Young N.C. Golfers Invited to Compete in Regional ‘Big I’ Qualifying Tournaments

The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina has invited participants to play in qualifying tournaments for the annual Trusted Choice Big I Junior Classic (Big I) national finals. The tournament is open to local junior golfers—both boys and girls—18 and under who have not started college. Girls do not need to participate in a regional.

“Local tournaments will be held from June 6 – June 21 at golf courses around the state,” Rob McVay, IIAJC chairperson explained. On the national level, the tournament is sponsored by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA).

Winners of the local tournament will earn a spot in the North Carolina finals July 9-10, 2005 at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club in Southern Pines. Last year, more than 300 young golfers participated in 8 qualifying tournaments around the state.

The top North Carolina qualifiers will advance to the Big I national finals set for July 31-Aug. 4 at Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.

As junior golfers, current PGA Tour players Tiger Woods and Billy Andrade each won two Big I championships. Andrade captured back-to-back titles in 1980 and 1981. Woods won the prestigious tournament in 1990 and 1992.

While Woods and Andrade both had successful runs in the tournament, there is a distinguished list of current professional players who as juniors played in the Big I. They include Fuzzy Zoeller, Bob Tway, Craig Stadler, Casey Martin, David Duval, Hale Irwin, Phil Michelson, Justin Leonard and Bobby Clampett.

Entry forms for the North Carolina qualifying tournaments are available from Caryn Young at (888) 277-6340 or at www.iiajc-nc.com. To be eligible, players must not have had their 19th birthday before August 4, 2005 and can not be in college.

Topics Agencies North Carolina