The metropolis of Waco, TX opened the doors to the junior golf world once again as Cottonwood Creek Golf Club hosted the TJGT at the 2015 Regional Preview. Saturday’s round had nearly perfect scoring conditions with high temperatures in the 80s and slight cooling breezes. Sunday’s final round was equally as temperate with the typical extreme winds players might experience at the UIL Region II-6A Golf Tournament event.
This year’s tournament offered exciting competition and gave players a great preview of the spring’s Region II-6A Tournament. The Cottonwood event hosted players from various locations in the state of Texas, Louisiana and as far north as Minnesota. The tournament was a valued central location for players to participate in competition against statewide players.
In the Boys 15-18 division, local boys Connor Caldwell and Cole Kerns led the event wire to wire. Battling to the biter end with Minnesota standout Brooks Beutler and The Woodlands Adrian Castagnola. Caldwell was able to survive the windy Sunday conditions to escape with the victory. Cole Kerns captured second place and Beutler was unable to bring the third place trophy home due to the solid play of Adrian Castagnola down the stretch.
The Girls 11-14 division was claimed by Ellie Fox of Copperas Cove, TX who escaped the pressure of Mia Nixon.
The Girl 15-18 division was saw quite a battle of endurance and mental toughness as several competitors were all within striking distance as the winds played a major factor in settling the dispute. Sydney Garber, was victorious, clearing Gracie Aday by a single stroke. Jordan Shackleford was only a single stroke behind Gracie for third place 1 more stroke separated fourth and fifth place.
In the Boys 11-14 division, Dallas Hankamer posted an impressive 71 in the windy conditions. Collin Slater of Austin fired a Sunday round 76. Montgomery’s William Cima rounded out the younger boys division awards in third place.