The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) has announced a new partnership with Chesterfield County and its regional hospitality community to host the Play Chesterfield Junior Championship beginning in 2026 — a three-year agreement that will bring some of the nation’s best junior golfers to The Golf Club at the Highlands through the 2028 season.
For The Highlands, the news marks a major milestone. The course tucked just beyond Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County has evolved into a venue ready for national competition — a transformation built through years of careful investment and dedicated work.
Under owner George Emerson and superintendent Matt Carlton, The Highlands has undergone a steady renewal. Fairways have been converted to Zoysia, bunkers rebuilt with Better Billy Bunker technology, and conditioning elevated to a standard worthy of elite play. The result is a course that challenges the region’s best players while remaining accessible and enjoyable for everyday golfers.
Head professional Troy Thorne says hosting an AJGA event underscores the club’s growth and its commitment to creating a first-class experience. The inaugural Play Chesterfield Junior Championship, scheduled for June 22–25, 2026, will showcase top junior golfers ages 12 to 19 from around the world — offering both a national spotlight for the community and a proud moment for everyone involved with the club.
The Highlands’ inclusion in the AJGA calendar is validation of years of steady progress and local collaboration.
