Vancouver, B.C (April 4, 2017) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) kicked off its first of five events of the David Hearn Junior Series Presented by Kia this past weekend. Junior golfers put on their best game face as they swung through low double-digit temperatures and intervals of sunshine and strong winds.

Junior Boys (U19)

Andy Kim, 17, from Langley, B.C. took home another well-earned CJGA win this weekend in the Junior Boys (U19) category. Despite windy conditions and tough competition, Kim made great iron shots and excellent putts for his victory on the final day of the competition. He scored 68 (-4) in his first round; making par on 14 holes and birdies on the other four. He finished with a 70 (-2) in his second round, bringing him to a winning total of 138(-6).

“It was a little tough and there was a lot of players this weekend, but I played well”, said Kim after his win. “My game plan of a safe game helped me through the windy conditions and I had good iron shots”.

Callum Davison, 16, from Duncan, B.C., finished as the runner up in the Junior Boys (U19) category. Davison, who recently played in the Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship, shot a 71(-2) in the first round. Davison tied Kim on the second day with a 70(-2) but despite exceptional effort fell slightly short.

Junior Girls (U19)

Tiffany Kong, 16, from Vancouver, B.C., finished first place in the Junior Girls U19 category. She had great long putts leading her to her victory, including a 30 foot sinker for birdie on the second day. Her positive attitude and rays of sunshine helped contribute to her amazing day one score of 68 (-4). She followed up her great round 1 score with a remarkable 69(-3) on the second day for a tournament total of 137 (-7).

“I had a great time! The weather was awesome and I like the course”, said Kong after her win. “My plan was to have fun. It was awesome to play with my teammate Hannah from last year”.

Hannah Lee, 17, from Surrey B.C., who played along side Kong last year trailed behind five strokes, putting her in the second spot of the Junior Girls (U19) division. She shot a 70(-2) in her first round, and a 72(E) in her second round for an astounding two-day total of 142(-2).

Bantam Boys (U15)

Brycen Ko, 13, from Richmond, B.C., was the champion of the Bantam Boys (U15) category. With four birdies over the weekend and lots of successful long putts, Ko was the division winner by one stroke. Despite the windy weather, Ko chose the right clubs that brought him to his victory. He finished with a round 1 score of 73(+1) and a round 2 score of 76 (+4), bringing him to a tournament total of 149(+5).

“I feel good and I think I played well. I’m happy with my game”, says Ko following his win. “The weather made it harder to choose clubs, but I did a good job dealing with the effects of the wind. My goal was to hit the middle of the fairways and greens”.

Andy Luo, 14, from Burnaby B.C., was the runner up in the Bantam Boys (U15) category. He trailed Ko by six strokes in the first round shooting a 79 (+7). In his second round, he shot an impressive 71(-1), finishing the tournament with a total of 150 (+6).

Bantam Girls (U15)

Angel Lin, 14, from Surrey, B.C., was the Bantam Girls (U15) winner with a day 1 score of 68(-4) and a day 2 score of 71(-1) for a winning total of 139(-5). Despite the strong winds, Lin adjusted her performance and challenged herself with club choices. Through the success of her precise short game, she was the winner of her division.

“I was scared by a really close final round, but I didn’t let it bother me”, says Lin on her winning tactic. “Staying focused was my main strength, and I made putts I had to make and didn’t get caught up on bogeys”.

Victoria Liu, 14, from Vancouver, B.C., was the runner up in the Bantam Girls (U15) category. She finished her first round at par with a 72, and then shot an incredible 68 (-4) in her second round. She tied the second day with Lin, but despite her hard efforts she finished the weekend with a total of 140(-4), just one stroke under the winning title.

The next round of the David Hearn Junior Series Presented by Kia will take place May 27 – May 28, 2017 in Hamilton, ON at Glendale G.C.C.

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 www.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: 

Brad Ewart
BC Tournament Director
Canadian Junior Golf Association
brad.ewart@cjga.com