Rickie Fowler Named PGA Junior League Golf Official Ambassador

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Sept. 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coming off a victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship, Rickie Fowler has been named an Ambassador for PGA Junior League Golf, which introduces boys and girls ages 13 and under to the game in a recreational team setting.

Fowler, who has five Professional victories, including three this year—The Players Championship, Scottish Open and the Deutsche Bank Championship— joins Rory McIlroy and Michelle Wie as PGA Junior League Golf Ambassadors.

PGA Junior League Golf is owned and operated by the PGA of America and is positioned as the key youth initiative of PGA REACH, the PGA of America's charitable foundation. Under its guidance, the program boasted a soaring number of participants in 2015, with approximately 30,000 boys and girls playing on 2,500 teams. There were 17,500 kids participating on 1,425 teams nationwide in 2014, a 95-percent increase from 2013.

"PGA Junior League Golf represents the future of our game," said Fowler, who became the youngest American to play in the Ryder Cup, at the age of 21 years and 9 months in 2010, and played a vital role on the Ryder Cup Task Force that has charted a blueprint for future U.S. teams. "I'm excited about its growth, and by joining forces with Rory and Michelle as Ambassadors, we have an opportunity to help introduce the game to the next generation of golfers."

In 2010, Fowler was named the PGA Tour's Rookie of the Year. Previously, ranked as the World's No. 1 amateur for 37 weeks in 2007 and 2008, Fowler received the 2008 Ben Hogan Award for the best player in collegiate golf while attending Oklahoma State University. Today, he is also popular for his groundbreaking fashion and distinctive style, as many youth dress like Fowler on the golf course.

"Rickie Fowler represents everything PGA Junior League Golf is about," said PGA President Derek Sprague. "He is a tremendous role model for kids, as he embodies youth, passion, integrity and a great honor for the game. With Michelle and Rory also on board as Ambassadors, PGA Junior League Golf is well-positioned to further make an impact on our game for years to come."

Much like other recreational league sports, participants wear team uniforms with jersey numbers. Teams are comprised of boys and girls ages 13 and under, with no prior playing experience required. They play nine-hole matches in a popular two-person scramble format, reinforcing the team concept and creating a nurturing environment for learning the game. Coaches can substitute players every three holes, so that all of the golfers on each team can participate.

Upon the completion of the regular season, some teams may qualify to play in sub-regional and regional championships. Eight regional champions will advance to the PGA Junior League Golf Championship, Nov. 5-8, at Disney's Palm Course at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

For more information on PGA Junior League Golf, visit PGAJLG.com.
For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGAofAmerica on Twitter and find us on Facebook.