Future Champions Golf held the National Tour SD Challenge at nearby Riverwalk Golf Club this past weekend. The tight course demands tight tee shots and accurate approaches. The fast greens would punish those who put too much spin on their approach shots, as well as those who would leave the ball above the hole. Though the speed was certainly one of the more intimidating factors of play this past weekend, the undulations on the green also provided for some tricky putts and forced players to be at their most creative when on or around the green. As a side note, all proceeds from this event are being donated to SDJGA. Without further delay, let’s move on to the champion spotlight and player recap.
College Prep
We will begin with the Boys College Prep division, who played the blue tees on the Mission and Friars nines at Riverwalk. Youssef Guezzale from La Jolla would be as confident as ever and really followed through with claims he made on Day 1 after shooting 73-71 for a two day total 144(E) to take home the championship. Alan Tom from San Diego was awarded the second place award after he shot 74-71 for a tournament total of 145(+1). Third place was awarded to Jared Gross who shot 72-74 for a two day total of 146(+2) and would win in the card off thanks to his birdie on hole 15. Justin Graf from Ramona takes home the fourth place award after shooting 72-74 to total 146(+2) for the tournament, but would not win the card-off despite some solid golf.
Next up in our champion spotlight is the Girls College Prep division who played the white tees. Jennifer Cai would lead the way with some very consistent golf and walks away our champion after shooting 77-77 for a two day total of 154(+10). Hunter Pate from Las Vegas, NV would shoot 82-73 for a two day total of 155(+11) and is awarded the second place trophy. Amanda Lee from Chatsworth, CA is awarded the third place medal after shooting 78-78 for a two day total of 156(+12). Fourth place was awarded to Grace Fitzgerald from Poway, CA after she shot 80-77 for a two day total of 157(+13) and after winning the card-off against Keisha Lugito.
13-14/14 and under
We will kick off our younger divisions with the Girls 14 and under division, who played the forward tees on both days. Olivia Yun from Carlsbad, CA would fight to stay in the lead during day one but would solidify her victory with a dominating performance and finishes with a two day total of 148(+4) after shooting 79-69 for her two rounds. Emma Han from Walnut, CA shot 82-77 for a two day total of 159(+15) and is awarded with the second place trophy for her efforts. Third place is awarded to Megan Lee from Chatsworth, CA after she shot 80-80 for a total of 160(+16) for the tournament.
Next up is the Boys 13-14 division who played the white tees at Riverwalk. Christopher Wardrup from Imperial, CA would be all smiles on the course, cracking jokes with players and rules officials alike, and why wouldn’t he after shooting 76-69 for a two day total of 145(+1) guaranteeing his victory. Second place would go to Trevor Finch from Alpine, CA after his rounds of 80-84 for a total of 164(+20) after two days of play.
Boys 11-12
The boys11-12 division would play the forward tees as well, and would put on quite a show for the one day that they played. Luke Potter from Encinitas, CA would shoot 74(+2) and wins his division. Hugh Bogan from Rancho Santa Fe, CA shots 80(+8) and takes home the second place trophy after some decent golf. Lastly, Jacob Paule from Chula Vista is awarded the third place trophy after finishing with an 81(+9) with some good golf in only his second National Tour event.
10 and under
The Boys 10 and under division would be up next in our champion spotlight. Kent Karlstrom from Rancho Mirage, CA would shoot an impressive 78(+6) and takes home the first place award. Second place is awarded to Antonio Barbosa from Chula Vista, CA after his round of 92(+20). Finally, Kai Salinas is presented the third place award after shooting 100(+28) on the tough course and it’s quick greens.
Future Champions Golf would like to extend thanks to all staff, volunteers, players, and of course, the parents. Without all of you FCG would not be able to provide the competitive and exciting atmosphere that we have all come to enjoy at events of this magnitude. Future Champions Golf would also like to recognize Riverwalk Golf Club for all their assistance and allowing us to host our event at their facility. Finally, we would like to offer a special thank you to Callaway golf for providing Callaway Chromesoft golf balls and SKLZ for providing Practice Pods as a tee prize to all competitors. Once again thank you for all the support, we look forward to making your next experience with Future Champions Golf as rewarding as this one!