Vitali edges Graham to qualify for championship

July 7, 2017 at 12:10a.m.

SALEM

Each of this year’s five Greatest Golfer of the Valley junior qualifying events has been highly competitive. But none have had a down-to-the-wire finish like Thursday’s 17U boys showdown at Salem Hills Golf and Country Club.

Howland’s Joey Vitali authored the day’s best round (34-38—72), but had to wait for the remainder of the field to finish before officially earning a one-stroke victory over Warren JFK’s Jimmy Graham (36-37—73) to advance to the championship round on July 21-22.

Dean Austalosh of Campbell Memorial (35-39—74) and Boardman’s Bobby Jonda (38-37—75) were the other top finishers.

Jenna Vivo (38-37—75), a previous qualifier at Tam O’Shanter, won the 17U girls event which meant runner-up Gillian Cerimele (39-40—79) qualified for the finals.

In 14U girls, Jayne Bernard of Cardinal Mooney (44-47—91) was the only competitor. She already had qualified at Tam O’Shanter.

In 14U boys play, Kaiden Sykes (37-39—76) of South Range advanced with a three-stroke victory over Jacob Sylak (40-39—79).

Sylak already punched his finals ticket by winning the Pine Lakes qualifier on May 20.

Opening round of the 17U championship takes place July 21 at Squaw Creek (2 p.m.) with the finals scheduled for July 22 (12:30 p.m.) at Avalon Lakes.

The 14U championship takes place July 22 (12:30 p.m.) at Avalon Lakes.

The final junior qualifying event takes place on Thursday (1 p.m.) at Trumbull Country Club.

Vitali calls Kensington Golf Club and Grille his home course and has played in all five qualifying events.

“The difference is that today I felt like I played up to my potential,” Vitali said. “I made a lot of putts, yet still left a few out there that I wish I could have back.

“It was accuracy over distance as I used my five-iron off of five of the tees, plus the greens were really nice,” he said. “This is one of my favorite tournaments, but I still have some work to do before the championships.”

Graham, who has earned two letters as a member of the Eagles’ golf team, said he could have putted better.

“My drives were down the middle for the most part and my irons were solid, but I struggled with my putting,” he said. “I struggled with my birdie-putts as four or five lipped out.”

Austalosh had two birdies and 11 pars while his 35 on the front-nine was just one stroke off Vitali’s lead at the turn. It was his third Greatest event, shooting 77 last week at Mill Creek.

“I struggled with my driving, but my putting allowed me to keep pace,” Austalosh said. “It was definitely my best showing.”

Jonda has played in four events and has been runner-up twice.

He had a birdie and 12 pars during Thursday’s round.

“I hit the ball well enough to shoot par, but struggled with my putting and had a few bad holes that I would like to forget,” Jonda said. “I’m still hoping to qualify next week. I’m familiar with the Trumbull course so that’s definitely a plus.”

Vivo’s 75 was the best girls round of the day.

“I felt like I hit the ball well, but felt like I left a bunch of birdies out there,” she said.

Cerimele, whose home course if Flying B, is a three-year letter-winner for the Canfield golf team.

“This is my first time playing a tournament at Salem Hills and I felt like I had a rough start,” she said. “It was hard for me to hit the greens, until I got warmed up. I’ll play next week, then concentrate on getting ready for the championship later this month.”

Bernard said her drives were key.

“My drives were strong and I was pleased with my chips, but my putting and course management could have been better,” she said.

Sykes’ 76 proved that he had very little trouble with his home course.

“I was hitting off the forward tees and it was shorter than I expected,” he said. “The advantage, however, is that I hit the ball further than most. It came down to my putting and I felt like that was my strength today.”

Salem Hills was hosting the Greatest competition for a second-straight year.

“I am thankful that the Greatest event has returned to Salem Hills because it not only gives us exposure, but promotes golf as a whole,” said Ben Broderick, PGA professional/GM. “It gets our youth involved and affords them a great tournament opportunity.”