Today, the Illinois Junior Golf Association is the second largest junior golf association in the country with over 2,300 members.
Today, the Illinois Junior Golf Association is the preeminent organization for the advancement of junior golf in the state. With an enrollment of over 1,900 junior golfers in 1997, the IJGA's growth from a fledgling organization to what it is today can be attributed to the 23 years of dedicated service and leadership by John and Jean Barney. Since their involvement with the IJGA began in 1971, the Barneys devoted countless hours to the administration of the IJGA tournament schedule. John Barney became the IJGA president in 1987 and later was named the Association's first executive director in 1991. The Barneys are recognized as the driving force that built the foundation of the IJGA, and their impact will be felt for many years to come.
