‘It’s just a premier event’: Kroeger family celebrates 50th LPGC by introducing next generation to tournament play

QUINCY — A beautiful, sunny, 80-degree morning provided the perfect backdrop for the start of the 50th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships at the Knights of Columbus Par-3 Course.

For Brian Kroeger, it lso provided a sense of deja vu.

Kroeger, a 32-year-old Quincy native, first played in the LPGC in the mid-1990s when he was around 5 years old. Tuesday, he caddied for his two sons — 3-year-old Luka and 5-year-old Lincoln — as they embarked on their own links adventures.

“This is a great way to start your golfing career,” Kroeger said.

A Quincy native who played golf at Quincy High School, Kroeger played in the LPGC throughout his junior career, as did his two sisters. Their mother, Vicki, worked at Westview Golf Course and was among the volunteers who helped turn the LPGC into a summertime staple.

The first LPGC Volunteer of the Year Award went to the Kroeger family and the trophy was named the Kroeger Trophy thereafter.

Vicki Kroeger was part of the gallery following her grandsons Tuesday.

“It’s just awesome,” she said. “We’re a golfing family.”

The love of the game is carrying forward.

When asked what his favorite part of the day was, Luka Kroeger said “golfing,” which seems to be the perfect answer coming from a 3 year old. Both boys said that they would be coming back to golf again next year.

First, though, they have a second round to play Wednesday.

It’s the desire to keep coming back and playing more golf that has made the LPGC a five-decade success. The history is part of the reason Kroeger has his kids in the mix.

“I think a lot of it had to do with it being the 50th anniversary and the boys are finally old enough to play,” Kroeger said. “It’s been such a good tournament.”

Some legendary names have graced the LPGC leaderboards, players such as PGA Tour winner D.A. Points, British Open champions Ben Curtis and Todd Hamilton, four-time major champion Rory McIlroy and Quincy native Luke Guthrie.

“It’s just a premier event for junior golf, and it’s just a great way to start,” Kroeger said.

Kroeger sees the success and longevity of the LPGC as a “testament to Quincy and how hospitable the people are.” 

He said Quincyans are always supportive and excited to watch the junior golfers play.

“They make it a big deal,” Kroeger said. “It’s pretty cool.”

It’s why a family tradition is carrying over to the next generation at a time the LPGC celebrates a milestone moment.