Palm Harbor, FL (December 29, 2014) –  The sun continued to shine today at the second round of the 22th annual CJGA World Junior Challenge, presented by Golfweek at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club. With the sun beaming down, green speeds steady increased into the afternoon as juniors found themselves battling to maintain their position on the leaderboard.

The Boys 15-19 division took to the Island course today jockeying for position in the tournaments prominent division. Shooting two over par was first round leader Vince van Veen of the Netherlands. With seven separate countries representing the top 10, van Veen will feel the pressure from all parts of the globe in the final round tomorrow. Hot on his tail is Brandon Wang of Bradenton, FL and CJGA standout Eric Macrow of Kingston, ON.

In the Girls division Roos Haarman of the Netherlands moved into top spot after posting an impressive 74 (+3) today on the Copperhead course. First round leader Selena Costabile of Thornhill fell back into second place shooting 80 (+9) today. It was a rough start for Costabile who had two doubles and two bogeys on her opening nine holes. Contending in her first CJGA major, Celeste Dao of Quebec moved into third place shooting 76 (+5).

Peter Weng of China continued his strong tournament play today on the Copperhead course shooting 72 (+1). With one bogey and one birdie on the day Weng’s now leads the Boys 14 & Under division by six strokes over Daniel Core of Newmarket and Cole Anderson of Camden, Maine.

Back on the North course the CJGA Linkster Tour portion of the tournament came to a close. Eli Mathew of Waterloo, ON captured his second straight World Junior Challenge title shooting 73, 76 for a two day total of 149. Following in Mathew’s footsteps was Peter Blazevic of Burlington who captured his second straight Boys 9-10 WJC title. Nicole Felce of Holiday, FL shot a tournament total of 146 (+4) to edge out Emily Zhu of Richmond Hill, ON for the Girls 10-13 division title. The Boys 8 & Under title went to Jordan Hwang of Richmond, ON. With the win Hwang also captures the Boys 8 Under CJGA National Order of Merit, presented by Core Golf Academy.

“Tournament conditions are getting tougher and it’s nice to see that the juniors are rising to the challenge” stated John Lawrence, Tournament Director. “I would like to congratulate all the winners today on the CJGA Linkster Tour. It was a well-deserved win by all divisions.” The focus will now shift to the Copperhead course that will play host to the Championship round. “It will be an exciting final day tomorrow. As we know, the Copperhead course can provide some dramatic finishes.”

About The CJGA World Junior Challenge

The CJGA World Junior Challenge, now in its 22nd year, is one of the marquee events conducted by the Canadian Junior Golf Association. Since the inaugural tee-off in 1993, the World Junior Challenge has seen thousands of junior golfers, representing over 30 countries, pitted against one another in a friendly, yet competitive environment held at some of Florida’s most prolific golf courses. This highly recognized event, typically held during the winter holiday season, offers Canadian and International juniors alike the opportunity to compete in an internationally ranked tournament while experiencing the culture of Florida golf.

About Golfweek

Founded in 1975, Golfweek is the most authentic, authoritative and independent voice in golf. Serving enthusiasts who are truly passionate about the game of golf, the Golfweek brand includes Golfweek magazine, Golfweek.com, Golfweek OnDemand, Golfweek Mobile, Golfweek Custom Media, The Golf Wire, The Apparel Wire, The Tour Van and TurfNet.com. Golfweek is part of Turnstile Media Group, which specializes in developing diverse media platforms that engage and strengthen the communities they serve. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Turnstile Media Group is also the parent of Professional Artist, Community Media Holdings, The Seminole Voice, The Winter Park/Maitland Observer and Turnstile Connect.

About the Canadian Junior Golf Association

The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The CJGA is dedicated to providing Canada’s junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf.

Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit cjga.com.

The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Partner, Freedom 55 Financial, which provides financial security advice and planning for Canadians.

For Additional Information:
John Lawrence
Managing Director, Tour Operations/International Competitions
Canadian Junior Golf Association
john.lawrence@cjga.com
www.cjga.com