Page 132 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2024

SPORTS & OUTDOORS
They’re baaaaack! Strap the wee little golf clubs on a golf cart and head to the course for the Coastal Junior Tour. Local golf professionals Rory Nelson and Allan Martel have turned their enthusiasm for growing the
game into a junior golf tour that will “build a community of golfers” on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“Allan and I see the potential of taking the PGA Junior League to the next level,” said Windance Head Professional Nelson. Their passion for junior golf
is deeper than a sand wedge divot. “We want to enhance the game for the six-to-twelve age group and tee up the thirteen-to-eighteen age group on a competitive course that prepares them for high school and collegiate golf.”
The duo is focused on local junior
golf, but as the “Coastal” name suggests, the former Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) standouts want to make the tour a large- scale success. “We are fully committed to junior golf,” added Grand Bear Head Professional Martel.
story by Tommy Snell Each event with eight divisions
illustrates their pledge for developing young girls and boys into successful women and men on and off the golf course. “I sent a proposal out, and the first person wanted to sponsor the entire tour,” said Martel. “Businesspeople
see the benefit of giving these kids the opportunity to play golf and learn life’s lessons,” he added.
The 2024 Newk’s Coastal Junior Tour tees off in June. Known as a family- owned business, the eatery is a favorite among Coast residents. Added Martel, “We’re the guys (golf professionals) who need to keep the game going, and these sponsors help us do that.”
“It’s great to see the Coastal Junior Tour being launched to help our golfers grow skills,” said Michael Sunderman, South Mississippi Living publisher and former St. Patrick Catholic High School golf coach.
Parents and junior golfers need to put a big tee-off reminder on their calendars for June 6 at Grand Bear Golf Club. The tour moves to Windance on June
20 and Sunkist Country Club July 11, with the finale scheduled for July 25 at Windance.
To join the tour, register for events, or become a sponsor of the tour, email rory.nelson24@gmail.com.
WILL BUILD STRONG COMMUNITY
132 | June 2024
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