Teenage Girl Golfers Invited to Play at Kraft Nabisco in Rancho Mirage

Girl golfers from California will tee up with women professionals as part of Kraft Nabisco Championship week at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, it was announced this week.

The winner of the KNC Champions Junior Challenge will be invited to play in the Kraft Nabisco Championship, one of the LPGA Tour's major championships, on April 3-6. The juniors will start play on March 31, according to organizers.

"We are thrilled to once again partner with the Kraft Nabisco Championship and provide Southland girls with this kind of unique opportunity," said Kevin Gigax, executive director of the Southern California Golf Association's Youth on Course program.

"Over the past two years, a number of iconic KNC legends and incredible junior golfers have participated in this event, which for many is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity," Gigax said. "Once again, the Junior Challenge will showcase the best junior girls in the state, provide legends the opportunity to share the game and its values with the younger generation, and inspire girls to continue to pursue their dreams in golf."

The girls will be chosen by a committee led by Youth on Course. Applicants will be considered based on their golf resumes and community and leadership involvement. Applications are available online at www.scga.org and are due March 3.

Applicants must be 13 to 18 years old, live in California and have a handicap index of 2.0 or lower.

The KNC Champions Junior Challenge will be played on Mission Hills' Arnold Palmer Course.

Youth on Course promotes education and character development of Southern California youth through golf.

For information on the Kraft Nabisco Championship, go to www.kncgolf.com.

— City News Service.