming close in both Spring 2024 and Fall 2025, Gurbanie Singh Start dominated the competition this semester and was officially crowned the Spring 2025 Queen of the Green.
On the boys’ side, Ryo Arakawa, a talented middle school student with exceptional touch, claimed the title of Boss of the Moss. His consistency and confidence on the green set him apart from the competition.
Developing Champions Beyond Driving Distance
IJGA’s commitment to all aspects of player development, especially the short game, is central to its training philosophy. These putting challenges help students refine their precision, mental focus, and competitive mindset, reinforcing the academy’s goal to develop complete golfers.
Learn more about how IJGA helps junior golfers build championship skills through structured programs and a strong golf community:
