After having many conversations and reading countless articles of doom and gloom in the golf industry it was a refreshing change to spend the week around a group of young people who have an abundance of enthusiasm for the game. They were an inspiration as well as a reminder of why we chose the game of golf as a career. This group of people is the 128 juniors who spent the last week sloshing around two very good and very wet golf courses in Vancouver.
The first two events on the Canadian Junior Golf Association schedule took place last week. The first event was held at Northview Golf Course on the Monday and Tuesday of spring break. The weather was fierce and the competition fiercer. Even with the rain/wind/hail and occasional snowflake an under par round of 71 was managed by one junior on each day. Soobin Kim, of Port Coquitlam managed the feat on day one and finished with a two day total of 150 to win the girls division. Adam Svensson of Surrey managed a 71 on day two to win the boys 15 to 19 division with a two day total of 143. The boys 14 and under division was won by Callum Robinson of Langley with a two day total of 155. The inspiration to us came not only in the great scores but in the fact that even with the terrible weather conditions and almost freezing temperatures every junior that was registered showed up again on day two. And they even enjoyed themselves! Lots of smiles and no complaints about the weather.
The second event took place at Hazelmere Golf Course on Saturday and Sunday. This event was a qualifier for the Junior Worlds and had a full field of 76. The weather was a bit better with the sun shining each day but the morning frost delays and the cold temperatures once again proved the dedication of these juniors. Kevin Kwon of Pitt Meadows shot a one under par 71 for the lowest round on day one. Day two brought even better scores with a three under par 69 by Brian Jung from Coquitlam, a two under par 70 by Brian Lichimo from Vancouver and a one under par 71 by Jennifer Yang from Coquitlam.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our first two events with these juniors. Their passion for the game and desire to compete and develop is unwavering. We look forward to 8 more events throughout the 2009 season. For more information on the Canadian Junior Golf Association visit cjga.com.
Comments about this post or for more information on the CJGA events in B.C., email info AT ckgolfsolutions.ca
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