Phoenix, Arizona – Wow! We couldn’t ask for a better weekend of golf as we witnessed some of the greatest golf on a spectacular course under ideal weather conditions. Players from Canada, Illinois, Indiana, Utah, Washington, New Mexico and the greater Phoenix area converged in the Ahwatukee foothills to display their gift of golf. It was nothing short of spectacular!
With some tee time changes and a wait between holes it didn’t seem to damper the mindset of these players that were focused to WIN! One such player was Jeffrey Miller of Phoenix, Arizona who put on his game face and closed a 6 shot deficit to win the Boys 12-14. This was no easy task playing from the Blue Tees that stretched to 6500 yards. Jeffrey managed to pick up 6 birdies on his final 9 and play bogey free to come in at -6 for his inward 9. Leading the field with 9 birdies throughout the tournament he recorded his tournament best, low round of 67! Jeffrey has placed in the “top 5” in each event this season. Congratulations Jeffrey for your hard work and determination! Benjamin Albin of Santa Fe, New Mexico played steady and solid to post an even par round for Sunday and securing the 2nd place title just one stroke back of Jeffrey. Great job Ben! Rounding out the podium in 3rd place was Colton Gage of Vail, Arizona. Colton has also put himself in contention in every event this season with a win at Longbow, two 3rd place finishes, and a 4th place finish at the Duke. So you can imagine how close the Player of the Year standings will be in the Boys 12-14 division.
When we talk about tight competition we are talking about the Boys 10-11 division where the top 3 places where separated by one stroke each. Jack Snyder of Mesa, Arizona managed to claim his second victory of the season by making up 5 shots to win by 1 stroke. Right on the heels of Jack Snyder was John Sand who earned himself a “Par Breaker” towel by posting a 71 on Saturday. One stoke from John was the Eagle Mountain champion, Andrew Proctor of Chandler, Arizona. They had us all on the edge of our seats as we finalized the scores. Great job!
Now what would you think a 9 year old could shoot from 4700 yards? How about Jake Carlson of Phoenix, Arizona who posts a final round of 68! That’s right a 68! A player who waited at the turn because play was backed up took that time to regroup and fire a 33 on his back 9! Way to take a negative situation and put some positive spin on it! Proud of you Jake! Rounding out the group was Dominic Wade of Scottsdale, Arizona who finished as the runner-up and Dalton Marsh of Chandler, Arizona who took the 3rd place trophy home. We are just amazed at how these young ones have learned to get around the course and managed themselves. Thank you to the supportive dads who tirelessly keep going round after round encouraging this group who is the future of golf. Hat’s off to all of you!
The girls division definitely brought some talent with players from Illinois, Canada, Utah, and Arizona. It was like bringing the best of the best to Club West. These young ladies played up in division for the experience and showed that they could thrive at the longer distance. Sabrine Garrison from Alberta Canada edged out Madasyn Pettersen of Illinois by one shot for the title. It was a battle till the very end as each one of these players put out their best effort on the course. Brooke Bliss of St. George, Utah took home the 3rd place trophy as she improved her first round score by 10 shots. Congratulations ladies!
The stakes were high in our Boys 15-19 division with AJGA exemptions on the line. Colton Estevez of Phoenix, Arizona managed to keep his hot streak going and took home his second DJGT major title and third AJGA exemption with his recent win at the SWSPGA Ping Junior Series event at Ocotillo and his two DJGT wins. Colton is destined for greatness in his upcoming season and we are excited to see what the future holds for him. Colton recorded two sub-par rounds in this tournament to win at -4. Cody McManus claimed the runner-up position after a stellar first round of 68. The third place trophy was awarded to Zach Muench of Indiana who posted 35 on his last nine holes to win the scorecard playoff with Ian Hagener. The AJGA open exemption was awarded to Colton Estevez which will help build his status for the upcoming season. Players earning a performance star are Cody McManus, Zach Muench, Ian Hagener, and Randy Ross. Congratulations to all of you.
The “GO LOW” putter cover went to:
Boys 15-19 Henry Cunningham 70 (-2)
Boys 12-14 Jeffrey Miller 67 (-5)
Boys 10-11 Jack Snyder 75
Boys 8-9 Jake Carlson 68 (-4)
Girls Sabrine Garrison 78
Congratulations and display your putter cover proudly because you have definitely earned it!
Looking forward to our next event! See you on the course!