Written by Andrew Strom
The TCGA junior golfers took advantage of the dry course conditions at Belden Hill to post some impressive numbers. After two tough tests of golf at Chenango Valley State Park and The Links at Hiawatha Landing, Belden Hill provided a great opportunity to go low. Although there was only 29 golfers who battled through the heat for a second straight tournament, overall the tournament was a great success.
Hogan Bendert continues to dominate the 10-12 age group with an impressive 40 on the front nine of Belden Hill. After three pars to start his round, Hogan made a birdie on the 397 Par 5 5th to help him win his third straight event. Jonah Bennett finished in 2nd place with a 44, including two birdies on two and seven. Zach Sitzman had his third consecutive top three finish with a 47.
The 13-15 age group saw some low scores on the back nine. Adam Cox fired a 31 on the back nine to shoot a 70 to take medalist honors. Adam made birdies on 12, 14, 15 and 16 to help him take home the crown. Five strokes behind Adam was Nate Wrighter, who had a solid showing in his first 2010 TCGA junior event with a 75. The player of the year points race in the 13-15 is wide open, and will continue to heat up as the season goes on.
Chris Stricek and Dustin Wrighter had matching 70's to tie for medalist honors in the 16-18 age group. After a match of cards, Dustin Wrighter's birdie on number 12 proved to be the difference maker. Chris has continued his steady play with his third consectutive top 4 finish. Brandon Gaydorus also had a good round with 73 to take third place.
A special thanks goes out to Dave and Tonia Warpus and the staff at Belden Hill for having us at their golf course today. After two rounds in the heat, hopefully next Wednesday at Firefox will have some cooler weather and some more lower scores!
| 10 - 12 Age Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hogan Bendert | 40 |
| 2 | Jonah Bennett | 44 |
| 3 | Zach Sitzman | 47 |
| 4 | Kyle Norton | 48 |
| 5 | Alice Zhang | 49 |
| 6 | Nick Miner | 51 |
| 7 | Matt Igo | 59 |
| 7 | Travis Miner | 59 |
| 9 | Jesse Bennett | 61 |
| 13 - 15 Age Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Cox | 70 |
| 2 | Nate Wrighter | 75 |
| 3 | Ryan Durr | 79 |
| 4 | Ryan Igo | 82 |
| 5 | Matt Ploutz | 86 |
| 6 | Nathan Cavaluzzi | 87 |
| 7 | Bryan Talbot | 90 |
| 8 | Michael Yanchus | 91 |
| 9 | Zach Norton | 92 |
| 10 | Connor McCormack | 94 |
| 16 - 18 Age Group | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Wrighter | 70 |
| 2 | Chris Stricket | 70 |
| 3 | Brandon Gaydorus | 73 |
| 4 | Steve Yanchus | 75 |
| 5 | Troy Gates | 79 |
| 5 | Zach Niederriter | 79 |
| 7 | Tim Wilson | 86 |
| 8 | Ian McCann | 93 |