The annual Optimist Fred Wellsby Junior Divot Golf Tournament in Chilliwack is now underway.
The five-day tournament is for junior golfers aged 16 and under.
Now in its 25th year this popular introductory tournament has seen many golfers move on to professional status.
Tuesday’s opening at Kinkora Golf course was host to 15 golfers. Kinkora Golf Course donated the green fees as a way to promote and encourage junior golfers. Overall tournament winner was 14-year-old Tyson Dyck from Abbotsford who shot an impressive 61 (5 over par) with two birdies on holes 5 and 12.
Second place in the 14-16 year category was Connor Piers from Abbotsford with a 68; third low gross was Abbotsford resident Jakob Loewen with a 74; fourth low gross Jax Keeler also from Abbotsford with a 76; and fifth low gross was Mathew Alderson from Chilliwack. Tyson, Connor and Jakob’s scores qualified them to participate in the Invitational Championship next week.
First low gross in the 11-13 year old category was Caleb Davies from Langley with a 65. Caleb also shot two birdies on holes 7 and 13. Chilliwack residents Sarah Armstrong and Katelyn Jeske played a close game with an impressive 83 and 84 respectively; Adrien Bjorndal and Lucas DeVisser also from Chilliwack both shot an 85.
In the 10-and-under age group Reese Johnston brought home a gold medal with a score of 102; silver medal winner was Rebecca Armstrong with a 109; and seven-year-old Brayden Britton took home the bronze with a score of 114. All three golfers are from Chilliwack.
Wednesday’s tournament was at Valley Golf in Abbotsford with 18 golfers participating.
Thursday’s tournament is at Fraser Glen.
Next week on July 9 the fourth event will be at Cheam Golf course followed by the fifth event at Cultus Lake and the Championship Invitational Event will be on Thursday at 2 p.m. at Chilliwack Golf Course.
To register your child email Glenda Standeven at glendastandeven@gmail.com, $15 per course. 11-to-16-year-olds should be able to play 100 or better on a par 3 and 10-and-under play double par pick up. This is a perfect introduction to tournament play for all junior golfers.
Lots of prizes and lots of fun with net and gross scores. Call Glenda at 604-997-5787 or Julie at 604-857-7583 for more information.
@PeeJayAitch
paul.henderson@theprogress.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.