Tournament attracts top young female golfers from across Northeast
By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
Golf fans should head out to the Lake Monticello golf course on March 14–15, when the Peggy Kirk Bell Tour returns for the Commonwealth Classic.
The tournament attracts many of the top young female golfers from across the Northeast.
These young women can really play. Most competitors are in high school, though some are as young as 10 or 11.
The event features two divisions: the Bell division and the Prep division.
Players in the Bell division typically shoot in the high 70s or low 80s on the challenging Lake Monticello course. Prep division players usually score a bit higher, though occasionally one posts a Bell-level score.
Many competitors are also hoping to attract the attention of college golf coaches. Strong performances at Bell Tour events, which are held up and down the East Coast nearly year-round, can help players earn full or partial college scholarships.
Bell Tour officials have long praised the support provided by the Lake Monticello community.
Competitors are required to walk the course, which is set at a length that blends the women’s and men’s tees. Volunteers assist by spotting balls and transporting players from greens to tees when longer distances or busy street crossings are involved.
Players compete independently during the round, as coaching is not allowed. Most competitors do have a parent following along, however, since all players are minors.
For golf fans, the event offers a chance to watch some impressive young talent up close.
