That one LITERALLY came to me as I was typing the heading. Keep in mind that it’s the beginning of an era for this junior championship. The River Oaks course was well received by competitors and their families. The Byblos hotel across the street is indeed open and should serve the tournament well for lodging in future playings of the New Era Junior Championship.
On to the prizes. the 2nd-round leaders turned out to be the champions Katie Kim and Michael VanDerLaan withstood challenges from local stalwarts Maren Cipolla and Ben Reichert and claimed victory at the inaugural playing of the event. On the ladies side, local golfers Chelsea Dantonio and Sara Riso finished inside the top six, giving western New York an impressive showing for the girls wave. On the boys side, Reichert was the only area golfer to finish in the top ten, although area competitors Gregory Sibick, David Hanes and Kevin Borowicz left nothing in the bag.
The circus caravan that is the AJGA Tour packs up its trailer and heads down the road to Nashport, Ohio, to the Longaberger Golf Club. With luck, we’ll see Kellen and Sophia and Laney again in twelve months. Great job, AJGA. Great job, River Oaks. Great job, golfers.
Here are a few more shots to send you on your way.
