73rd Connecticut Junior Amateur
T
July 7th - 10th, 2014
he Connecticut Junior Amateur Championship presented by
Cobra Puma returns to Watertown Golf Club July 7 – 10, the
59th time Watertown has served as the host venue in the 73year history of the Championship.
“We love hosting the Junior,” said head golf professional, Ian
Marshall, “it’s always a great event and yes, I have a lot of fond memories.”
For Marshall, the week that draws Connecticut’s best “under-18” golfers to
his club is a pleasant reminder of the 1997 championship when Marshall
himself, playing out of Crestbrook Park captured the title.
According to CSGA Executive Director Mike Moraghan, “Watertown
has always been a wonderful host, and competing in the Junior Amateur
is something these young players will remember for the rest of their lives.
The golf course is a very good test and match play is always a lot of fun.”
Ninety-three players will tee it up for an 18-hole stroke play qualifier
on Monday, July 7, and the low 32 will begin match play on Tuesday the
8th. Quarterfinal and semifinal matches are scheduled for Wednesday,
followed by an 18-hole final on Thursday morning.
With 2013 champion Connor O’Brien (Oak Hills Park GC), runnerup Evan Grenus (TPC River Highlands), and semifinalist Nathanial Dong
(Tallwood CC) entered in the Championship along with a number of
other accomplished juniors, the 2014 championship features one of the
strongest fields in recent memory.
“It’s an outstanding field and really a special week for junior golf
in Connecticut” said Brent Paladino, CSGA Director of Competitions and
Communications. “It’s the only junior match play event in the state, and I
think it’s a tournament that junior golfers across the state look forward to
playing in all year.” Paladino also directs the Northern Junior, one of New
England’s top junior championships, a 36-hole stroke play championship
won by Grenus in 2013.
The 2013 final between Grenus and O’Brien featured spectacular
shot-making and exceptional putting. The pair combined for nine birdies
and an eagle during the final match with O’Brien emerging victorious at
1-up.
2014
marks
the
second
consecutive year that Cobra Puma
will be the presenting sponsor for the
Junior Amateur. The internationally
renowned clothing and equipment
company will provide a “demo-day” on
Watertown’s practice range during the
stroke play portion of the Championship. Cobra Puma will also donate a
limited edition Rickie Fowler sand wedge to each of the 32 match play
qualifiers.
Connecticut State Golf Association
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