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Junior golfer event shifts north
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The area’s best youth golfers hit the links Tuesday, trying to make a name for themselves and collect the scholarship that comes along with the success. It’s the kickoff to the first “Greatest Junior Golfer in the Valley” tournament, and the first ball will be launched off the tees of the Diamond Back Golf Course in Canfield. Throughout the month, golfers under the age of 18 as of Aug. 31 will attempt to qualify and be named the best.
Staff report
CORTLAND
There’s still time to sign up and qualify for the Greatest Junior Golfer of the Valley.
Qualifying continues on Friday for the boys and on Monday for the girls at Tamer Win Golf and Country Club.
Diamond Back Golf Course served as host of the first qualifying round, where juniors posted scores as low as 74 in pursuit of The Vindicator’s top junior golf honor. The low four scorers among boys and girls will advance to the finals later this month.
Greatest Junior Golfer of the Valley Championship will be held at Trumbull Country Club on July 31.
The fields of boys and girls have been divided into age groups on 16-18, 14-15, 12-13 and 11-under. Juniors Brandon Pluchinsky, Nathan Garofulo, Jacinta Pikunas and Rachel Sines are among those that have qualified to compete for $5,000 scholarships, provided by Powerbilt Golf and Golf Headquarters in Niles and Boardman.
In the first year of the junior tournament, close to 60 golfers signed up in each field, according to Deb Rura, owner of Tamer Win.
The turnout was encouraging to Rura, who felt that increased youth involvement would be good for the game.
“They need to learn the game and etiquette of golf,” said Rura. “There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of programs for the youth nowadays.”
The tournament, which is sponsored by Farmer’s National Bank and The Vindicator, continues qualifying play with Friday’s boys competition at Tamer Win.
More than 30 players are expected to participate on Friday, according to Rura. Girls qualifying action will resume next Monday at Tamer Win.
“Being on board with The Vindicator is an honor,” said Rura.
The final qualifying round for both boys and girls will occur on July 21 at Tam O’Shanter in Hermitage, Pa.
To sign up for the qualifier at Tamer Win, call the course at 330-637-2881.