Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy was named a PGA Junior League Golf ambassador in 2014.
"I think, especially for young people, bringing them together in a team concept like PGA Junior League Golf and making them feel part of one goal or one purpose is incredibly valuable. They have the chance to accomplish something great together."
McIlroy credits his father, Gerry, and swing-coach Michael Bannon, for playing a critical role in his lifelong development as a golfer. Now, McIlroy will look to inspire youngsters to participate in PGA Junior League Golf and also encourage PGA and LPGA Professionals to host a team at their individual facilities.
PGA Junior League Golf Ambassador, Rory McIlroy
PGA Junior League Golf Ambassador, Michelle Wie
Michelle Wie, the 2014 U.S. Women's Open Champion, was named an ambassador for PGA Junior League Golf in 2015.
"It's only natural that a fun team concept like PGA Junior League Golf has taken hold in just a few years. For generations, boys and girls have grown up in team sports. To see how they can come together and learn golf through this program is most encouraging in shaping golf's future."
Wie advanced in golf at an early age, inspired by her mother, Bo, who was the 1985 South Korean women's amateur champion. Now, Wie will look inspire youngsters to participate in PGA Junior League Golf and also encourage PGA and LPGA Professionals to host a team or league at their individual facilities.
Rickie Fowler - one of the game's most recognizable stars with notable popularity among a younger generation of golfers - was named a PGA Junior League Golf ambassador in 2015.
"PGA Junior League Golf represents the future of our game. I'm excited about its growth, and by joining forces with Rory and Michelle as Ambassadors, we have an opportunity to help introduce the game to the next generation of golfers."
Rickie already has five Professional victories, including three alone in 2015 and was the 2010 PGA Tour's Rookie of the Year. Fowler also had a prolific career as an amateur golfer, including 37 weeks as the number 1 amateur player and recipient of the 2008 Ben Hogan Award for the best player in collegiate golf while attending Oklahoma State University. Today, Rickie is also popular for his groundbreaking fashion and distinctive style, as many youth players dress like Fowler on the golf course.
PGA Junior League Golf Ambassador, Rickie Fowler
PGA Junior League Golf Ambassador, Lexi Thompson
LPGA star Lexi Thompson was named an ambassador for PGA Junior League Golf in January 2016.
"I was so lucky to grow up playing golf surrounded by great mentors. Now, I want to help grow the game for the next generation of golfers, helping provide them with all the opportunities I had."
In 2007, at only 12 years old, Thompson became the youngest female player to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open. In 2014, Thompson earned her first major at the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Thompson hails from a golf family with two brothers also playing competitively: Nick, who plays on the PGA Tour, and Curtis, a COBRA PUMA GOLF staffer playing the Web.com tour. She has also made a name for herself in the fitness world with features in Shape Magazine and Self Magazine, among others.