Knoxville Junior Challenge
(September 10-11, 2016)
Honoring those who Volunteered during 9/11
This weekend the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee, to take on River Islands Golf Club. It was a beautiful weekend as the golfers were able to handle the tough challenges the course had to offer. Thank you to River Islands for allowing HJGT to host this event at their wonderful course. five age divisions were in play this weekend as Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings were on the line. The top ten finishers in each division will receive points towards the Hurricane Cup. Additionally, the winner of each division will be invited to play in the National Championship held later this year in December.
Boys 16-18 Division
Adam Hooker was the winner of the Boys 16-18 division. Adam made the commute from Lebanon, Virginia to bring the champion trophy back home. He was able to play very consistently throughout the tournament by posting scores of 76 and 77 respectively for a total of 153. Breathing down his neck was Ryan Bradshaw. Ryan was one stroke away from forcing a playoff for first place, both rounds he was able to shoot 77s while posting a 154. Adam was able to complete the tournament as a champion by being one of the only two contestants to post an Eagle during either rounds. All of the top three finishers Parred 20 out of the 36 holes. Ryan played well on the Font 9, where he was playing his best golf by going over Par by only three strokes. On the Back 9 Bismarck finished over Par by three strokes as well. The most Birdies throughout the tournament came from another contestant, Noah Jones finished with 6 birdies. All of the golfers had a great time competing against one another and look forward to competing again in the future.
Boys 14-15 Division
Michael Ray was able to withstand all competitors this weekend and keep the trophy in Knoxville. During the first round Michael and the second place finisher Lance Simpson, were separated by only one stroke. Both gentlemen shot the exact same score, but Michael Ray finished with a 158 and Lance Simpson with a 159. The final count for each young man was 158 first place and 159 second place. Coming in third, Ivan Reap out of Chattanooga finished with a total score of 168. Michael completed the most Birdies of this age group with 5. He had back to back Birdies on the Front 9 during round one. The three top finishers were all able to complete 5 holes without Bogeying one. Ivan was able to par 17 of the 36 holes, which was the most for the age group. The Front 9 is where Michael was able to withstand the competition while he posted his best scores during the Front. It was a pleasure to watch all participants this weekend.
Girls 14-18 Division
Kennedy Anne Noe was our champion for the girl’s division this weekend. Kennedy was able to keep the trophy in east Tennessee. After shooting a 74 during the first round she followed that up by posting a 75 on the final 18. She managed to win by a total of 14 strokes. Coming in second place, Maddie Horinek from Blairsville, GA, finished with a total of 163. After she shot an 86 on the first 18 she closed the final round by posting a 77. Rounding out the top three, Heidi Lawson from Kodak, Tennessee posted a 168 to capture the final trophy. The top two ladies, Kennedy Anne and Maddie were the only two in the division to post Birdies during the weekend. Kennedy Anne with 5 and Maddie finished with 3. Holes 8-15 on the second day helped Kennedy Anne propel into first place, during those holes she went Bogey free. The course gave many of the player problems this weekend but these young women were able to finish the weekend with smiles on their faces.
Boys 11-13 Division
John Ostergard took the trophy back over the state line to Marietta, Georgia. John posted the best scores each day, on the first he marked 79 and finished with 82 the final round. Taylor Ray finished second in this age group, while Kaden Howard finished third. John shot 5 Birdies throughout the weekend, which was four more than his opposition. He also pared 14 holes during his two rounds. Taylor was able to better his first round score by 4 strokes. The Knoxville native had a great attitude throughout the tournament. Posting a total score of 184 Taylor was not particularly happy with his scores but he was happy to keep the trophy in Knoxville. These young gentlemen will continue to follow their passion on and off the course. Each participant throughout the competition showed their love for the game.
Boys U10 Division
Out of Richmond, Kentucky our U10 champion was Landen Howard. Landon was in a competition all by himself. The first round Landen posted a 100, then to close the second round he bettered his score by 10 stokes. it was a positive reflection of the second half effort he demonstrated. This young man had 2 Birdies throughout the course. On hole 5 he came within inches to hitting a hole-in-one. The pure excitement of the shot could not be matched during his round. The Back 9 was where Landen made his mark he bettered his Front 9 by 8 strokes. Landen really knows where it is time to turn up his game in the latter half of competition. The HJGT really hopes to see more of Landen and progress his talents more and more each event.
Weather August 27-28, 2016:
Round 1: Low 71, High 91, Partly Cloudy, Wind 5-10 mph Round 2: Low 71, High 90, Cloudy, Wind 5-10 mph Tournament Division Yardages Boys 16-18: 6,745 yards Boys 14-15: 6,745 yards Boys 11-13: 5,693 yards Girls 14-18: 5,693 yards Boys U10: 4,734 yards About Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) was founded in 2007 with the intent of providing junior golfers between the ages of 11-18, and now 10 and under, an opportunity to play exceptional courses in a competitive environment. Golfers who participate on the tour will compete in one of six age divisions: Boys 16-18, Boys 14-15, Boys 11-13, Boys U10, Girls 14-18, and Girls U13. Based out of Jacksonville, FL, the HJGT administers events all across the nation, with stops in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. In 2016, we have now expanded to the west coast and cover California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Nevada, and Oregon. For more information regarding the 2016 HJGT Tour, please visit our website at www.hjgt.org, call the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour headquarters at (904) 379-2697, or email info@hjgt.org Experience #TheHurricaneDifference