Stouffville, ON (May 3, 2017) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association held the CJGA Junior at Bethesda Grange Golf Course this past weekend in Stouffville, Ontario. The tournament saw juniors from across Ontario travel to Bethesda in hope for a chance to claim victory in their respective divisions. Mother nature played a role throughout the weekend as juniors had to adjust their games due to cooler temperatures and windy conditions. The forecast predicted rain during the final round but it held off until the field completed the tournament.
Junior Boys U19
Ben Kim from North York, ON claimed victory in the Junior Boys division by one shot after having an outstanding 70 during the final round. Kim was able to shoot rounds of 85-70-155 in the tough weather conditions to claim his first CJGA title. Kim was feeling pretty good after his final round on Sunday after winning for the first time in six years playing in CJGA events.
Kim entered the final round seventeen shots behind the first round leader. Coming into Sunday Kim had only one thought when it came to his game plan for the day, “Playing aggressive and the best that I can”. His aggressive play paid off as he was the only player to shoot under par over the weekend.
After the round, Kim discussed one shot in particular that ultimately gave him the one shot victory “I made a 25 foot putt, and if it weren’t for that putt, I would of been tied with the person in second place.” Kim was able to drain the 25 foot putt on the par 4 15th hole to make birdie.
Zachary Payer of Rockland, ON finished in a very close second place to Kim, only one shot off the pace. Payer entered the round of Sunday in the final pairing only two shots behind the first round leader. Payer shooting rounds of 80-76-156 was one of two players to break 80 in the tough weather conditions at Bethesda. Second place was a good showing for Zachary’s first taste of CJGA tournament action.
Junior Girls U19
Hansika Tathgur from Brampton, ON was able to grind to grasp first place in the Junior Girls division. Tathgur had weekend rounds of 103-88-191 to claim the division title by four strokes. She was pleased with her final round score after bouncing back nicely from a rough first round.
“A lot of my clubs were coming out shorter than what I am used too. The ground was a little more damp so clubs weren’t going through as well”, said Tathgur in the clubhouse after her final round, “Clubbing up and playing to the weather instead of playing to my actual game”, along with her strong short game was a key factor in claiming her victory.
Ashley Chow of North York, ON finished only four shots behind Tathgur after weekend rounds of 107-88-195. Her second round 88 was tied for the best round of the tournament within the Junior Girls division.
Bantam Boys U15
Burlington, ON own Peter Blazevic claimed the title in the Bantam Boys division at Bethesda Grange Golf Course. Blazevic had amazing rounds of 73-78-151 which was good enough for a nine shot victory. Blazevic feels that he left a few stroke out on the course in the final round, but was feeling good about his victory.
“I would say my second shots, I was just throwing darts during the first round, my second shots and chipping”, was Blazevic’s reply when asked about the strengths of his game. Blazevic would like to see his putting improve as he had about seven three putts during his final round 78.
Ethan Cardwell from Courtice, ON finished second place in the Bantam Boys division with rounds of 81-79-160. Cardwell was able to post the second best final round score in cool and windy conditions at Bethesda.
Bantam Girls U15
Evelyn Lai of Newmarket, ON was able to finish in first place in the Bantam Girls division after posting weekend rounds of 106-98-204. Lai was happy to claim her first victory on the CJGA.
Lai enjoyed playing Bethesda Grange over the weekend and thought that her driving was the best part about her game. Lai played the par 3’s only two over par during her final round 98.
Despite feeling lucky to get her first win at an CJGA event, Lai should feel optimistic about winning her second CJGA title later on this summer.
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. Currently in its 25th year, 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:
Trevor Vander Glas
Communications and Media Assistant
1.877.508.1069
trevor.vander.glas@cjga.com
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