USA Junior Golf National Team Training Center set to open at Tiffany Greens Golf Club

Evans realized something was missing from the youth experience in Kansas City.

Although there is a multitude of junior golf programs in the area, until now no one had the kind of affiliation that could give kids a shot at international competition.

Evans, who grew up in Raytown

golfers who will train at the Chuck Evans Golf Academy at Tiffany Greens Golf Club.

“What it means is that the kids in our area get to experience and train the way that other athletes train in other countries in their quest to play better golf and take it to the next level,” Evans said.

The USA Junior National Golf Team has training centers across the country that are split into six regionals. Tiffany Greens is one of four

“Every other sport, be it hockey, football, or baseball, they’re in there six, seven, nine months or even year-round because that’s how people get good,” National Team Director Tom Relf said. “Our program is different in that sense, and we try to partner with the best coaches in the regions and typically those coaches are at good facilities. That is clearly the case with Chuck and Tiffany Greens.”

The program will feature five levels of training: Developmental I, Developmental II, Future Stars, Pre Elite and Elite

Participants in the Future Stars, Pre Elite and Elite levels will meet two to three times a week throughout the training season and compete regionally and nationally. Each region will have an Elite tournament, and the top 10 participants overall will represent the United States in international golf tournaments.

Aside from the junior experience, Evans thinks the program will also have a large impact on collegiate recruiting opportunities for local athletes.

“If you are looking for college scholarships you have to get on their radar young, because if you wait till your senior year, you are too late,” Evans said. “They want to see you playing in events all over and not just local events, so by adding that international element you are increasing your chances.”

Evans will be hosting a coaches-and-parents night on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Tiffany Greens clubhouse.

This story was originally published April 24, 2014 at 8:47 PM with the headline "USA Junior Golf National Team Training Center set to open at Tiffany Greens Golf Club."