By Barbara Palmgren
The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Preview was brought to this area by Destin-Fort Walton Beach. They sponsored this outstanding preview of male and female golfers of the future. This 36-hole stroke play event was challenging and exciting.
The 78 young golfers, age 12-19, began competition on Friday, April 11, in the Qualifying Round at beautiful and challenging Shalimar Pointe Golf Course. Yardage for boys was 6.620 yards and for girls was 5634 yards for 18 holes of golf. In the field itself, 19 states were represented including 36 young players from Florida. Seven countries were represented with three players already receiving college letters of intent. After the Qualifier Round on Friday, tournament rounds began Saturday with the majority of golfers continuing. Maximum score to continue for the weekend was 77 for the boys and 76 for the girls.
The American Junior Golf Association national headquarters is located in Braselton, Ga., close to Atlanta. Past winners that became pro golfers included memorable names of Phil Mickelson, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods.
The Tournament Director, Harlie Valinho, worked with a staff of eight interns and one assistant. She coordinated a flawless registration and organization of the day requirements. Regional Director Matt Emmi shared more information with me about the organization itself, the point system players collect and the trophies that are awarded. Matt grew up in a golfing family, inspired by his father who was a head golf professional. Matt is now the Regional Director of Florida for the AJGA working in the Tourist Bureau of Affairs Department at the national headquarters.
Impressed with Shalimar Pointe Golf Course and the warm welcome of staff and golf members who opened their homes to house 10 staff members, Matt also thanked Destin-Fort Walton Beach for the sponsorship of this event. Ron Schumard of the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department worked with Matt to bring this tournament, one of a few nationwide, to the Florida Panhandle. Shalimar Pointe Golf Course Manager John Jenkins and course employees and staff created perfect course conditions and excellent restaurant service throughout the three-day tournament.
On Sunday, April 13, trophies were presented to the top men and women golfers. In first place, from Jacksonville, Fla., was Ethan Gossman with a two-day score of 149. Ethan won in a playoff with Charlie Hipp of St. Johns, Fla. Tied for 3rd place was Hugh Michael Hollingsworth from Milton, Ga., Henry Hurley from Atlanta, Ga., and Nathan Peji from Dunwoody, Ga., with a score of 153.
Winners for the Girls division included Emily Storm from Lakewood Ranch, Fla., with a score of 151. Tied for second place was Meredith Finger from Wilmington, Del., Payton Haugen from Brookfield, Wis., and Olivia Hodges, from Duluth, Ga., with a score of 152.
The weather was perfect for the game of golf and these young players are ones to watch in the future. This golf reporter with newspaper publisher, Scott Miller, enjoyed helping with the trophy presentation on Sunday afternoon. Just another golf day in paradise in Northwest Florida!
