Little Linksters celebrates 15 years in 2023. What started as a single program at a daycare center in Lake Mary, Florida, in 2008 has become a mission.
Initially intended to help expose kids to the game at ages much younger than what has historically been the case — young as three, whereas 8 to 10 has been a more typical starting point — Little Linksters offerings have evolved and now include programming for all ages and abilities.
We also recognize that setting traditions is important in golf. Whether it is a club event or a youth golf annual gathering, events such as these strengthen bonds and connect people through golf.
One tradition we started in 2010 was our annual Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest.
The popular contest allows parents to upload a video to YouTube of their “Little Linksters” swing. Each year’s submission period lasts roughly 2-3 months, and trophies are awarded in six age groups: Under 3, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12.
This event is an inclusive contest with fun at its center point. All children, regardless of ability, are encouraged to submit their swings! The competition is primarily about fun and celebrating a game that is blind to age — kids as young as two can love this game and, as we see year in and year out, can excel at golf.
Another great part about the contest is those who vote on the swings. Major champions, award-winning PGA Members and legends of the game all take part; some on multiple occasions.
Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
We have been very humbled to have had such a recognized and esteemed celebrity panel of judges over the years, including Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Jordan Spieth, Lydia Ko, Brooke Henderson, Michelle Wie, Tony Jacklin, Annika Sorenstam, Andrew “Beef” Johnston, Hank Haney, Kelly Sheehan, Lexi Thompson, Jim McLean, PGA, Win McMurry, Paula Creamer, Nicole Weller, Chuck Evans, PGA, Brittany Lincicome, Keegan Bradley, Mark Bradley, PGA, Tommy Fleetwood, In-Bee Park, Allen Wronowski, PGA, Frank Nobilo, David Leadbetter, PGA, and many more.
This year, for the 12th time, we gathered some very heavy hitters from the golf world to help judge our contest, including U.S. Solheim Cup Captain Stacy Lewis, PGA Tour player Sam Ryder and young LPGA star Alexa Pano.
They join a team of US and international-based PGA and LPGA coaches, including GOLF Magazine Top 100 instructor and Golf Digest Top 50 instructor Joe Hallett, PGA, U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 instructors Michelle Holmes, Zoe Allen from Ireland, Tom Reid from the United Kingdom, and acclaimed Canadian instructor Jason Helman.
Below is a look at our 12th annual winners from 2022-23:
UNDER 3
3-4 YEARS
5-6 YEARS
7-8 YEARS
9-10 YEARS
11-12 YEARS
