Golf enthusiasts and sports fans alike are eagerly anticipating the 13th annual Babe Zaharias Junior Golf Awards, set to take place this Friday. The event, which recognizes outstanding junior golfers in the Houston area, is named after the legendary athlete Babe Zaharias, who is widely considered one of the greatest female athletes of all time.

The awards banquet, which is sponsored by the Houston Golf Association (HGA) and the Babe Zaharias Foundation, will take place at the Marriott Marquis Houston hotel. The ceremony will honor junior golfers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship on the course.

This year’s event is particularly special, as it marks the first time the awards banquet will take place since the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation in 2020. The HGA has taken steps to ensure the safety of attendees, including implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols and requiring masks for all attendees.

According to Steve Timms, the President and CEO of the HGA, the Babe Zaharias Junior Golf Awards are a crucial part of the organization’s mission to promote golf in the Houston area and support the next generation of golfers.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring back the Babe Zaharias Junior Golf Awards after a year off,” Timms said. “This event is a great opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of some of the most talented young golfers in our community. We’re proud to support these young athletes and to help them achieve their goals on and off the course.”

The awards ceremony will feature a keynote address from a prominent figure in the world of golf, as well as presentations of awards in a variety of categories, including the Player of the Year, the Most Improved Player, and the Sportsmanship Award.

One of the highlights of the event will be the presentation of the Babe Zaharias Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a deserving junior golfer who demonstrates a strong commitment to academic achievement and community service, in addition to excellence on the golf course. The scholarship is named in honor of Babe Zaharias, who was not only a trailblazing athlete but also a committed advocate for education and social justice.

In addition to recognizing outstanding junior golfers, the Babe Zaharias Junior Golf Awards also serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting youth sports programs and providing opportunities for young athletes to pursue their dreams. Through its partnership with the Babe Zaharias Foundation, the HGA is able to provide financial support for junior golf programs and scholarships, as well as mentorship and coaching to help young golfers reach their full potential.

As the Babe Zaharias Junior Golf Awards approach, excitement is building among golf fans and supporters of youth sports. This year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable and inspiring celebration of the next generation of golfers and the legacy of Babe Zaharias, a true icon of the sport.