CJGA World Junior Challenge Underway at Reunion Resort
Reunion, FL (December 28, 2009) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) hosted the opening round of the World Junior Challenge taking place at Reunion Resort. As the juniors representing 17 different countries teed-off the Independence course, the weather was beautiful but as the round progressed high winds and cold temperatures challenged the field.
Isabell Gabsa (Germany) and Brogan McKinnon (Mississauga, Ont.) finished the first day tied for the lead of the Girls 11-19 Division with a score of 75 (+3). Gabsa posted a 40 (+4) on the front nine, but then finished strong as she scored 35 (-1) on the back nine. “I just started to play one shot at a time,” explained Gabsa, “and my putting was really strong on the back.” Two shots off the pace is Alexandra Milan (Lutz, FL) who remains in the hunt at 77 (+5).
In the Boys 15-19 Division, Tanapol Vattanapisit (Thailand) earned a five-stroke lead by shooting 36-32 – 68 (-4). “The course played very tough today because of the wind,” commented Vattanapisit, “I played great and made a lot of putts. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.” Chasing Vattanapisit will be England’s national junior team member, Curtis Griffiths (England), and Luiz Jacinto (Brazil) who are currently tied for second place with a first round score of 73 (+1).
CJGA national match play and stroke play champion, Matt LeMay, has taken a five-stroke lead in the Boys 14 & Under Division. “I played in a tournament a couple weeks ago that helped get my game back into shape,” stated LeMay, “Tomorrow I am aiming for par, hitting greens and putting will be essential in achieving that score.” The division is very close, but Timothy Colanta (Monroe Township, NJ) and Carter Simon have a hold on second and third place respectively.
The second round of the CJGA World Junior Challenge will get underway tomorrow morning, with tee-times beginning at 7:40 a.m.
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
12/29/2009