By Barbara Palmgren
It is my honor and privilege to highlight junior golf tournaments in the area. Growing the game of golf is so important, as the next generation of a Tiger Wood or an Anika Sorenstam could be found right here on the Emerald Coast. Competitive events like these truly prepare young golfers for junior high, high school and college teams. Look for future tournament results as I attend a monthly event from Emerald Coast Junior Golf and other junior golf tours. The Regatta Bay Junior Classic hosted by Emerald Coast Junior Golf, was held on Sunday, August 27.
In speaking with parents during the tournament, I recognized a common thread of hope. Parents on Sunday came from Tallahassee, Pensacola, Alabama and Maryland, and want their children to enjoy the game. Winning is wonderful, but that is not the sole objective. Of course, there is that desire for their children to participate on a high school or college team. The majority of parents are golfers and know golf is a sport that can be enjoyed throughout life.
The Emerald Coast Junor Golf Tour is winding down its season under the tutelage of owner and tournament director, Dennis Attaway. As each group prepared to drive off the first tee, Dennis carefully reviewed rules and special course issues for the day. He then reminded golfers to keep hydrated with bottled water available at several holes.
The brutal heat experienced during the day did not deter these young athletes. Regatta Bay is an exceptional venue for golf as everyone knows. Regatta Bay is one of several local courses that open themselves to these events, knowing they lose additional revenue from public play. They want, more importantly, to be a venue for these future champions. This is their way to give back to the community as well as to these aspiring young people.
Congratulations to the following winners:
Boys 8-9: 1st place- Reese Riley; 2nd place- Gavin Crowe
Girls 10-11: 1st place-Gabriella Godshalk
Boys 12-13: 1st place-Clark Brandt; 2nd place-Jaxson Thomason; 3rd place- Jace Steed
Boys 14-15: 1st place -Ethan MacGregor; 2nd place-Lars Wiggins; 3rd place-Rory Sheehan
Boys 16-18: 1st place-Sam Welde; 2nd place-Roman Mercado; 3rd place-Brian Mitchell
Girls 15-18: 1st place-Kayleigh Young;
2nd place-Vivian Harrison; 3rd place-Taylor King
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