WVU Hospital UHC Junior Championship Brings High-Level Golf, Charity Funds to Community
By Michael Minnich on July 15, 2026
After a very successful first year, the WVU Medicine United Hospital Center Junior Championship has returned to Bridgeport Country Club.
The tournament, under the umbrella of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), started Tuesday and will run through Thursday.
“We were approached by the AJGA and Bridgeport Country Club,” WVU Medicine United Hospital Center manager Scott Griffiths said of the genesis of the event. “It has been almost 17 years since we had an event in West Virginia. Bringing the top amateur golfers from all over the world to North Central West Virginia was a no-brainer.
“We’ve got kids from 17 states and eight or nine countries. It’s great for the economy, local hotels, restaurants and local airports with people flying in. It’s just great to bring them to North Central West Virginia so we can show off the area, Bridgeport Country Club and all we have to offer.”
“It’s a huge undertaking,” Bridgeport Country Club head golf professional Mike Gervais said. “Year 1 was a lot of education to our membership on what the AJGA is and what their tournament means. Year 2 was, how can we be more involved from a membership perspective? It’s great to see this phenomenal support. Our membership and local community have really done a great job of stepping up and making this event really special for the kids.”
In its first year, the tournament made an immediate impact on and off of the course.
The AJGA Foundation receives 50% of the proceeds with the other 50% staying in the community.
“We’re happy to support the First Tee of West Virginia and then the Greatest Need funds at United Hospital Center,” AJGA Northeast regional director Adam Brueggman said.
Last year, the local half was $20,000.
“We’re hopeful to exceed $25,000 in local contributions, going to support the same organizations, probably a few local high schools and their golf programs and maybe a couple of other charities,” Brueggman said. “It’s just a testament to the commitment of the community. They’re really wrapped their arms around this event. Our committee has done a tremendous job promoting it and supporting it.”
“The community really stepped up to support the tournament, both financially and by donating their time volunteering,” AJGA Volunteer Chair Chris Kerr said. “The tournament relies on both and we are very appreciative of everyone’s support.”
“To be able to provide an avenue for our local West Virginia junior golfers to compete at the highest level and raise money for various charities is a win-win for our local community and the state,” Chris Kerr said. “I am excited to come back again this year and work with all of the sponsors and volunteers.”
Chris Kerr would know: His daughter Audrey, who has won the state high school girls title while playing for Bridgeport High, has played in the tournament both years.
“We are honored to once again partner with the AJGA to bring the WVU Medicine United Hospital Center Junior Championship back to Bridgeport,” UHC president and CEO and Central Region president of the WVU Health System Dr. David Hess said. “Last year’s tournament showed just how powerful our community can be when we come together – raising meaningful support for local charities while giving young athletes a chance to compete at an elite level.”
“We’re happy to not only provide a platform for these juniors, but make a larger impact in the community here,” Brueggman said.
There has even been growth from a successful first year.
“I think the best example of that is the Junior Am. Last year, we had about 22 or 23 participating teams and we did the same thing we did last year. We were happy to sell out the Junior Am and maximize the proceeds that we’re raising for the local charities,” Brueggman said.
“This year, we have a lot more volunteers,” Griffiths said. “It’s a testament to Mike and his people at Bridgeport Country Club. A lot of their members and local area club members are here helping out, helping kids find their balls, things like that. It really helps keep the play moving and it’s great to have the locals.”
“It was a lot easier,” Gervais agreed. “A lot more buy-in, even though the buy-in was great last year. It was just great up and down this year.”
“UHC is committed to strengthening the health and vitality of our region and this event reflects that commitment in a truly special way,” Dr. Hess said.
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