By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Since 2019, Big Sky Golf Course has proudly hosted the PGA Junior League, a national program launched in 2011 by the PGA of America to introduce kids to the game of golf in a fun, team-oriented environment. Under the guidance of PGA professional Tom Conway, the Big Sky team continues to thrive, drawing local kids to the course each season.
Ethan Singer takes a swing. PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL SINGER
“Big Sky Golf Course has been participating in the PGA Junior League for several seasons now. The program has stayed strong with signups growing each year,” Conway told EBS.
This year, 13 junior golfers aged 6 to 13 participated in the program. Weekly practices and interclub matches formed the backbone of the season, as the Big Sky team competed against Cottonwood Hills Golf Course and Riverside Country Club in Bozeman.
“We had practices every Friday for an hour-and-a-half and had two-hour matches once a week at either Cottonwood Hills, Riverside or in Big Sky,” Conway explained.
The format for junior PGA tournaments is a two-person scramble, which helps build camaraderie and confidence in young players.
“Golf is usually an individual sport, but with this program, the kids get to be part of a team and can lean on each other for support,” Conway said. “It’s a great way for kids who are feeling a little shy or scared to team up with a more confident kid to get some experience.”
Conway said he was particularly proud of the accomplishments of Big Sky seventh graders Finley Holtz and Ethan Singer, who earned the most match wins for the team this season.
Another standout moment for Conway this season came from returning player Quinn Malinowski, who is a long-time junior league player.
“I loved watching Quinn grow to become more of a team leader for the younger kids this year. Her confidence has grown so much over the years, and it has put her in a position to mentor some of the younger kids,” Conway said.
As a coach and mentor, Conway sees junior golf as more than just a seasonal sport. He said it’s a way to build character, confidence and community.
Members of the PGA Junior League at Big Sky Golf course. PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL SINGER AND CATHERINE HOLTZ
“I have always been a big proponent of junior golf. I had some wonderful coaches and mentors as a kid, and I feel like it’s my duty to give back to the kids now that I am in a position to do so,” Conway said. “I love watching the kids grow to love the game and their excitement when they hit a great shot.”
Conway is optimistic about the future of the Big Sky program, and aims to grow the team and bring in more regional courses to expand the league.
“Cottonwood Hills and I have been trying to get other courses in the area on board as well. Riverside Country Club was a new addition for this past year,” said Conway. “I would love to see this program grow. I have enough space to get up to 25 kids in the program, and my goal is to get there at some point. There are a lot of different options for sports in Big Sky, and I’m hopeful golf can compete with super popular sports like soccer in the future.”
Conway has worked with junior golfers for over a decade and has seen an increased interest in the sport each year.
“There has been a strong demand for private lessons and tee times for our junior golfers this season, which I see continuing,” he said. “Kids want to be outside in the summer, contrary to popular belief, and the golf course provides a safe place for them to come hit some balls and play some golf.”
Looking ahead, Conway is focused on continuing the momentum.
“I look forward to adding more courses to our league so the kids can get to experience some different holes and play with different kids in the area. I really want this program to grow and last, and I’m thankful for the continued support from the Big Sky community.”
