The 2021 Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
Pete Davis, chairman of the SVJI Sports Foundation said the decision to cancel the tournament came after exhausting all other options, but that the health of everyone involved was the top priority.
“While we’re disappointed to cancel the Junior Invitational, it’s imperative that we prioritize the health of all participants, families, golf course staff and others needed to stage a world-class event like this,” he said in a news release. “The Foundation Board, the Tournament Committee and the Club at Sage Valley examined every possible alternative, and we ultimately determined it was not feasible to host the tournament this year due to the ongoing issues with COVID-19, new travel restrictions and unknowns surrounding the vaccine rollout.”
Last year’s tournament also felt effects from the coronavirus. Spectator and media access was restricted following the first round in hopes of completing the event on schedule.
This year, was also supposed to be the inaugural girls’ event, was to be held alongside the Junior Invitational.
“This was going to be a historic year with the addition of the world’s top junior girl golfers, which makes this even more disappointing,” Davis said. “Eligibility for the 2022 Junior Invitational will begin anew. We’re saddened for the boys and girls aging out of the event, and we wish them the best in their bright futures in college golf and beyond. We look forward to a safe and strong return next March.”
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