Local Tours vs Regional vs State

U.S. Kids Golf runs a tiered tournament system that lets young juniors progress from beginner-friendly local events to multi-day national-level championships. Understanding the levels — and when to play which — saves money, prevents burnout, and matches your junior to the right competition. Here's how each tier works. Level 1: Local Tours The entry point. There are 100+ U.S. Kids Local Tours operating across the U.S. and internationally. Each tour runs weekly or biweekly 9-hole events at scaled, age-appropriate yardages on local courses. Format: 9 holes, single-day events, with players grouped into age divisions (U6, U7, U8, U9, U10, plus older brackets where the tour offers them). Field size: Usually 30-80 players across all divisions combined. Small, low-pressure fields. Entry fee: $25-$50 per event, typically. Course: Modest, often public courses with junior-friendly setups. The Longleaf Tee System scales yardages to ability (U6 plays ~1,400 yards, U10 plays ~2,700 yards). Who it's for: First-time tournament players, juniors learning to keep score and compete, juniors building Priority Status for higher-tier events. What it earns: Priority Status credit, and finishing well moves you up the levels (see [Priority Status](/topic/us-kids-golf/priority-status)). Local Tour finishes also count toward season-end Tour Championship eligibility. Level 2: State Invitationals Mid-tier, regional events. Each state golf section (most states have one) hosts one or two State Invitationals per year. Field strength is higher than Local Tours because they draw from across the state. Format: 36 holes (2 rounds) over 1-2 days for U8 and up. Younger divisions may still play 9-hole rounds. Field size: 100-200+ players across divisions. Entry fee: $100-$200 typically. Course: Better courses than Local Tours — established daily-fee or private courses, often with full tournament setup (Stimpmeter-rolled greens, marked hazards, real-time scoring). Yardage: Slightly longer than Local Tours of the same age division. Who it's for: Juniors who've had success at Local Tours and want stronger competition. Also juniors targeting World Championship qualification. What it earns: More Priority Status credit per finish than Local Tours, and qualifying scores at State Invitationals can earn World Championship invitations. Level 3: Regional Championships A step up from State Invitationals. U.S. Kids runs Regional Championships across major U.S. regions and internationally, drawing top juniors from multiple states. Format: 54 holes (3 rounds) over 3 days for most divisions. Field size: 200-400+ players, with full divisions for each age group. Entry fee: $150-$350. Course: Strong courses, often top public or private facilities. Tournament-grade setup throughout. Who it's for: Juniors with sustained competitive results who are targeting World Championship qualification or building elite-level Priority Status. What it earns: Significant Priority Status credit, qualifying scores for the World Championship, and Regional Championship titles that mean something on a recruiting profile (even for younger juniors who will be recruited years later). Level 4: World Championship at Pinehurst The pinnacle. Held annually at Pinehurst, NC across multiple courses including the famous Pinehurst No. 2. Format: 54 holes (3 rounds) over 3 days for ages 9+ across multiple courses. Field size: 1,500+ juniors from 50+ countries — the largest junior golf tournament in the world. Entry: Invitation-only. Qualifying paths include high finishes at Regional Championships, State Invitationals, top Priority Status levels, and a small number of "Performance" qualifiers based on tournament scoring. Course: Pinehurst No. 2 (for older divisions) is one of the most famous courses in American golf. Younger divisions play other Pinehurst-area courses. Who it's for: Top juniors who've worked through the system. For many U.S. Kids alumni, the World Championship is the defining junior golf experience. What it earns: Major Priority Status credit, AJGA PBE Stars at the top Priority levels (Levels 12-14 and Lifetime), recruiting profile value, and lifelong memories of playing Pinehurst. Level 5: International Championships and Teen World For older juniors (12+) and international families, U.S. Kids also runs: - International Championship events (in Europe, Asia, etc.) - Teen World Championship — for ages 13-18, held at Pinehurst or other elite venues These are top-tier events on par with Regional and World Championships in field strength. Which level should your junior play? The honest answer is: start at Level 1 and let results pull you up. The progression is straightforward: - First season: Play 6-10 Local Tour events. Goal is finishing rounds, meeting scoring thresholds, and learning tournament process. - Year 2 (if Priority Status is climbing): Add 1-2 State Invitationals to the schedule. - Year 3: Target a Regional Championship if Priority Status supports it. - Year 4+: World Championship if qualified, plus continued Regional and State play. Common mistakes - Skipping Local Tours to play State Invitationals immediately. Skipping the foundation level doesn't make a player faster — it usually leads to discouraging early results. - Playing too many tiers in one season. Pick a primary tour and supplement with 1-2 higher-tier events, not the other way around. - Treating Local Tours as "beneath" a competitive junior. Top Local Tour finishers earn the most Priority Status, which is what unlocks Regional and World Championship entries. - Ignoring travel costs at the upper tiers. Regional Championships and the World Championship are expensive when you add hotel, food, and flights. Budget for the full cost before committing. For the priority registration system that determines who gets into popular events first, see [Priority Status](/topic/us-kids-golf/priority-status).