The Spin Sports Education Foundation Junior Championship
The AJGA Charity Classic, a new platform for junior golfers to compete in premier U.S. events, will take place from June 9 – 12, 2026, at Enhance Anting Golf Club in Shanghai. The 54-hole stroke play tournament is jointly hosted by The Spin Sports Education Fund (SSEF) and the CJ Wang Foundation, co-presented by Olympic medallist and LPGA professional Janet Lin and sports marketing expert Smile Xu. The event is officially recognised by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and the Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS).
The 2026 AJGA Charity Classic also acts as a qualifier for two prestigious AJGA junior championships in the United States: the AP Invitational Junior presented by Ninja, to be held July 20–24 at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, and the 2026 AJGA SSEF Junior Championship, scheduled for July 27–30 at The Ridge Golf Course in Auburn, California. Top performers at the Shanghai event will earn entry into these elite tournaments.
“For me, partnering with Smile and The Spin Sports Education Fund to create the AJGA Charity Classic is about building a bridge,” said Lin, an 11-year LPGA veteran and three-time Olympic representative. “I hope more young golfers in China will have the opportunity to step onto bigger stages, especially within the U.S. junior golf system, where they can be seen, recognised, and gain greater opportunities for their future. This event is about helping them take that first step.”
Smile Xu
Smile Xu, founder of Miles Group and SSEF, added: “Janet Lin is not only a top athlete I deeply admire but also a close friend. Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver a world-class tournament experience for junior players, held to professional standards. Special thanks to Mr. Ling of Enhance Anting Golf Club for his generous support, which allows us to waive green fees for participating juniors.”
Olive Lee, Chairlady of SSEF, noted: “We are delighted to partner with the CJ Wang Foundation, as we share the same mission of supporting youth in pursuing their dreams and reaching higher levels. Through this collaboration, we aim to expand participation and visibility, and we welcome more partners to join us in supporting youth development.”
The AJGA Charity Classic will be conducted to professional tournament standards at Enhance Anting Golf Club, which has previously hosted major professional events.
“After hosting the 2025 China Men’s and Women’s National Opens, we reflected on what a truly great championship course should contribute to the sport,” said Mr. Ozzie Ling, Executive Director of the club. “For us, the answer is clear: not only delivering top-tier events, but also creating lasting value for golf’s future. That future begins with the younger generation. Our partnership with the AJGA Charity Classic reflects our long-term vision – investing in junior golf and growing the game.”
Cheng Jin
Cheng Jin, a top Chinese professional golfer, former USC standout, and 2015 Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion, emphasised the significance of the event: “It’s great to see a platform in China where junior players can earn AJGA playing rights at home. This event creates a viable pathway for juniors in the region to compete against top players from around the world, which is highly meaningful.”
To support junior golfers, green fees for all rounds will be waived, requiring only an entry fee. Additional activities during the tournament will include a barbecue welcome party, youth sports forum, and professional coaching clinics, providing participants with a comprehensive tournament experience.
