Juniors Battle Cold, Wet Conditions in CJGA Season Opener
CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS
Surrey, B.C. (March 10, 2010) – Cold, wet, and windy conditions greeted junior golfers in British Columbia at the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s (CJGA) season opening North America Cup Qualifier at Northview Golf & Country Club. Despite the elements, there was terrific play from a number of juniors, especially 14 year old Kevin Kwon of Pitt Meadows, BC., who shot a two day total of 2-under par (142) to capture his first Boys 15-19 Divisional title.
Competing in the Boys 15-19 Division as the flight’s youngest competitor, Kwon was consist with his play and was able to overcome a four shot first round deficit to defeated runner-up Jay Kim, of Surrey by five strokes. Kim, 17, had the low round of the tournament, opening with a 68 (-4). Kevin Ko, 16, of Coquitlam, BC. Was just one stroke back from second place after round of 76-72 for a two day 148 (+4).
In the Girls divisional race, Leilanie Kim, 16, of Surrey, BC., battled through the elements to capture her first CJGA divisional crown by a commanding six strokes. Kim’s opening round of 73 (+1) followed by her final round of 70 (-2), did not give any of the girl’s a chance to get close, finishing at 1 under par (143) for the tournament. Taylor Kim, 15, of Surrey was runner up for the second straight year after shooting rounds of 76 and 73 (149), while Jamie Oleksiew, 15, of Surrey, BC., finished in third with a 156 two day total.
Eleven year old Henry Lee of Coquitlam, BC., captured his first CJGA divisional title at Northview G&CC in a very close Boys 14 & Under division. Tied for the lead following play of round one, Lee was able to hold off his competitors in the final round shooting a 77 (+5) for a two stroke margin of victory and 155 two day total. Jae Sung Choi, 14, of North Vancouver finished runner-up after a 79 (+7) final round, two strokes off the lead with a 157 two day total, followed by Sy Lovan, 11, of Surrey, BC., who also shot a final round 79 (+7) and two day total 158.
Tournament Notes
Weather:
First Round: Cold, rain, and wet, 2° C
Final Round: Cold, 4° C
The CJGA will continue its British Columbia schedule this coming weekend, March 20-21 at Hazelmere Country Club in South Surrey. The tournament is the first of the two Junior Worlds Qualifiers in British Columbia.
About the North America Cup
The prestigious North America Cup provides elite junior golfers with an opportunity to test their skills against their U.S. counterparts in a match play, Ryder Cup format. The event will take place at Mad River Golf & Country Club in Bluffton, South Carolina from July 5th to 8th. Prior to the tournament, CJGA Team Canada will attend an elite training camp conducted by CJGA Regional Coach Sean Casey. Juniors who wish to qualify for CJGA Team Canada must qualify through the various sites across Canada, outlined in the CJGA schedule. Team USA is represented by the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT).
About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a ³registered Canadian amateur athletic association² (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.
For Additional Information:
Brad Parkins
Chief Operations Officer
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1.877.508.1069 ext 221
3/9/2010