Southampton, ON – With our first championship of the season finally underway, 114 players challenged the pristine Saugeen Golf Club for the first round of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship. In what originally looked like an extended weather delay for the first tee off, mother nature knew we needed golf and good news, and with that, we were happily surprised to have the rain hold off until the evening. Play was only suspended from 5:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. due to inclement weather conditions, in turn only effecting nine remaining groups.
Leading the pack for the first half of the day, Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club) completed the front in three under and an even par on the back. Playing strong with a later tee time, Yuqi Liu (The Country Club – West), took the lead with two under on the front and back. Results for the day show Yuqi Liu leading with four under, and Nolan Piazza and Ashton McCulloh (Cataraqui G&CC) tying for second with three under.
Leader of round one, Yuqi Liu (The Country Club – West), said “I was impressed with my play today, but I know I can do better. I played consistently with no big mistakes, making four birdies and the rest pars”. When asked if any holes were more challenging today in comparison to his two practice rounds last week, Liu reflected that “number eight, the par three, had a difficult pin location. The pin was back on the left corner by the water and during my practice rounds I lost three balls, so I was feeling a little nervous when I approached it today”. Going into round two tomorrow, Liu tees off at 7:30 a.m. and is looking to improve his driving and decision making when it comes irons.
As the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ will be recognized at this competition, Ben MacLean (St. Catharines G&CC) lead the low juvenile group with two under. Following in second is Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi) with one under and in third is Kevin Lee (National Pines GC) with even par.
Tee time for the second round is set for 7:30 a.m. For future results and information on the championship, visit the official championship page here.
For photos of the tournament, click here.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (subject to change)
- No caddies permitted. (all events)
- No spectators, including coaches and media, permitted. (**Exception: Players 18 & Under may have one accompanying adult)
- No motorized carts permitted. (**Exception: Single rider carts only for Senior & Disability Championships)
- All events will be a single tee start – no shotguns or split tees.
- Restricted field numbers. (see individual championships)
- Qualifiers will have limited field sizes. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.
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