Format & Rules
How JGL is played
One structure, applied the same way to every player: age divisions, 18 holes, and The R&A's Rules of Golf. Here's exactly what your child walks into on tournament day.
Grouped by age —
nothing else
JGL tournaments are scored by stroke play — the total number of strokes taken determines the final result.
Players compete within their own age division, so scores are only ever compared against true peers. All divisions play 18 holes. D2 division competes over a single round, while D1 division competes over two rounds.
Every division plays 18 holes
No shortened rounds by age group.
Every JGL player competes over the full 18.
One round or two — by division
Both divisions play 18-hole stroke play. The difference is how many rounds make up an event.
Entry level
No qualification required
- Every JGL member can register — no ranking, no barrier
- Where new players start and build a record
- Every result earns Legs points toward your season ranking
One round18 holes, stroke play
Advanced competition
Qualified by ranking
- Entry is decided by your points ranking, at the moment when registration opens
- The strongest field in your age group — 36 holes against the best
Two rounds36 holes, stroke play
Representing JGL abroad
Qualified by ranking
- Selected from the top of the season points ranking
- Represents JGL at international junior golf competitions
Format determined by the host organization
How a player reaches Division 1
Play Division 2
Open to every member. No ranking needed to start — just enter and compete.
Earn Legs points
Every event you play adds to your season points. Your ranking updates live.
Climb into the top 40
Reach the top 40 of your age group's ranking — and hold it when registration opens.
Play Division 1
36 holes, the strongest field in your group. The level coaches want to see.
Nobody is locked out. Everybody has to earn it.
One leaderboard, fair tees
Both tiers run two age groups — middle school and elementary. Within a group, JGL does not split boys and girls into separate fields: everyone competes on one ranking.
What changes is the tee. Players are assigned a tee based on grade and gender, so the course meets each player where they are. The distance is adjusted — the competition is not.
Every round is 18 holes
No shortened rounds for younger groups. Every JGL player plays the full 18.
Every place is decided
JGL does not award shared finishes. When two players post the same score, the scorecards settle it.
No sudden-death playoff
Players are not sent back out to settle a tie.
No tied finishes
There is no shared 3rd place. Every position resolves to one player.
Scorecards decide
Ties are broken by comparing scorecards, following The R&A's recommended method.
Start in DII, Play your way to DI
Every round under real rules is a round that counts - toward a ranking, and toward a future