KALAUAO, HI (August 5, 2025) – The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), in conjunction with several key strategic partners, is excited to bring its first-ever tournament to Hawai‘i this fall. The Imperial Junior Classic at Pearl at Kalauao, scheduled for Oct. 10-13, will mark a milestone in the AJGA’s mission to expand access to elite junior golf nationwide.
The AJGA is open to amateur golfers ages 12–19, with entry based on performance or through qualifiers and preview events.
Imperial, a proud partner of the AJGA, will serve as the title sponsor of the event. As a longtime supporter of AJGA tournaments nationwide, Imperial remains committed to advancing the game of golf by investing in junior player development and creating meaningful community impact.
“We are proud to help bring the AJGA to Hawai‘i for the first time,” said David Shaffer, president of Imperial. “Supporting youth development and giving back to the local community are at the core of who we are, and we believe this event will create a lasting impact for junior golfers, families and Hawai‘i’s broader golf community.”
The event will be hosted in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Golf Association and held at the Pearl at Kalauao on Oʻahu.
“We are honored to partner with the AJGA to bring this level of competitive junior golf to Hawai‘i,” said Ed Kageyama, general manager of Pearl at Kalauao. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to welcome juniors to our course and inspire the next generation of golfers to elevate their game and reach their highest potential.”
With full support from local and national partners, the Imperial Junior Classic at Pearl at Kalauao is positioned to deliver a premier tournament experience for players, families and the broader golf community in Hawai‘i.
For more information on the AJGA’s programs, upcoming tournaments, or initiatives, please visit ajga.org or contact Tim Jackman (tjackman@ajga.org) in the AJGA Communications Department.
About Imperial
Founded in 1916, Imperial Headwear is the leading manufacturer of premium quality headwear, apparel, and accessories for the golf market. Imperial’s products can be found at 99 of the Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States, and they were voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for six consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels in 2022” by Golf Datatech. Imperial is committed to style, functionality, and perfection in fit and comfort. It is this commitment that has allowed the creation of a wide variety of headwear and apparel with quality that is second to none.
Renowned for its superior customer service and art customization capabilities, Imperial offers its products using the most innovative fabrics and designs, as well as logo decoration and embellishment technologies. For further information please visit imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial Headwear on X and Instagram at @ImperialHats and Facebook.com/ImperialHeadwear.
About the AJGA
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 9,000 members from 50 states and 51 foreign countries. Through initiatives like the Liberty National ACE Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.
TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s Global Sponsors, supporting the AJGA for more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 1,000 victories on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. AJGA Alumni include Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang.
About Pearl at Kalauao
Pearl at Kalauao, like a precious momi (pearl), is a hidden gem in O‘ahu’s golfing landscape, offering breathtaking views from Pu‘uloa to the Wai‘anae Mountains. Established in 1967 as the Francis H. ‘Ī‘ī Brown Golf and Country Club and later transitioning to Pearl Country Club in 1975, it has long welcomed both kama‘āina and visitors. Today, the course continues its legacy with new enhancements, including upgraded clubhouse amenities and short-game practice facilities. Pearl at Kalauao remains committed to sustainable stewardship of the ‘āina, fostering a connection to the land that benefits both the environment and the wider community. Learn more at www.pearlatkalauao.com.
Media Contact:
Ed Kageyama
General Manager
Pearl at Kalauao
ekageyama@pearlatkalauao.com
