Northern California Junior Challenge at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex
(November 19-20, 2016)
On Thursday, November 17, 2016, the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour arrived in Sacramento, CA to host the Northern California Junior Challenge, which took place under some tough weather conditions. Haggin Oaks Golf Complex played host to the tournament, which featured 44 players competing across all 6 divisions. A course featuring open fairways and hittable greens had players eager to get out and compete. These aspirations were not left unfilled as many birdies were to be had over the two-day span. Low scores and exciting finishes came as a result of these conditions. Boys in the 14-18 division, 10U division, and Girls in the 14-18 and Girls 13U division all competed for Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings, while the Girls 14-18 division also competed for AJGA Performance Stars. Boys 16-18 Division
The Boys 16-18 division was made up of ten competitors all fighting for the top spot. Returning HJGT player Trey Davis of Olivehurst, CA was in control of the weekend after shooting a -3 69 on Saturday. Davis ended Saturday with a two-stroke lead over Grant Fairburn of Orinda, CA. Grant Fairburn came out on fire on a rainy day to take home the 1st place trophy. As for second place, Trey Davis got the honor with scores of 69 and 73 respectively. Grant improved on his day one score by 4 strokes to sneak up on fellow competitors and take home the 1st place trophy. We look forward to seeing more battles from these impressive athletes. Reid Vail came in with consistent scores of 75 on both days to take home the third place trophy. Boys 14-15 Division
The top three finishers from the five player field that made up the Boys 14-15 division played some really solid golf throughout the weekend. The players were ready to get back to work after getting a feel for the course on day one. Sam Sommerhauser of Rocklin, CA held onto a slight three stroke lead as the final threesome teed off on Sunday Morning. Garrett Boe of Clovis, CA stole the show, however, on Sunday with a division best 72 for Sunday. Sam’s solid scores throughout both days proved to be enough to capture the 1st place trophy. Ethan Manalo of San Francisco, CA put up two respectable scores to earn the 2rd place trophy, while Garrett Boe took home the 3rd place trophy in a very competitive division. These players put on a show for all of the spectators and will continue to do so for years to come. Boys 11-13 Division
The Boys 11-13 Division had some very competitive golfers this week. Zachery Pollo of Rocklin, CA shot solid scores of 72 and 75 on the week, these scores were good for 1st place this week in a tough field of golfers. Coming in second was Christopher (CJ) Gassner with scores of 80 and followed that up with a second day 75. We look forward to seeing these two kids battle it out in the future. Coming in third with consistent scores of 84 and 84 over the weekend was Vincent Wibawa from Pleasanton, CA. Girls 14-18 Division
The Girls 14-18 division came down to the very last putt. Annika Borrelli of Alamo, CA recorded consistent scores on Saturday and a day two 77 to narrowly edge out fellow competitor Courtney Cervelin of Elk Grove, CA. Annika showed poise by coming into the 2nd day holding a narrow lead throughout the day. Annika hit some clutch shots down the stretch to keep the lead. Courtney would not let off the gas and continued to keep the pressure on throughout the 2nd day. Coming in 3rd shooting impressive scores herself was Ashley Knepshield of Carmicheal, CA by shooting 77 and 80 for a two day total of 157. We look forward to seeing these girls compete again in the near future. Boys U10
The Boys U10 were definitely not lacking in talent. Aditya Das of Fremont, CA put on a show this weekend as he tallied the tournament’s best two day total of 145 after a day one 73 and a day two 72. Aditya bounced back impressively on day 2 after a double bogey on eleven to earn back-to-back birdies on thirteen and fourteen. Edan Cui of Los Altos Hills, CA almost made one of the most impressive comebacks we have seen. Shooting a very impressive -5 on the back nine to make the final holes a little more nerve-racking for Aditya. Edan finished the weekend with scores of 76 and 71 with was good enough to take home 2nd place. Matthew Almajano of Fremont, CA and Andre Chung of San Francisco, CA finished in a tie for 3rd this week with two day totals of 152. These 4 upcoming stars have bright futures and we look forward to seeing them compete again. Girls U13
The girls U13 group had five competitors that navigated the tough conditions. Ellie Sand of El Dorado Hills, CA proved in the end to be the lead dog in the race for first place. Ellie scored consistent scores with a difference of just a stroke between days. Kathryn Robinson of American Canyon, CA was right on her heels finishing only 1 stroke off the lead. Kathryn shot impressive scores of 73 and 77 on the week. Coming in 3rd was Madison Starke of Walnut Creek, CA. Madison played well this week shooting scores of 79 and 78 respectfully. We look forward to seeing what these talented golfers will do in the future. Weather: October 22-23, 2016: Round 1: Low 45, High 53. Cloudy Skies and Steady Rain, Wind 5-10 mph Round 2: Low 48, High 58. Cloudy Skies and Light Rain, Wind 7-12 mph Tournament Division Yardages Boys 16-18: 6,696 Yards Boys 14-15: 6,696 Yards Boys U10: 4,812 Yards Girls 14-18: 5,723 Yards Boys 11-13: 5,723 Yards Girls U13: 5,083 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