FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Linzy Browne, Stafford County Department of Economic Development
540-658-8681
Stafford, VA – September 2025 – The 4th Annual AJGA Stafford Junior All-Star Tournament, held June 16–19, 2025, at the Gauntlet Golf Club, has once again proven to be a signature event for Stafford County. With an estimated $412,838 in direct economic impact and $172,997 in visitor spending, this year’s tournament not only highlighted world-class junior golf talent but also delivered measurable benefits for the local economy and community.
Since its debut in 2022, the tournament has welcomed hundreds of elite junior golfers—highly skilled players ages 12 to 19 who compete at a national and international level as they prepare for college and beyond. These young athletes travel with their families, coaches, and supporters, filling local hotels, restaurants, and businesses during the week of the event. The Stafford County Economic Development Authority has been a contributing sponsor since the tournament’s inception, supporting the event as a way to promote economic development and showcase Stafford as a premier destination for sports tourism. Over its four-year history, the tournament has generated nearly $1.2 million in total economic impact.
Charitable giving remains a cornerstone of the event. This year’s tournament raised $40,696 for local and national causes: Rappahannock Goodwill Industries and Mental Health America (MHA) Fredericksburg each received $10,174, while $20,348 went to the AJGA ACE Grant, which provides financial assistance to aspiring golfers. Since 2022, the event has raised $172,676, with half benefiting organizations across Stafford County, including Stafford Junction, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fredericksburg, Stafford Education Foundation, Special Olympics Virginia, SERVE, Stafford County Fire & Rescue, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, and MHA Fredericksburg.
Jack Rowley, Chairman of the Stafford County Economic Development Authority, praised the event’s far-reaching impact:
“The AJGA tournament is more than a competition—it’s an investment in Stafford’s future. Each year, we see how this event drives economic opportunity, supports local businesses, and uplifts charitable organizations. It has become a tradition that reflects the very best of what Stafford County stands for: community, growth, and giving back.”
Stafford County Department of Economic Development Director, Liz Barber, emphasized the event’s role in promoting tourism:
“Hosting the AJGA at the Gauntlet Golf Club allows us to showcase Stafford’s natural beauty and hospitality on a national stage. Families travel here from across the U.S. and abroad, and while they’re here, they experience everything our region has to offer. The tournament not only strengthens Stafford’s reputation as a sports destination but also creates lasting memories for visitors and residents alike.”
The 2025 tournament welcomed 174 players from 18 states and 2 countries, continuing its tradition of uniting diverse talent and bringing new visitors to the region. With four successful years behind it, the AJGA Stafford Junior All-Star Tournament has established itself as a hallmark event—one that blends athletic excellence with economic vitality and community spirit.
For more information, please visit the Stafford County Economic Development Authority online.
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About Stafford County Department of Economic Development | Stafford EDA:
The Stafford County Department of Economic Development is the sales and customer service arm for Stafford County, Virginia, committed to advancing expansion and investment for the community. As the official economic development organization of Stafford County, our mission is to promote, solicit and encourage business growth through marketing and media services that enhance economic activity and quality of life within the Stafford region. Stafford County is located halfway between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. In partnership with the Stafford Economic Development Authority (EDA), the Stafford County Department of Economic Development and the EDA has helped finance and support business growth in Stafford since the EDA’s inception in 1970. In addition to business loan programs, in recent years, the EDA has helped develop a number of vacant and underused properties in Stafford and helped launch the Virginia Smart Community Testbed. For more information on Stafford’s Economic Development and the Stafford EDA, visit www.GoStaffordVA.com and www.StaffordEDA.com, and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn or get connected through the monthly business newsletter.
About Tour Stafford, Virginia:
Tour Stafford, Virginia is Stafford County, Virginia’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). As the official destination marketing organization of Stafford County, our mission is to promote, solicit and encourage tourism and business travel through marketing and media services that enhance economic activity and quality of life within the Stafford region. For more information on Tour Stafford, Virginia visit www.TourStaffordVA.com and follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About American Junior Golf Association (AJGA):
The AJGA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.