He Wins CJGA World Junior Challenge in Playoff

OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT SITE

Orlando, Fla. (December 30, 2007) – A wind swept Ginn Reunion Resort in Orlando hosted the final round of the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s World Junior Challenge on Sunday as the a full field of juniors battled it out for the prestigious title led by Zeyu He of Bradenton, Fla. who outlasted two fellow competitors in a three-way playoff.

He, 16, overtook second round leader Shun Yat Hak, 13, of Lake Mary, Fla. on Sunday in posting a three-day total of 220 (+4).  “It was tough with the wind but I played alright today,” said He.  “It feels good to win, gives me a lot of confidence.”  Blake Soni of Bogart, Ga. and Fu Xue of Orlando, Fla. tied for second in the Boys 14 – 16 Division.

It may not have been pretty but Richard Lamb of South Bend, Ind. outlasted Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont. and Andrew Cho of Howey in the Hills, Fla. to claim his first career CJGA win.  Lamb posted a three-day total of 221 (+5) to defeat his closest competitors by one stroke.  “It was really a match play situation after 14,” said Lamb.  “I’m really excited about this win.” 

Annie Park of Howey in the Hills, Fla. led from wire to wire in becoming another first time CJGA winner.  Park posted a three-day total of 222 (+6) to defeat her nearest competitor by five.  “My putting was a bit inconsistent but I’m happy with the win,” said Park. Karen Chung of Livingston, N.J. grabbed second in the division while Joana De Sa Pereira of Cannes, France moved up to third. 

Wade Chen, 13, of Markham, Ont. was the only Canadian to come away with a win in Orlando as the young standout led from start to finish in the Boys 13 & Under Division.  “It’s a good feeling to win.  I have always enjoyed playing CJGA events and I’m happy to win one near my new home.”  Fellow Canadian Corey Eccles of Ile Bizard, Que. finished second while Matthew Speyer of Cambridge, Ont. made it a Canadian trifecta in the division.

About the CJGA
Registered federally as a not-for-profit association, 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 Partners, HSBC Bank Canada and LEXUS.

For Additional Information:
Rick Betts
Director, Media Relations and Communications
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1.877.508.1069 Ext. 233
rick.betts@cjga.com