LA CROSSE, Wis. -- U.S. Junior Tours Golf Experience (USJT) will take young golfers to the birthplace of golf in 2008. The 2008 schedule includes two “Birthplace of Golf” tours to St. Andrews, Scotland, and a new “English Language Immersion and Golf Experience” for youth looking to hone both their English and golf skills.

The Birthplace of Golf tours are scheduled for July 15-24 and July 28-August 6. Both will feature coaching by top Scottish Professional Golf Association (PGA) instructors, international competition and cultural immersion opportunities.

USJT will also offer competition-only options in conjunction with the tours. The St. Andrews Links Junior Boys Open Tournament and St. Andrews Links Junior Ladies Open Tournament will run July 31 to August 9.

“The Birthplace of Golf is our most popular youth program,” said USJT Executive Director M. Scott Ott, noting that the 2007 program sold out in just two months.

The English Language Immersion and Golf Experience is a new offering from USJT. Scheduled for July 12 to July 26 in St. Andrews, Scotland, the program is designed specifically for junior golfers from countries that speak English as a second language.

The program will combine English language instruction by certified American instructors along with golf instruction from Scottish PGA teaching professionals, practice rounds on local courses and competition against Scottish juniors.

Acceptance to USJT programs is based on athletic ability and the golfer's dedication to improvement, personality, integrity, and eagerness to travel and experience other countries and cultures. Interested golfers can find additional information at www.usjuniortours.com.

U.S. Junior Tours Golf Experience is an educational and athletic travel program for golfers ages 10 to 18 that provides worldwide opportunities for professional instruction, international competition, and cultural activities.