The Gauntlet Golf Club receives Virginia Tourism Corporation funds to support upcoming AJGA Tournament

The Gauntlet Media Contact: Karman Miller, Director of Membership Services, Marketing and Events
New Direction Management; The Gauntlet Golf Club
Call: 540-212-2938 ext.004

Together the Gauntlet Golf Club and Stafford County Tourism will host the Tour Stafford Junior All-Star Tournament

STAFFORD, VIRGINIA – July 29, 2022 – The Gauntlet Golf Club, located in Stafford County, has received $8,804.25 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Sports Marketing Incentive Program. These funds are to support The Gauntlet Golf Club as they host the upcoming American Junior Golf Association Tour Stafford Junior All-Star Tournament.

In total, VTC awarded $1.45 million for 83 local and regional event incentives specifically targeted at attracting new meetings and competitive sporting events to spur economic activity and travel across the Commonwealth. These funds are part of the $50 million ARPA appropriation recommended during the August 2021 Special General Assembly Session to assist in the revitalization of Virginia’s tourism industry to overcome the negative impact of COVID-19.

“Sports events and meetings are vital to the tourism industry,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This appropriation is an opportunity to assist these organizations with their continued recovery efforts and help drive increased visitation and revenue generation.”

Stafford County Tourism attracted the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) event to play at the Gauntlet, a P.B. Dye designed 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course.

“Gauntlet Golf Club has been committed to youth golf development for the past 18 years,” said Karman Miller, Director of Membership Services, Marketing and Events for The Gauntlet Golf Club. “ We are thrilled to partner with the Stafford County Economic Development and Tourism and the Stafford EDA to bring the most prestigious junior tour in the country to our course with the Tour Stafford Junior All-Star Tournament. The awarded grant will be used to elevate the event with a giant LED screen used to showcase player stats, leaderboards, local business sponsors and more. This is one of many events hosted by New Direction Golf Management facilities this year to raise funds for local organizations and to grow the game of golf in our area. We hope to continue our partnership with AJGA and Stafford County for years to come, bringing in more tourism revenue and growing the game for future generations.”

The tournament week begins with the Stafford Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament on Sunday, August 14, 2022, sponsored by the Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA). The Junior-Am fundraising efforts will benefit the Stafford Education Foundation, Stafford Junction, and the AJGA’s Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant.

“The Tour Stafford Junior All-Star Tournament with the AJGA and the Stafford Junior-Am offer a wonderful opportunity to highlight Stafford County and generate funds for some very special local charities,” said John Holden, Director of Stafford County Economic Development and Tourism.

The EDA continues to seek partners, sponsors, and volunteers to participate in the fundraising tournament. Individuals or teams can sign up to play with future golf professional and college athlete as each team of three will be paired with a junior athlete playing in the Junior All-Star Tournament later that week. The tournament is shamble style and includes an opportunity to win a car with a hole-in-one on hole six thanks to our local sponsor Team Pohanka (Nissan of Stafford, Nissan of Fredericksburg, and Hyundai of Fredericksburg). Details and information to participate in the Stafford Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament can be found by visiting www.TourStaffordVA.com/Junior-Pro-Am.

About the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA):
The AJGA 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 and is considered by many leaders in the golf industry to be the premier junior golf association of the world. AJGA Alumni on the PGA Tour include: Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and many more Tour Professionals.

About Gauntlet Golf Club:
Whether you are a member or casual golfer, you’ll enjoy the challenging 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by P.B. Dye. The Gauntlet Golf Club awards precision, where most holes are target-oriented, narrow and tree-lined. If you’re looking for challenge, Hole number 4 (our signature hole) will provide it. Your tee shot must carry marsh to a very narrow landing area. The green has three tiers and is surrounded by Curtis Lake on the left and back and bunkers on the right. For more information on The Gauntlet Golf Club, visit www.NewDirection.golf

About Stafford County Tourism:
As the official destination marketing organization (DMO) of Stafford County, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism seeks to market, promote, and sell Stafford County, Virginia as a premier destination for leisure, business, sports, meetings, group, and reunion travelers. Our mission is to enhance economic growth, quality of life, and visitation to the Stafford County region. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism serves as a department under the Stafford County Government, which was founded in 1664. For more information on Tour Stafford visit at www.TourStaffordVA.com and follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube.

About the Stafford Economic Development Authority:
The Stafford County Economic Development Authority has elevated the profile and the prosperity of local businesses in Stafford through its financing and incentives that encourage job creation and capital investment and make Stafford a great place to live, work, and play.

About Virginia Tourism Corporation:
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org. For more information on the ARPA Sports Marketing and Meeting & Convention Incentive Programs, visit vatc.org.

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