Banks, Yoon, Shi Lead After the First Round of Mizuno National Junior Golf Championship
Waterloo, ON (August 7, 2012) – The Mizuno National Junior Golf Championship got off to a blistering start today at Grey Silo Golf Course. Juniors truly showed their talents at one of the CJGA’s most prestigious events under blustery conditions. At the end of the first round, there were several exquisite rounds on display. The Boys 15-19 Division is currently being led by Scott Banks, David Tae Ho Yoon leads the Boys 14-Under Division, and Rachel Shi leads the Girls Division.
Scott Banks of Oakville, ON posted a thrilling first round score of 67 (-4), highlighted by 6 birdies and putting him atop the talented leaderboard. His front nine score of 34 (-2) proved to be the deciding factor that allowed him to build a 2-stroke cushion atop the leaderboard. However, James Reitzel of Milton, ON is readily poised to challenge Banks. Reitzel’s round of 69 (-2) was highlighted by his score of 33 on the back 9, allowing him to keep within touching distance of Banks. The pair were part of a select group to break par on the day, with Jon Pick also shooting a round of 70 (-1), however, the pack is not far behind, with a cluster of golfers all separated by a couple of strokes, all fighting to survive the looming cut-line.
The Boys 14 & Under division is poised to be the most exciting out of all divisions. With 5 players within 4 strokes of the lead, anything could happen, leaving everything on the line heading into the second round of competition. Leading the division is David Tae Ho Yoon of Richmond Hill, ON after a sensational round of 68 (-3). Yoon’s stunning round was not even enough to build a comfortable barrier between him and the field, which was largely due to the excellent play by the rest of the field. Close behind Yoon is Kyle Gorospe of Mississauga, ON whose exquisite back 9 left him in contention. The remainder of the field is not far behind, with only a couple of strokes separating a large pack of players which will be certain to spark some fireworks before the cut is made at the conclusion of tomorrows round.
In the Girls Division, yet another dominant display of golf was put on display. Rachel Shi of Vancouver, BC shone the brightest on the day, with an excellent round of 73 on the day. This allowed her to open up a 2-stroke lead of second placed Rachel Pollock of Guelph, ON. Much like the other divisions, the remainder of the Girls Division is still very much alive, with ample amounts of room for excitement on the second day of competition. With all still left to play for, this division looks poised to come down to the wire, where round two could prove to be a deciding factor when all is said and done.
Honourable Mention:
Lexus Skills Competition Winners:
Isaiah Crystal – Boys 15-19 Division
Ryan Ahrens –Boys 14- Under Division
Selena Costabile – Girls
About Mizuno Canada
Mizuno Canada Ltd.’s roots stem from its parent company Mizuno Corporation. Mizuno Corporation was established in Osaka, Japan in 1906 by Rihachi Mizuno. Today, Mizuno Canada is located in Mississauga, Ontario and continues to manufacture and distribute high quality golf baseball, softball, running, track & field and volleyball equipment, apparel and footwear.
Since our founding, we have taken special pride and pleasure in being able to participate in the exciting world of sports and providing sports equipment of the highest quality. Each and every one of us is guided by the ideal of true sportsmanship. That was true over 100 years ago and is still true today. It is evident in our corporate philosophy which, simply stated, is “Contributing to society through the advancement of sporting goods and the promotion of sports.” For more information visit: www.mizunocda.com.
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.
Andrew Leach
Communications Assistant
Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA)
1.877.508.1069 x 233
Twitter: @CJGA
8/7/2012