Wahlroth Cup

NEWS - April 16, 2011

The WAHLROTH CUP has been played again and even though the final score was 63 to 57 for the AMERICAN TEAM, we have much to be proud of.

EVERYONE ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE. We had a strong Canadian Team and we met a strong American Team head-to-head.

It was Team Canada vs Team U.S.A. in a Match Play competition unlike any other in Junior Golf.

WE ALMOST DID IT. Over a competition of 120 matches we were within 3 matches of our goal of a THREEPEAT as Wahlroth Cup Champions, an incredible outcome in itself. However, in the end it seemed of little consequence whether we actually won or lost, because it was the experience of the competition iItself and the intense team spirit that provided the lasting memories of the event.

OUR CANADIAN TEAM was put together on relatively short notice, in the face of competition for players from conflicting events. The determination of the players and the dedication & support of the parents was remarkable. Brandon Ortiz arrived home from South America to find that 3 days later his father would be driving him from Kelowna to Sudden Valley to play in the Wahlroth Cup. Curtis Zhao came all the way from Vancouver Island on Friday, played on Saturday & Sunday and then made it back in time for school on Monday morning - his mother went both to & From Vancouver Island on Both Friday and Sunday. An airline lost Perry Xin's Golf Clubs a week before the tournament and he couldn't play, but when they finally turned up on Sunday morning his mother got him to the golf course on time to play in the singles matches - He didn't care that his opponent was a few years older than him because he just wanted to have the chance to play. Taylor Patrick went to the dollar store and bought every large and small maple leaf flag that he could find so that we could all wave the colours.

OUR GIRLS TEAM was so strong that their team captain Soobin Kim "volunteered to help out the boys team" - She played courageously in spite of having to tee-it-up from the blues in her singles match. Memorable moments included seeing young Shania Ramandaban in her singles match, digging deep and battling back from 3 down with 3 to play to almost halfing the match
on the last hole. Similarly, Lana Gill came back from 3 down to win the last 3 holes for a half in her singles match. The quiet leadership provided by Jennifer Yang & Alix Kong, contrasted by the not-so-quiet encouragement of Anica Yoo was an inspiration for all. Finally, who can forget fearless 11 year-old Lily He - taking on Team U.S.A.'s Biggest & Best.

OUR BOYS TEAM was not complete until Soobin Kim and Americans Cody Roth, Will Sharp, Anthony Allen & Ben Halter joined our side. Faced with a formidable U.S. side, our boys battled to the end. The tough competition was evident when Boys Captain Adam Svensson had to settle for a half in his Team Best Ball match in spite of a round where his contribution included
no less than 8 Birdies and an Eagle. Seasoned competitors Kevin Kwon, Wyatt Racette, Scott Gibson and Gunntas Sidhu were joined by telative newcomers Niko Kraakman, Jacob Brandstrom and Jude Sioson - But it has to be said that they all faced their opponents and played their matches with true grit & determination.

WE ARE PROUD OF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR DEMONSTRATING COURAGE - By standing up for Team Canada

ENTHUSIASM - By getting on with your matches in spite of the wind, the rain and the Opponent.

YOUR POLITE & PROFESSIONAL MANNER - By winning with grace and losing with humility

YOUR TEAM SPIRIT - By supporting & encouraging your teammates

CAMARADERIE - By proudly eearing our volours and waving our flag

OUR CANADIAN PARENTS AND VOLUNTEERS - who work tirelessly - without expectations - for the good of sons & daughters and junior golf - and the success of our endeavours.
We cannot thank you enough - each and every one of you.

And also include - Jennifer Kong, Kathie Patrick, Rosabelle Crisologo, John Berryman & Kendal Yonamoto.

OUR AMERICAN HOSTS
At Sudden Valley - Brian Kruhlak, Tyler Wong, Jeff Coston & Shondelle
JRGT Organizers - Jeff Mehlert & Ryan Kallenberger

WE THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT TIME THAT WE ALL GET TOGETHER, IN 2012 TO ATTEMPT TO WIN BACK THE WAHLROTH CUP ONCE AGAIN.

Thank-you and Regards, John Patrick, Alan Kong & Harry White