Junior golfers compete for college scholarships in Chicopee

Thousands of youth golfers took to the links throughout the day in an attempt to qualify for a tournament this week. 22 News reporter Claire Overton joins us live in studio with why this tournament is significant for young athletes. CR and Christina, 78 junior golfers took to the course today at the Chicopee Country Club for the qualifying round of the American Junior Golf Association Golf Tournament. And the players are not just from this area or even the United States. They are in town from places as far as China, Australia, Turkey and Mexico. All hoping to expand their golf careers. It's a big opportunity for them. AJGA is like the top golf organization when they're trying to get into higher level programs for college golf scholarships. So it gives them some exposure for college coaches to see what they play like. After the qualifying rounds, 96 players will compete in the tournament itself, which spans from Wednesday through Friday. They say this tournament often has attendance from college coaches, including many of the Ivy League teams. And with the extreme heat expected for this week, like Brian was talking about, they have already altered the schedule on at least Thursday and Friday to ensure all the golfers get out onto the course as early in the day as possible. Working for you, Claire Overton, 22 News.