Final Results from the Summer Series at Hershey
Potten and Kang take first titles in playoff
NASHPORT, Ohio – The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) hosted the final event in the Bridgestone Series at Longaberger Golf Club in Nashport, Ohio May 18-19. With beautiful conditions, 22 elite junior golfers representing five states competed for national recognition and IJGT Merit Points in this two-day 36-hole competition.
In the Boys 15-19 Division, Cory Hoshor of Buffalo, W.Va., had a three-stroke lead heading into Sunday. Hoshor had a quick start on Saturday with a birdie and an eagle on the front nine, and carded a 4-over-par 76 in his first round. Hoshor also earned KENTWOOL Socks Lo-Pro honors for his impressive first-round play. With fellow competitor Jack Ford of Springboro, Ohio, close behind, Hoshor needed to bring his “A” game on Sunday.
Hoshor’s final round did not start off the way he intended, but he quickly turned it around by making par on five consecutive holes to end his front nine. Ford was trailing by two strokes after the turn, which made for an exciting back nine. Hoshor made par on the first three holes on the back nine, which gave him the momentum to take home his first IJGT title. The par 3s were the difference maker for Hoshor, as he made par on every one carding a tournament total of 158.
“It feels so cool to win on this level with the IJGT being such a big tour,” said Hoshor. “My iron game was on this weekend, and I was able to hit great approach shots that turned into birdies.”
Finishing just behind Hosher was Ford, with a weekend score of 159. Rounding out the top three in the Boys 15-19 Division was Eddie Zhang of Murrysville, Pa., carding a weekend total of 163.
C.J. Hughes of Indiana, Pa., took home the title in the Boys 14 & Under Division carding a first round 4-over-par 76. On Saturday, Hughes shot a 38 on the front nine, which included an impressive birdie on the tough par-3 ninth hole at Longaberger Golf Club. He also earned KENTWOOL Socks Lo-Pro honors for his first-round score. Hughes had a five-stroke lead over the competition going into the final round of play on Sunday.
“I just wanted to put the first round behind me and just have a clean slate for the second 18,” said Hughes.
On Sunday, Hughes got off to a hot start with four birdies and no bogeys which put him at 4-under-par after the turn. He continued his great play by making birdie on the tough par-5 No. 10. Hughes’s finished with a 2-under-par 70 to round out a fantastic weekend. Hughes’s spectacular second-round play earned him Clazic Belts Low Final Round honors and most importantly, his first IJGT Title.
“It feels really good to take home my first IJGT title.” said Hughes. “It is going to help me heading into future tournaments.”
Coming in second place was Jake Sollon of Venetia, Pa., with a final score of 155. Rounding out the top three in the Boys 14 & Under Division was Angelo Mancinelli of Moosic, Pa., with a tournament total of 174.
In the Girls Division, Gillian Alexander of Rices Landing, Pa., took home the title in dramatic fashion. Alexander, who carded a first-round 83, earned KENTWOOL Socks Lo-Pro honors and had a one-stroke lead heading into Sunday. Emily Doyle of Horseheads, N.Y., trailed Alexander by one stroke and Audrey Clawson of Sarver, Pa., was close behind trailing by two strokes, which made for an exciting final round.
After a shaky start in her final round, Alexander found herself trailing Doyle by two strokes after the turn. After a strong first couple of holes on the back nine, Alexander and Doyle were even after 14 holes. Doyle made par on No. 16 and No. 17, which gave her a one-stroke lead heading into the final hole. Alexander saved her best shots for No. 18 as she stuck her approach shot 15 feet from the hole. She made par on No. 18, which was just enough to put her in first place at the Bridgestone Series at Longaberger.
“It feels really good to win,” Alexander said. “It is definitely going to be a big confidence booster heading into my future tournaments.”
The IJGT will be heading to Orlando, Fla. next weekend to host its annual Bridgestone Golf Tournament of Champions at Grand Cypress Golf Club May 25-27. For more information on the Tournament of Champions or any other IJGT event visit IJGT.com or call (843) 785-2444.
About the IJGT
The IJGT provides exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game. As a tour that operates primarily throughout the academic year, the IJGT hosts approximately 60 tournaments annually. In addition, the IJGT hosts three international events. Each event provides multi-day competition for junior golfers of all skill levels ages 9-19. Players representing 45 states and 43 countries around the world regularly compete in events at venues such as TPC Sawgrass, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Kiawah Island Resort, and Harbour Town Golf Links. Official partners of the IJGT include Bridgestone Golf, Quagmire Golf, KENTWOOL, CHAMP Spikes, Clazic Belts, AB Golf Designs, The First Tee, Sundog Eyewear morodZ, PURE Grips, and International Junior Golf Academy.
To obtain more information about the IJGT, please visit www.IJGT.com or call (800) 792-9143.
NASHPORT, Ohio – Final round results of the IJGT Bridgestone Series at Longaberger conducted by the International Junior Golf Tour completed May 19, 2013. Boys 15-19 Division: Gold Tees – 6866 yards, Par 72 (73.0/137) Boys 14 & Under Division: Blue Tees – 6367 yards, Par 72 (70.8/131) Girls Division: White Tees – 6071 yards, Par 72 (74.5/128).
Weather: Saturday: Sunny with temperatures in the low 70’s with 5-10 mph winds
Sunday: Sunny with temperatures in the low 70’s with 5-10 mph winds
Velez defends Falcon’s Fire title
Whaley holds on as Girls Division Champion
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) held the Orlando Junior at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club in Kissimmee, Fla., May 11-12. Juniors endured very warm temperatures with moderate humidity at the Rees Jones designed golf course. The tournament acts as a great tune-up for IJGT’s Bridgestone Golf Tournament of Champions.
Manuel Velez of Panama City, Panama, winner of the IJGT’s 2012 Florida Swing at Falcon’s Fire, defended his title to win the Boys 15-19 Division, shooting 1-under-par for a two-day total of 143. Velez took fire at the hole locations, recording nine birdies and one eagle over two rounds. His best play came on the par 5s where he played them in 5-under-par.
Velez did not go unchallenged however, as Yan Peng of Beijing, China kept pace the entire tournament. Over two days, Peng played the front nine in a bogey-free 3-under-par.
With Velez holding onto a one shot lead heading into No. 18, both he and Peng striped drives down the middle of the fairway. As both players were in great position, Peng was the one who took advantage and hit the green, while Velez short-sided himself in the greenside bunker.
Velez was able to make a difficult up-and-down seem ordinary, blasting out of the bunker to only a few feet. Peng had a birdie opportunity from about 25 feet to force a tie, but it was not meant to be. Velez converted his par putt to win by one stroke.
Coming in third place was Matt Cheng of Taipei, Taiwan, who carded an even-par 72 on the final day.
Payton Olsen of Winter Park, Fla., received the Clazic Belts Low Final Round Award for his 3-under-par 69.
Alan Xu of Hilton Head Island, S.C., shot 81 on both days to take home the Boys 14 Under Division title. Xu said he played “awesome” during the final round, which showed, recording a score no higher than a five for the entire day. He played consistently for the day with nine pars and nine bogeys.
Aaron Elmore of Rincon, Ga., took home second place honors in the division shooting a solid 81 in the final round. This was Elmore’s first event in the division, but he had played a number of previous events in the IJGT’s Discovery Tour. Third place in the Boys 14 Under Division was Kotaro Nishimura of Ota-Ku, Japan.
In the Girls Division, Kelly Whaley of Farmington Conn., came out victorious with an impressive 1-under-par 143 two-day total. Whaley stayed patient and played consistently en route to her victory. She recorded five birdies and 27 pars over the weekend, including 15 pars during the final round.
“I told myself there were a lot of holes left to birdie,” Whaley said. “If it gets close, you know you still have holes left. I had a one-shot lead on the last hole and had to be confident I would par it.”
Whaley stumbled early as she recorded a 2-over-par 38 on her first nine holes, including a bogey on the opening hole. It was different after the turn however, making birdie on her 10th hole then paring the rest of her remaining holes.
Thamonpat Siriko of Bangkok, Thailand, made it difficult for Whaley during the final round, always hanging within one or two strokes of the lead. Siriko put on her own impressive final round, recording two birdies and 15 pars to shoot a 1-under-par 71 which was good enough to earn her second place. Wei-Wei Zhang of Howey in the Hills, Fla., took home third-place honors after also shooting a 1-under-par 71. Both Siriko and Zhang earned the Clazic Belts Low Final Round Award for their performances.
The KENTWOOL Socks Lo-Pro Award, which goes to the players who shoot the lowest score in the first round of every IJGT Event, was won by Velez with a score of 1-under-par 71 and Whaley with a score of 2-under-par 70.
The International Junior Golf Tour will travel back to the Orlando, Fla. area in two weeks to host its annual Bridgestone Golf Tournament of Champions at Grand Cypress Resort May 25-27. For more information about the Tournament of Champions and its corresponding events, please visit www.IJGT.com or call (843) 785-2444.
About the IJGT
The IJGT provides exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game. As a tour that operates primarily throughout the academic year, the IJGT hosts approximately 60 tournaments annually. In addition, the IJGT hosts three international events. Each event provides multi-day competition for junior golfers of all skill levels ages 9-19. Players representing 45 states and 43 countries around the world regularly compete in events at venues such as TPC Sawgrass, Pinehurst, Bethpage State Park and Harbour Town Golf Links. Official partners of the IJGT include Bridgestone Golf, Quagmire Golf, KENTWOOL, CHAMP Spikes, AB Golf Designs, Clazic Belts, morodZ, Sundog Eyewear, PURE Grips, The First Tee, Golfweek and International Junior Golf Academy.
To obtain more information about the IJGT, please visit www.IJGT.com or call (843) 785-2444
KISSIMMEE, FLA. – Final round results of the IJGT Orlando Junior conducted by the International Junior Golf Tour completed May 12, 2013. Boys 15-19 Division: Gold Tees – 6,839 yards, Par 72 (73.2/136). Boys 14 Under Division: Blue Tees – 6,239 yards, Par 72 (70.1/128). Girls Division: White Tees – 5,991 yards, Par 72 (74.4/130).
Weather: Sunny with temperatures in the Low 80s, winds 5-10 mph
Sunny with temperatures in the Mid 80s, winds 5-10 mph
International Junior Golf Tour
The Orlando Junior at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club
Kissimmee, Fla.
May 11-12, 2013
Boys 15-19 Division – (Gold Tees) Yards: 6,839, Par 72
1. Manuel Velez, Panama City, Panama *71-72–143
2. Yan Peng, Beijing, China *73-71–144
3. Matt Cheng, Taipei, Taiwan *76-72–148
4. Matthew Rushton, Cape Town, South Africa *77-72–149
4. Luke Tetreault, Horseheads, NY *76-73–149
4. Rafael Miranda, Guayaquil, Ecuador *75-74–149
7. Payton Olsen, Winter Park, FL *81-69–150
7. Mos Bangpetch, Hilton Head Island, SC *72-78–150
7. Taiga Fujii, Toyama-shi, Japan *73-77–150
10. Sense Chaowalit, Bangkok, Thailand *73-78–151
11. Keith Techasith, Bangkok, Thailand *77-75–152
11. Austin McCulloch, Alexandria, MN *78-74–152
11. André Hammer, Scania, Sweden *77-75–152
11. Keanu Hasmana, Jakarta, Indonesia *76-76–152
11. Shogo Ito, Tokyo, Japan *75-77–152
16. Daniel Tello Vargas, Pachuca, Mexico *80-74–154
16. Yong Sherng Hui, Taman Dagang, Malaysia *77-77–154
18. Takakazu Furukawa, Shiga, Japan *73-82–155
19. Garrett Johnson, Hilton Head Island, SC *80-76–156
20. Andre Becerra, Zapopan, Mexico *79-79–158
21. Gus Uriostegui, Leon, Mexico *82-77–159
22. Konstantin Kosta Kosutic, Belgrade, Serbia, *79-81–160
23. Tyler Hughes, Howey in the Hills, FL *81-80–161
24. Nicco Gentile, Bluffton, SC *77-85–162
25. Connor Hogan, Monroeville, AL *76-87–163
26. Czech Chalermchaiwat, Bangkok, Thailand *85-79–164
26. Matthew McDonald, Celebration, FL *82-82–164
26. Shogo Taniguchi, Osaka, Japan *82-82–164
26. Andrea Bacchi, Milan, Italy *82-82–164
26. Guodong Ji, Quing Dao, China *82-82–164
31. Marshall Clemens, Weston, MA *84-82–166
32. Andrew Boyer, Muskoka, ON *80-87–167
33. Davis Keough, Cole Harbour, NS *85-84–169
34. David Rice, Pittsburgh, PA *93-82–175
35. Cam Hammel, Wexford, PA *98-86–184
36. Sheock Hyun Shim, Seoul, South Korea *90-107–197
DID NOT FINISH
Nate Anderson, Billings, MT *JWD
Boys 14 Under Division – (Blue Tees) Yards: 6,239 Par 72
1. Alan Xu, Hilton Head Island, SC *81-81–162
2. Aaron Elmore, Rincon, GA *88-81–169
3. Kotaro Nishimura, Ota-Ku, Japan *92-89–181
DID NOT FINISH
Kevin Ying, Shanghai, China *DQ (Rule 15-3b)
Paul Schumacher, Canton, OH *DQ (Rule 6-6d)
Girls Division – (White Tees) Yards: 5,991 Par 72
1. Kelly Whaley, Farmington, CT *70-73–143
2. Thamonpat Siriko, Bangkok, Thailand *73-71–144
3. Wei-Wei Zhang, Howey in the Hills, FL *75-71–146
4. Cake Phuchanbanchob, Chiang Mai, Thailand *74-75–149
4. Rei Nakatani, Tokyo, Japan *73-76–149
6. Luiza Altmann, Sao Paulo, Brazil *76-74–150
6. Veronica Vetesnik, Winnipeg, Canada *74-76–150
8. Yunjie Zhang, Howey in the Hills, FL *75-76–151
9. Yuka Kajiki, Howey in the Hills, FL *79-74–153
10. Maggie Ashmore, Kingston, GA *80-76–156
11. Jasmine Chee, Hong Kong, China *83-78–161
11. Jessica Danford, Longwood, FL *80-81–161
11. Mallory Etcheberry, Wesley Chapel, FL *79-82–161
14. Aracelly Maria Jimenez Rios, Merida, Mexico *80-82–162
15. Grace Kim, Sao Paulo, Brazil *81-82–163
16. Carla Loyola, Queretaro, Mexico *78-86–164
17. Bria` Sanders, Cordova, TN *82-83–165
17. Kathryn Crouch, Harker Heights, TX *81-84–165
19. Ariana Dial, Clarksville, MD *84-82–166
20. Lizzie Hammel, Wexford, PA *83-85–168
21. Paige Cappelli, Blue Bell, PA *85-85–170
22. Kali Boyer, New Ringgold, PA *88-90–178
23. Sophie Guo, Bluffton, SC *90-92–182
24. Haley Danford, Longwood, FL *96-91–187
25. Alana Brand, Pennyan, NY *100-97–197
DID NOT FINISH
Sydney Nix, Huntsville, AL *81-JWD
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) hosted the PURE Grips Shootout at Troon North Golf Club on May 11-12. The Scottsdale heat played a factor as the competitors trudged up and down the hills on the Monument Course at Troon North. Two champions were crowned giving their mothers an unforgettable Mother’s Day present.
Michael Christifulli of Paradise Valley, Ariz., earned his first IJGT title of the season after putting together a gritty final-round score of 5-over-par 77. On Saturday, Christfulli got off to a hot start going 1-under-par in his first eight holes. After an even-par 36 on the front nine, he ran into a few obstacles on the difficult back nine to finish with a score of 3-over-par 75.
Christifulli was not alone atop the leaderboard after Saturday’s round. TJ Kathrineberg of Mesa, Ariz., had a share of the lead with a 3-over-par 75. Both players earned KENTWOOL Socks Lo-Pro Award honors with their first-round score.
Sunday was a tough day for scoring conditions as the round from Saturday physically drained many of the competitors. The Monument Course tests your playing ability as well as your physical ability. Christifulli was determined to come up with the victory because he wanted redemption after not being able to play in the PURE Grips Junior Open back on Dec 8-9, 2012 at Troon North – Pinnacle Course. Down the stretch, Christifulli made two key birdies on the back nine that gave him the cushion he needed to secure the victory.
“My plan was to put the ball in play,” said Christifulli. “I knew that approach would give me a chance, but I also tried to make some good putts.”
Coming in second place was Thomas Avant of Chandler, Ariz., finishing with a tournament total of 158. Finishing in a tie for third place were Jackson Whisenhunt of Phoenix, Ariz., and Kathrineberg carding a 159 tournament score over the weekend.
In the Boys 14 Under Division, Mason Nam of Scottsdale, Ariz., ran away with his first IJGT title after putting together a solid final-round score of 5-over-par 77. Nam got off to a slow start on Saturday carding a front-nine score of 5-over-par 41. Things turned around quickly on the back nine where Nam made three birdies en route to a 2-under-par 34. His score of 3-over-par 75 earned him KENTWOOL Socks Lo-Pro Award honors.
On Sunday, Nam got off to a great start playing his first 12 holes in 1-over-par. His fellow competitors could not match his great start giving Nam a clear path to victory. Although he did not finish as strong as he would like, Nam was still very pleased with his victory.
“Definitely one of the hardest courses I have played in a tournament,” said Nam. “It was in really good condition.”
Finishing in a tie for second place were Cole Shintaku of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Moibhi Tyndall of Mountain View, Calif., with scores of 162.
The Clazic Belts Low Final Round Award went to the champions Christifulli and Nam for their scores of 5-over-par 77.
The IJGT West Coast tour has completed for the 2012-2013 season. The IJGT will be closing out the season with the Bridgestone Golf Tournament of Champions on May 25-27 at Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Fla. This is the marquee event on the IJGT schedule and will feature the best competitors on the IJGT from across the country. To sign up for this Event, or others, visit IJGT.com or call (843) 785-2444.
About the IJGT
The IJGT provides exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game. As a tour that operates primarily throughout the academic year, the IJGT hosts approximately 60 tournaments annually. In addition, the IJGT hosts three international events. Each event provides multi-day competition for junior golfers of all skill levels ages 9-19. Players representing 45 states and 43 countries around the world regularly compete in events at venues such as TPC Sawgrass, Pinehurst, Bethpage State Park and Harbour Town Golf Links. Official partners of the IJGT include Bridgestone Golf, Quagmire Golf, KENTWOOL, CHAMP Spikes, AB Golf Designs, Clazic Belts, morodZ, Sundog Eyewear, PURE Grips, The First Tee, Golfweek and International Junior Golf Academy.
To obtain more information about the IJGT, please visit www.IJGT.com or call (843) 785-2444
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Final round results of the PURE Grips Shootout at Troon North Golf Club conducted by the International Junior Golf Tour completed May 12, 2013. Boys 15-19 Division: Gold Tees – 6,846 yards, Par 72 (72.2/138). Boys 14 Under Division: Silver Tees – 6,037 yards, Par 72 (68.4/128).
Nimmer’s clutch birdie captures victory
Ruiz victorious in Girls Division
The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) hosted the Auntie Anne’s Pretzels Junior this weekend at Shipyard Golf Club. Possible thunderstorms threatened play on Sunday, but the weather cooperated and the juniors enjoyed beautiful weather all weekend.
Bryson Nimmer of Bluffton S.C., took home the Boys 15-19 Division title with a 1-over-par 145 two-day total. The leaderboard was packed going into the final round, but ultimately the tournament came down to the final hole with two of the KENTWOOL Low Pro winners—Nimmer, and second-place finisher Charlie Spencer-White, also from Bluffton, S.C., who were tied when teeing off on No. 18.
Both players left themselves with wedges for their third shots on the par-5 finishing hole. Spencer-White hit his approach to six feet while Nimmer hit his to about 12 feet. With Nimmer putting first, he was able to roll his putt in putting the pressure squarely on Spencer-White. Unfortunately Spencer-White was unable to convert giving Nimmer his first IJGT title this season.
“That shot I hit into 18 was really good,” said Nimmer. “Set me up for a birdie to win.”
Spencer-White’s solid play was good enough to earn him second place with a 2-over-par 146 two-day total. Rounding out the top three was Francisco Contreras from Caracas, Venezuela, whose final-round even-par 72 earned him the Clazic Belts Low Final Round Award. His tournament total was a 3-over-par 147.
In the Boys 14 Under Division, Taisuke Ono of Tokyo, Japan, came from three shots down to win the division by three strokes. Ono began his round with a bogey, making his comeback all the more difficult. However, he was able to steady the ship with four straight pars. Aided by a birdie on the difficult par-3 8th hole, Ono played steady golf to charge his comeback efforts. He was able to close out his round with another four-hole par streak while everyone else faltered.
Coming in second place was Paul Schumacher of Canton, Ohio, who carded a two-day total of 161. He was able to lock up second place by playing the final six holes in even par after a shaky stretch in the middle of the round. In third place, shooting a 162 tournament total was Jan Schneider of Erlangen, Germany. Schneider tore up the par 3s on Sunday, playing the four in 2-under-par.
Ana Ruiz of Chihuahua, Mexico, was the only player this weekend to record an under- par round, giving her the crown in the Girls Division. Ruiz’s opening-round 1-under-par 71 gave her a five-shot cushion entering the final round. After a string of eight pars in a row on the front nine, she birdied Nos.10 and 11 to get into red figures. Ruiz was able to add two more birdies on the back nine adding to her lead.
“I hit the ball really well,” Ruiz said after her round. “I hit a lot of greens and gave myself a lot of opportunities for birdies.
Ruiz continued her stellar play in the final round, recording back-to-back birdies on holes Nos.7 and 8 on her way to a 2-over-par 74 to win the division by seven strokes. A testament to her great ball striking was her play on the par 3s for the tournament, playing them in 1-under-par over the weekend.
In addition to her victory, Ruiz was awarded both KENTWOOL Low Pro and Clazic Belts Low Final Round Awards.
Phyllis Tang of Hong Kong, China and Rei Nakatani of Tokyo, Japan tied for second place with 152 tournament totals. Although the scores were the same, the two played quite differently. Tang recorded three birdies in her final six holes to surge into the top three while Nakatani was a model of consistency all weekend.
The IJGT Southeast tour will be hosting another tournament on Hilton Head Island, S.C., the IJGT AHEAD Open at Bear Creek Golf Club, May 4-5. To sign up for this Event, or others, visit IJGT.com or call (843) 785-2444.
About Auntie Anne’s
Twenty-five years after Anne and Jonas Beiler stumbled across their original pretzel perfection, guests are still enjoying Auntie Anne’s Pretzel products, dipping sauces, and signature beverages in more than 1,330 locations in 46 states and 25 countries. Auntie Anne’s stands out from its competitors due to its unwavering commitment to extending the brand, successful growth, and providing continued value to customers. Auntie Anne’s has built its brand on the foundations of the people-focused philosophies established by its founder, quality products, exceptional guest service, attractive and efficient stores, and the fun activity of pretzel making. Over the years, Auntie Anne’s has rolled approximately 1.7 billion pretzels.
About the IJGT
The IJGT provides exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game. As a tour that operates primarily throughout the academic year, the IJGT hosts approximately 60 tournaments annually. In addition, the IJGT hosts three international events. Each event provides multi-day competition for junior golfers of all skill levels ages 9-19. Players representing 45 states and 43 countries around the world regularly compete in events at venues such as TPC Sawgrass, Pinehurst, Bethpage State Park and Harbour Town Golf Links. Official partners of the IJGT include Bridgestone Golf, Quagmire Golf, KENTWOOL, CHAMP Spikes, AB Golf Designs, Clazic Belts, morodZ, Sundog Eyewear, PURE Grips, The First Tee, Golfweek and International Junior Golf Academy.
To obtain more information about the IJGT, please visit www.IJGT.com or call (843) 785-2444
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Final round results of the IJGT Auntie Anne’s Pretzels Junior conducted by the International Junior Golf Tour completed April 28, 2013. Boys 15-19 Division: Gold Tees – 6,872 yards, Par 72 (74.0/133). Boys 14 Under Division: Blue Tees – 6,258 yards, Par 72 (71.2/128) Girls Division: White Tees – 5,971 yards, Par 72 (74.7/126).
Weather: Sunny with temperatures in the Mid 70s, winds 5-10 mph
Sunny with temperatures in the Mid to High 70s, winds 3-5 mph
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) is set to host the IJGT Junior at the Hershey Links Golf Club April 6-7. Located in scenic Hummelstown, Pa., the Hershey Links Golf Club has been a favorite stop among competitors with its challenging holes and great competition. This year will be no different with some of the top junior players from around the world competing for national recognition and IJGT Merit points in this two day 36-hole event.
Overlooking the Hershey cityscape, Hershey Links stretches along 175 acres of natural bluffs and ravines that create a peaceful setting, while providing ample shot-making challenges. The layout, which plays to a par-72, features links-style golf with tall, flowing fescue grasses and bentgrass greens. Five sets of tees accommodate every level of golfer.
In the Girls Division, Raphaella Kang , of Bayside, N.Y., looks to capture her first IJGT title. Kang has three second-place finsihes, and is very eager to take home her first championship title.
The first round of the Bridgestone Series at Greate Bay will begin April 6 at 8:00 a.m., and the Event will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing the top 3 juniors in each division with trophies and tournament gifts immediately following the final round on April 7.
The champion of each division will receive a set of CHAMP spikes , a set of morodZ alignment rods
, a head cover courtesy of AB Golf Designs
and a pair of sunglasses from new tour sponsor, Sundog Eyewear
. In addition, the male and female who post the lowest opening round score will receive a pair of KENTWOOL Socks
and the juniors carding the lowest final round score on Sunday will receive a belt and IJGT buckle from Clazic Belts
.
The top 10 juniors of each division at this IJGT event will also receive IJGT Merit Points to be accumulated at the end of the IJGT season recognizing the top juniors on tour. Qualifications for the IJGT Major Championships, season-ending Tournament of Champions and places on the United States, North America and Euro Cup Teams are based, in part, on IJGT Merit Point standings. In addition, the top 10 IJGT Merit Point winners in each division will be named to the All-IJGT Team at the end of the season.
Hershey Links Golf Club will be open at 8 a.m., March 15 for an optional practice rounds and pre-tournament registration.
About the IJGT
The IJGT provides exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game. As a tour that operates primarily throughout the academic year, the IJGT hosts approximately 60 tournaments annually. In addition, the IJGT hosts three international events. Each event provides multi-day competition for junior golfers of all skill levels ages 9-19. Players representing 45 states and 43 countries around the world regularly compete in events at venues such as TPC Sawgrass, Pinehurst, Bethpage State Park and Harbour Town Golf Links. Official partners of the IJGT include Bridgestone Golf, Quagmire Golf, KENTWOOL, CHAMP Spikes, AB Golf Designs, Clazic Belts, morodZ, Sundog Eyewear, PURE Grips, The First Tee, Golf Digest/Golf World and International Junior Golf Academy.
To obtain more information about the IJGT, please visit www.IJGT.com or call (843) 785-2444.
Barto Captures First IJGT Title
DiLisio Holds off Competition at White Manor
MALVERN, PA. – The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) traveled to the beautiful White Manor Country Club in Malvern, Pa., March 23-24 to host the 2013 IJGT Philly Challenge
. Bitter cold and blistering winds made this two-day 36-hole tournament a challenge for the 90 competitors who teed off this past weekend.
Matt Barto of Leechburg, Pa., claimed first place in the Boys 15-19 Division after putting together two great rounds on the difficult White Manor Country Club. After round one of the tournament, Barto led the pack by four strokes after carding a division-leading 1-over-par 72. His impressive first round also earned him KENTWOOL Socks
Lo-Pro Award honors, which is given to the player who earns the lowest score during Saturday’s first round. The second round came down to the back nine with Kevin Kramarski
of Moorestown, N.J., chipping away at Barto’s first round lead. Kramarski was 1-under par at the turn, and was dead even with Barto going into hole No. 15. Barto’s two birdies and one par to close out the tournament were just enough to earn him his first IJGT Champion trophy. On the day, Barto finished with a 1-over-par 72 giving him a three-shot victory.
“I felt really comfortable {going into the second round},” said Barto. “My ball striking was good, and I just stayed patient and made my putts.”
Kramarski finished second after shooting a tournament total of 5-over-par 147. Kramarski’s second-round even-par 71 earned him the Clazic BeltsLow Final Round Award, which is given to the player who cards the lowest final round score. Rounding out the top 3 in the Boys 15-19 Division was Vinay Ramesh
of Newtown, Pa., who carded a tournament score of 151.
Taking home the trophy in the Boys 14 & Under Division was Evan Johnson
of York, Pa. Johnson carried a four stroke lead going into the second round after recording a 4-over-par 75 in the first round. He managed to maintain his lead on Sunday by carding four birdies and six pars, which earned him his second IJGT title of the season, with the first coming at the Philly Junior at Turtle Creek last September. Johnson finished his weekend with a total score of 152.
”My putting was the best part of my game this weekend,” said Johnson. “I felt like I could make anything that was within 10 feet.”
James McHugh of Rye, N.Y., and Gus Minkin
of York, Pa., tied for second in the Boys 14 & Under Division after they both finished the weekend with a score of 155.
Isabella DiLisio of Hatfield, Pa., took home the title in the very competitive Girls Division after carding a 153 over the weekend. DiLisio, who carried a one-stroke lead going into the final round, found herself neck and neck on the back nine with second-place finisher Brynn Walker
of St. Davids, Pa. Walker holed out for birdie after a fantastic chip on hole No.2, which brought her in contention for the title. DiLisio was just too strong on the back nine making five pars and one birdie, which earned her a second career IJGT title. DiLisio also earned the KENTWOOL Socks Lo-Pro Award after she shot a 4-over-par 75 in the first round.
“I just took it one shot at a time {during the final holes},” DiLisio said. “I did not focus on the players that were close to me. I focused on my play.”
Erin Lo of Mount Laurel, N.J., took third place after finishing with a 162 over the course of the tournament.
Jackie Rogowicz of Yardley, Pa., earned the Clazic Belts Low Final Round Award honors after she carded a 4-over-par 75 on Sunday.
The IJGT will travel to Somers Point, N.J., on March 30-31 for the Bridgestone Series at Greate Bay Country Club . This Event will feature top players from across the northeast competing for national recognition and IJGT Merit Points.
To sign up for this event, or other, or for more information on the IJGT, call (843) 785-2444 or visit www.IJGT.com.
About the IJGT
Malvern, Pa. – Final round results of the IJGT Philly Challenge at White Manor conducted by the International Junior Golf Tour completed March 24, 2013. Boys 15-19 Division: Bronze Tees – 6727 yards, Par 71 (72.9/134). Boys 14 & Under Division: Black Tees – 6126 yards, Par 71 (69.7/129) Girls Division: Green Tees – 5852 yards, Par 71 (74.6/132).
Weather: Saturday: Cloudy with temperatures in the low 40’s with 15-20 mph winds
Sunday: Cloudy with temperatures in the low 40’s with 10-15 mph winds
OKATIE, S.C. – The International Junior Golf Tour hosted the Lowcountry Junior at Oldfield Golf Club
March 23-24, represented by an elite field of competitors from 14 states and 15 countries. Conditions were not ideal, with heavy rains and lightning forcing play to be cancelled for the final round.
The weather on Saturday featured many different types of elements. Whether it was cloudy and cold, raining or beautiful sunshine, Luke Tetreault
of Horseheads, N.Y., found a way to piece together a solid even-par 72 to lead the Boys 15-19 Division. Tetreault made a move early in his round, quickly getting to 2-under par through his first eight holes. From that point, he was able to play steady golf aided by a clutch up-and-down par on the par-3 13th hole at Oldfield Golf Club.
“The up-and-down on No. 13 really kept my round going,” Tetreault said. “That was kind of a turning point where I figured I could grind it out with the weather coming in.”
Unfortunately for those trailing Tetreault, the weather would not cooperate for the final round. Shortly after tee-times began, thunder and lightning rolled in and play could not resume.
Finishing just one stroke behind in second place was Matt Cheng of Taipei, Taiwan, who carded three birdies en route to a 1-over-par 73. Garrett Johnson
of Hilton Head Island, S.C., finished in third place with an opening round of 5-over-par 77.
To go along with his victory, Tetreault was awarded the KENTWOOL Socks Lo-Pro Award for his low score in the opening round.
In the Boys 14 & Under Division, Nicholas Russell
of Hilton Head Island, S.C., finished Saturday with a two-stroke lead over his fellow competitors with an opening round 83. Russell was able to play holes Nos. 3 to 10 in only 1-over par, which steadied a shaky start. The bad weather made it difficult for everyone out there, but he was able to distance himself from the field by hitting almost every fairway.
“I was not able to play all that well today, but I was able to hit most fairways, so I was happy with that,” Russell said. “My chipping was also really good today.”
Close behind Russell was Kevin Ying of Shanghai, China, who earned a second-place finish with his round of 85. Jan Schneider
of Erlangen, Germany, shot 86 to take third place honors.
In the Girls Division, Ceha Lee
was able to follow up her victory at the IJGT Shamrock Shootout
at Palmetto Hall
with another one this weekend. Lee was tied with Margine Arguello
of Panama City, Panama, and Thamonpat Siriko
of Bangkok, Thailand, after shooting opening-round 80s. The final round looked like it was going to be a battle, with seven girls within four shots of the lead. The weather would not allow though, forcing a scorecard playoff decided by the total back-nine score to determine the Girls Division Champion.
Lee carded the lowest back-nine score with a 4-over-par 40, aided by a birdie on No. 12. Arguello was barely edged out, shooting a 5-over-par 41 while Siriko carded a 6-over-par 42.
“I was just trying to stay dry out there,” Lee said. “I did not want to wet my grips.”
Lee, Arguello and Siriko were all awarded the KENTWOOL Socks Lo-Pro Award for having the lowest opening round scores.
The IJGT will make the next southeast tournament stop at Duke University Golf Club for the College Classic
on April 6-7. Consistently ranked as one of the best college courses, Duke University Golf Club has hosted many prestigious tournaments including the 2001 Men’s NCAA Championship.
To sign up for this event or others please contact the IJGT at 843-785-2444.
About the IJGT
The IJGT provides exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game. As a tour that operates primarily throughout the academic year, the IJGT hosts approximately 60 tournaments annually. In addition, the IJGT hosts three international events. Each event provides multi-day competition for junior golfers of all skill levels ages 9-19. Players representing 45 states and 43 countries around the world regularly compete in events at venues such as TPC Sawgrass, Pinehurst, Bethpage State Park, and Harbour Town Golf Links. Official partners of the IJGT include Bridgestone Golf, Quagmire Golf, KENTWOOL, CHAMP Spikes, Clazic Belts, AB Golf Designs, The First Tee, Sundog Eyewear, morodZ, PURE Grips, and the International Junior Golf Academy.
To obtain more information about the IJGT, please visit www.ijgt.com or call 843-785-2444.
OKATIE, S.C. – Final round results of the IJGT Lowcountry Junior conducted by the International Junior Golf Tour completed March 24, 2013. Boys 15-19 Division: Gold Tees – 6865 yards, Par 72 (73.6/139). Boys 14 & Under Division: Black Tees – 6188 yards, Par 72 (70.5/131) Girls Division: White Tees – 5853 yards, Par 72 (74.8/132).
Weather: Cloudy and rainy with temperatures in the High 50s, winds 10-15 m.p.h.
International Junior Golf Tour
Lowcountry Junior at Oldfield Golf Club
Okatie, S.C.
March 23-24, 2013
Boys 15-19 Division – (Gold Tees) Yards: 6,865, Par 72
1. Luke Tetreault, Horseheads, NY *72
2. Matt Cheng, Taipei, Taiwan *73
3. Garrett Johnson, Hilton Head Island, SC *77
4. Bryan Gagnon, Culver City, CA *78
4. Will Miles, Hilton Head Island, SC *78
6. André Hammer, Scania, Sweden *79
7. Giovanni Trione, Rome, Italy *80
7. Sense Chaowalit, Bangkok, Thailand *80
7. Nicholas Rodriguez, East Northport, NY *80
7. Zach Stark, Livingston, NJ *80
11. Connor Hogan, Monroeville, AL *81
HITLON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) is pleased to continue its partnership with KENTWOOL , one of the nation’s longest-running, family-owned textile companies. In continuation with their partnership with the IJGT, KENTWOOL has been named the official title sponsor of the IJGT Event at Bulle Rock Golf Club, April 13-14.
Founded in 1843, KENTWOOL is the only company in the western hemisphere — and one of 50 in the world — to receive the Usterized Quality Certification indicating the highest level of quality assurance in yarn production. Based in Greenville, S.C., all KENTWOOL products are made in the USA.
An avid golfer, KENTWOOL CEO, Mark Kent had the idea to produce the “World’s Best Golf Sock” after standing in the 18th fairway of the BMW Nationwide Tour Pro-Am tending to blistered, bleeding feet instead of concentrating on the eagle opportunity guaranteeing him a spot in the final round. Born from that moment was golf’s leading, premium merino wool golf sock. KENTWOOL Socks enable golfers of all abilities to play their best while benefiting from abrasion, fatigue resistance, KENTWOOL Blister-Free Guarantee. KENTWOOL utilizes its nearly two-century-old heritage of superiority in textiles to create socks which draw upon wool’s natural and cool performance fibers for moisture management, sheer comfort and other performance-enhancing benefits.
The #RocktheSocks Open at Bulle Rock will feature elite junior golfers from around the world competing for national recognition and IJGT Merit points. All event participants will receive a pair of KENTWOOL Socks in addition to the tournament gifts provided by our other sponsors.
This event is filling up quickly! Be sure to sign up for the #RocktheSocks Open at Bulle Rock today to reserve your spot in the field.
To purchase a pair of KENTWOOL socks from the IJGT Pro Shop click here .