North County Junior Golf Association

Nonprofit Junior Golf Since 1965

The North County Junior Golf Association (NCJGA) has been introducing kids to golf since 1965 and was relaunched in 1997 by PGA professional David Emerick. Based at Goat Hill Park in Oceanside, the nonprofit runs tournaments, development programs, and clinics for boys and girls ages 5–18.

Programs

Two competitive tour tracks plus development:
- Executive Tour (ages 5–18) — beginner-friendly tournament play with Double Par +1 scoring, 9 and 18-hole divisions, caddies allowed for younger players
- Players Tour (ages 11–18) — intermediate to advanced competition requiring an established handicap
- Private lessons with Coach Nat (PGA Professional Natalie Vivaldi)
- Junior League (spring season)
- Summer camps and clinics at Goat Hill Park
- Player of the Year awards across both tours

What's Included

• Home course at Goat Hill Park: par-65 championship course, par-54 Mini Goat, and The Playground — a free 3-hole beginner course (25–60 yard holes)
• Grass driving range and short game practice area
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit — focused on access and affordability
• Year-round tournament schedule
• PGA professional instruction and tournament direction

Experience

NCJGA is ideal for North County families (Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, Encinitas) who want affordable tournament exposure for their kids. The tiered tour structure lets beginners play competitively without being overwhelmed, and The Playground at Goat Hill gives very young kids a real but manageable course to learn on. The nonprofit model keeps costs lower than private academy alternatives.