Gabsa, Zhang, and Soni Named CJGA World Junior Challenge Champions
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Reunion, FL (December 30, 2009) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association’s (CJGA) World Junior Challenge presented by GolfWeek came to an exciting finish today. Entering the final round with all division leaders only supporting a one or two shot lead, anything was possible. Despite coming down to the wire, Blake Soni (Bradenton, FL), Isabell Gabsa (Germany), and Andy Zhang (Reunion, FL) were named CJGA World Junior Challenge Champions. “It was really a challenge out there due to tough course conditions,” commented John Lawrence, WJC tournament director, “the commitment of these juniors makes me proud of the development of the sport.”
Finishing the three-day contest with a score of 214 (-2) was Blake Soni, who had to fend off Curtis Griffiths (England) who has been in second place since the opening day. “It was tough playing in the final group because one of the other players birdied the first three holes,” sayed Soni, “I just played steady golf and managed to pull through.” The play of Jianfeng Ye (China) and Davis Schaller (Celebration, FL) was very strong as Ye finished with a 70 (-2) to move into second place and Schaller earned a third place finish.
First round leader Isabell Gabsa stormed back early on in the final round to take a commanding four stroke lead of the Girls Division into the final hole of play, but even that wouldn’t be enough for an easy finish. “I thought I had a four stroke lead, so I just relaxed,” explained Gabsa, “Then I hit a ball out of bounds, and ended up having to sink a long putt for the win.” Gabsa finished the tournament with a three-day total of 227 (+11) and was followed closely by second round leader Alexandra Milan (Lutz, FL) who finished two-strokes back. Brogan McKinnon (Mississauga, Ont.) rounded out the top three with a score of 231 (+15).
Matt LeMay (Waterloo, Ont.) led the Boys 14 & Under Division for the first two rounds of play but was up against tough competition in Andy Zhang who was only one shot back heading into the final round. “I felt comfortable today because I have played with Matt many times before, especially in the final round,” stated Zhang, “I just tried to not make mistakes and capitalize on my opportunities.” Zhang finished with 224 (+8), while LeMay managed to beat out Timothy Colanta (Monroe Township, NJ) for second place by a single stroke.
About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (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 Founding Partner, LEXUS.
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For Additional Information:
John Lawrence
Managing Director, Tournament Operations
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1.416.708.2438
12/30/2009