PLAY Junior Golf Tour Leads the Way in Sun Safety Education
Eastern Ontario-based PLAY Junior Golf Tour is setting a ground-breaking precedent in the golf industry by becoming the first junior golf tour to prioritize sun protection education for its players and their families.
“Play Junior Golf Tour is going beyond the leaderboard, it is championing a culture of safety, awareness, and prevention, proving that success in golf doesn’t have to come at the expense of long-term health,” says Todd Keirstead, PGA Professional, skin cancer survivor, and leading advocate in the golf industry for sun safety. “I understand the devastating effects of skin cancer firsthand and it is my mission to push the golf industry toward greater accountability.”
This forward-thinking seminar/webinar aims to educate junior golfers and their parents about the hidden dangers of prolonged UV exposure and the life-altering impacts of skin cancer. It underscores that sun protection is not just an accessory for golfers, it’s an essential part of their gear as critical as a driver or a putter.
“Skin cancer is the most preventable form of cancer, yet golfers continue to put themselves at risk due to a lack of education and preparation,” says Keirstead. “Partnering with Play Junior Golf Tour is more than just a step in the right direction, it’s a wake-up call to the rest of the industry.”
Chris Veltkamp, Founder of Play Junior Golf Tour, explains the motivation behind this initiative.
“By making sun safety a priority, Play Junior Golf Tour is not only protecting the future of its players but also leaving a lasting legacy of education, prevention, and responsibility in the golf community. It’s a legacy that will resonate far beyond the final hole,” says Veltkamp.
This seminar/webinar is designed to empower families, providing them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about sun safety. The focus is not just on the players but also on their parents, who play a crucial role in safeguarding their children.
“In an industry often reluctant to confront uncomfortable truths, Play Junior Golf Tour is proving that prevention and performance can coexist. It acknowledges that, at the end of the day, the responsibility of applying sunscreen does not rest on the tour itself,” says Keirstead. “However, by providing parents with the tools and education to safeguard their children, the tour is ensuring that families have the resources to take proactive measures against the most preventable form of cancer.”