Local organizers of the Natural Resource Partners Bluegrass Junior, held at Bellefonte Country Club in Ashland, Ky., June 16-19, 2009, were honored by the American Junior Golf Association with the Tournament of the Year Award. The award is given annually to the tournament that showcases the AJGA, its members, sponsors and host facility better than any other event on the Association’s 86-event schedule.

"This is a wonderful surprise and honor for all of us at Natural Resource Partners and the NRP Bluegrass Junior," said Natural Resource Partners President and Chief Operating Officer Nick Carter. "It is with pleasure we serve as the title sponsor for this event, but its success must be attributed to the combined efforts of our local sponsors, community and Bellefonte member volunteers, Bellefonte Country Club which has sacrificed its facilities for a week during the prime golf season for 26 years, its staff and the AJGA staff that does such a professional job each and every year. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that NRP continues to be a part of the team as title sponsor of the Bluegrass Junior."

From the Tournament Chairman to volunteers on the course, the local community is invested in running a memorable tournament for the juniors and is responsible for the success of one of the AJGA’s longest-running events. In the final round, Tournament Chairman Jeff Conley individually thanks each player on the first tee for their efforts in the tournament. The overall hospitality and dedication of the community, volunteers and golf course gives the event a personal touch.

Now a staple on the AJGA schedule, the 2010 Natural Resource Partners Bluegrass Junior will be held June 22-25 at Bellefonte Country Club.

The American Junior Golf Association 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. The largest Association of its kind, the AJGA has an annual junior membership (boys and girls ages 12-18) of more than 5,000 junior golfers from 49 states and more than 30 foreign countries. For more information on the AJGA, click HERE.

Bellefonte Country Club is a long-time Kentucky Golf Association member club, and Kentucky's family of golf organizations send congratulations to the club and all involved with the Championship for this award.