The friendly confines of the Par 54, 2,347 yard Langley Golf Centre saw a happy group of junior golfers, age 4-10, enjoy the unique golf experience. Fun was had by all and many exciting shots, putts and chips made it a great day. The Age 6 & Under “Pee Wees” division welcomed a new participant, just four years of age, Nathan Szpakowicz of Vancouver. Nathan's first official tournament round in the nine-hole division, saw him record a 48, which allowed him to take the Silver Medal in the division. What a great way to start! The favourite in all the events this year, Jeevan Sihota of Victoria, kept up his wonderful golf and claimed the first place trophy. Jeevan's official score of 68 included a two stroke penalty for being “out of position”. Jeevan's group were more than two complete holes behind the group ahead and exceeded the allowed time for 18 holes. The number one complaint about golf is that it takes too long to finish a round – this due to the very poor example set by so called Professional golfers. Officials must take the large part of the blame as they do not enforce the Rules of Golf fairly.
Age 7 – 8 “Pee Wees” division saw a fabulous round of 58 returned by the fastest and most accomplished golfer on the Tour, Ilirian Zalli of Vancouver. Ilirian had 3 two's at Langley, and earned extra golf balls for the feat. A birdie two at Langley is very special and there were just five recorded today. Ilirian is one golfer who is always ready to play and is a good example of how to really “play” golf. Everyone in golf can learn from Ilirian! Second spot and the silver medal goes to Dylan Bercan of Vancouver, with the bronze medal to Jess LEE from Surrey.
Age 9 – 10 “Divots” had a small field with traffic problems causing two lads to not be able to take part. Richmond's Michael Crisologo takes the top trophy for first place with a 75, which also included a two stroke penalty as he was in the group out of position. Michael does play without delay and will ensure that his playing partners keep up too the next time! It's a great time learn.
Junior Girls division welcomed some new first time Optimist Junior Linkster golfers, and Hannah Lee of Surrey won the silver medal on her first try with an excellent round of 74. Claire Lovan, also of Surrey, took the first place trophy with a solid 65. Her no nonense approach to golf mirrors Ilirian's approach Just look, pick your club and play! Maple Ridge's Amy Ehlert is back on the podium too, and happily accepts the bronze medal for third spot. Well done girls!
Age 6 & Under “Pee Wees”
1. Jeevan Sihota (Victoria) 68(*) * 2-stroke penalty slow play
2. Nathan Szpakowicz (Vancr) 48 – Nine Hole Division
Age 7 – 8 “Pee Wees”
1. Ilirian Zalli (Vancr) 58
2. Dylan Bercan (Vancr) 63
3. Jess Lee (Sry) 73
4. William Tindle (Sry) 77 (won chipping & putting)
5. Joshua Kim (Lgly) 81
6. Sher Sidhu (Sry) 84(*) * 2-stroke penalty slow play
7. Jesse Tomica (Lgly) 92
8. Brayden Latray (Abb) 94(*) * 2-stroke penalty slow play
9. Hayden Graber (Lgly) 97
Age 9 – 10 “Divots”
1. Michael Crisologo (Rmd) 75(*) * 2-stroke penalty slow play
2. Christian Badari (Sry) dnp
3. Andrew Kim (Nwest) dnp
Junior Girls Division
1. Claire Lovan (Sry) 65 (won putting & chipping)
2. Hannah Lee (Sry) 74
3. Amy Ehlert (MplRdg) 95
4. Aleksis Holt (Sry) 98
