Junior Linkster golfers, parents and friends were playing golf this morning at the highest point of the City of Vancouver – and it seemed like it – in a cloud of mist but unbounded enthusiasm from the competitors enjoying the sporty Par 3 layout at the world famous “Queen Elizabeth Park”. Weather may not have been co-operative, but forty-four golfers enjoyed their day anyway. Thanks to our many sponsors and friends and parents, all the golfers walked away with fabulous tee-gifts of animal headcovers, easter egg golf balls, lots of draw prizes and a chance to play with mum or dad, grand dad, or uncle of auntie. It was a mix of two-player teams that all started at once and took part in a special “design the sign” contest – for the best home made sponsor sign.

Top three signs were: “The Berryman's, The Hunter's & Kichler Lighting”. Great to see such wonderful imagination as the juniors designed their own signs! Well done to Taylor Patrick of Surrey and James and Owen Hunter of Vancouver!

Spectacular golfing too, with all age divisions and teams taking part.

Age 6 & Under “Pee Wees” division saw Jason XIE of Vancouver, show his skill and win with the help of partner Dylan Bercan, also of Vancouver. Jason scored a Hole In One yesterday in a warm up practice round on the downhill 5th Hole and almost did it again today, rolling a putt for a birdie two! Well done Jason! You're a winner!

Age 7 – 8 “Pee Wees” teams saw under par golf recorded by a father/son combination of young Sher Sidhu of Surrey and dad Jessie, with a super -1, 53! The Sidhu's had three birdie 2's. Markus Yiu & Mike of Vancouver, take the silver medal, just a single stroke up on Westbank father/son combo of Kyle & Percival Chang.

Age 9 – 10 “ Divots” division had our Seattle father and son team take the title in fine fashion too, with two birdies and a great score of one under par 53 for Grayson and Brian Giboney. Second spot and the silver medals to Richmond's father/son team of Justin and Eric Yap and the Bronze medal to Vancouver's Raymond Li who teamed up with Richmond's Logan Lan.

Age 11 – 12 “Bear Cubs' division saw a rash of birdies – no less than 4 on the front nine for the winning Coquitlam team of AJ and Brad Ewart. Their score of 50 was the day's best – 4 under par! No bogies on the card shows how steady they were. Second place and the silver medal to the Zalli brothers, Christian and Ilirian of Vancouver. The brothers had a fine score of 56 and were won by “count-back” over Jack & Xu Zhang of Vancouver, who also fired a team 56. Great golf!

Age 13 & Up “Tiger Cubs” division featured veteran Optimist Junior Linkster golfers taking part and having fun, with Team scores oh so close. First place trophy goes to Michael & Chris Crisologo of Richmond at 52, two under par and 4 birdies, Second place Silver medal to the team of James & Owen Hunter of Vancouver at 53, also with four birdies! Bronze medal to the Delta/Surrey duo Aaron Ferrer/Sy Lovan.

Junior Girls divisions made their share of birdies and exciting shots too, and in the “Age 10 & Under” division, saw young Claire Lovan of Surrey, combine with papa Peng, taking first place trophy position, with newcomer's Aleksis and Carl Holt of Surrey, really enjoy the day and chance to play a happy game of golf together.

Girls Age 11 & Up “Divots” winner featured two world-class youngsters teaming up, Tiffany Kong and Perry Xin of Vancouver, scoring a one-under par 53, which included no less than 4 birdies! Silver medals though are always nice, and this team showed a lot of talent and good fortune too, Grace Luo and Pin Wang of Vancouver.

Our sincere thanks to the Vancouver Parks Board Golf, G & G Distributors, Parents and Business Hole Sponsors, Prize Donors and Team Players for 2010. Your hard working committee of John and Kathy Patrick, Brad Ewart, Jan Lovan, Cameron Wong and all the fabulous and supportive parents and their children. The funds raised will be used to assist players who qualify for the major events upcoming such as the Callaway Junior World and Optimist International Junior Golf Championships, Canadian Optimist National Junior Golf Championship, US Kids Golf World Championship and other Optimist Junior Linkster initiatives, such as learning Golf Clinics, Rules & Etiquette sessions, BC Golf House Society visits, etc.

And, still lots of golf upcoming as we continue to visit the Fraser Valley golf courses, Surrey, Langley, Richmond, Delta and Vancouver. Please enter ahead of time and let your friends know about the fun golf and learning experiences available. HW


Age 6 & Under Teams “Pee Wees”
1. Jason Xie & Dylan Bercan 57



Age 7 & 8 “Pee Wee” Teams
1. Sher Sidhu & Jessie Sidhu 53
2. Markus Yiu & Mike 61
3. Kyle Chang & Percival Chang 62
4. Hilo Yamamoto & Tomio 64
5. Mackenzie Bickell & Bill 66


Age 9 – 10 “Divot” Teams
1. Grayson Giboney & Brian 53
2. Justin Yap & Eric 58
3. Raymond Li & Logan Lan 62


Age 11 – 12 “Bear Cub” Teams
1. AJ Ewart & Brad 50
2. Ilirian Zalli & Christian 56
3. Jack Zhang & Xu 56
4. Taylor Patrick & JP 61
5. Riley Baynton & Mark 62


Age 13 & Up “Tiger Cub” Teams
1. Michael Crisologo & Chris 52
2. Owen Hunter & James 53
3. Sy Lovan & Aaron Ferrer 55


Junior Girls Age 10 & Under Teams
1. Claire Lovan & Peng 63
2. Aleksis Holt & Carl 77


Junior Girls Age 11 & Up Teams
1. Tiffany Kong & Perry Xin 53
2. Grace Luo & Pin Wang 62