The Tournament of Champions

The Tournament of Champions was a culmination of a terrific year for the Rocky Mountain Junior Golf Tour.

101 top level players from MT, ID, UT, CO, NM, AZ and TX  participated in this Golfweek and JGS ranked event.

These talented juniors enjoyed near perfect weather and course conditions for this prestigious tournament.

Josh Seiple from Castle Rock shot a 35 on the front nine in the Boys 11-13 age division.

There were many players who had a great first round. You can visit the results site to see who the leaders were after Round 1.

 

Our RMJGT awards banquet took place at the Millennium Resort following the first round. Parents, families and players enjoyed a wonderful evening which included a talk with Warren Schutte a Gateway tour player and teaching pro who shared the role golf has played in his life. Warren moved to the US from South Africa when he was 13 years old. He grew up having success at the National level as a junior player and attended UNLV where he played on a full ride scholarship. Warren has had much success on the Gateway tour and is a great teaching instructor for many junior players. Denise McGuire Ph.D spoke to these young players about how your "mental game" can influence your hole, your round and the growth of a players game. She spoke about the positive impact golf can make on a young persons life.

The player of the Year in each of the six age divisions was named at the awards ceremony as well.

Chris Raap won for the Boys 8-10 Division

Leah McGetrick was named for the Girls 13 and Under Division

Timothy Taylor is the Player of the Year for the Boys 11-13 Division

Ryan Burke wins for the Boys 14-15 Division

Gina Larson earns the top spot for the Girls 14 and over Division

Ben Krueger has the points to win for the Boys 16-19 Division

 

The Rocky Mountain Junior Golf Tour recognized "Players of Promise" for both boys and girls.

Klara Castillo, Paige Darwin, Leah Mcgetrick and Kendall Lavoto were all named for the girls.

Jake Staiano, Josh Seiple, Patrick Beyhan, Hayden Livingston and Matthew Vacek won for the boys.

Vanessa Spradlin and Max Cologne are awarded the Sportsmanship Award for 2009.

 

There were birdies and pars and some bogies and more.

The Boys 16-19 Division had a championship finish for sure. Graham Schmatz, Keenan Steele and Cameron Brown all tied for first place. They prepared their nerves and their game to continue to the 37th hole and beyond. Graham Schmatlz from Kalispell MT loses the first playoff hole and accepts third place. Cameron Brown tees up on the second hole and his driver breaks on his backswing off the tee. He and Keenan tie after this dramatic hole and a third. The TOC winner is decided on the fourth playoff hole. Keenan Steele from Scottsdale AZ is the Champion.

Gina Larson of Longmont CO wins it for the Girls 14 and over with a 77-75. Chanet Fiorina of Santa Fe NM is second and Lindsey McGetrick from Highlands Ranch CO comes in third.

 

Our Boys 8-10 division was won by Hayden Livingston from Rigby ID. Chris Raap of Highlands Ranch CO is second and Darren Edwards of Loveland CO is third.

 

Clayton Crawford from Aspen CO has two strong rounds and becomes the Champion for  this very competitive division. He posts a 72-77. Tim Taylor Ft Collins CO and Kevin Wohlfarth from Thornton CO battle it out for the second spot. Kevin emerges the victor.

Arman Ben-Jacob from Logan UT shoots an impressive 76-74 for the Boys 14-15. Ryan Burke from Longmont CO is 2nd and Luke Park of Monument CO is 3rd.

 

Finally, the Girls 13 and under was won by Klara Castillo from Albuquerque NM runs away with the lead. Halie Carpenter of Tempe AZ is second and Kendall Lovato of Wesminster CO is third.

Thank you to the players and staff and volunteers who made this a great event. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and a terrific new year.

See you at the course.