The TPC San Antonio and J.W. Marriott Resort played host to for the annual TJGT Thanksgiving Classic once again this holiday season. The weather this time around was a major factor contributing to harsh conditions, however 123 junior golfers displayed superior mental and physical toughness in order to fight through the competition. The champions proved they have what it takes in order to play at the next level.
During Day one the wind was gusting and the temperatures were locked under 40 degrees for almost the entirety of the round. Every golfer that teed it up on day one also completed the round despite the terrible conditions. Mike Yang (San Antonio, TX, 2018) fired the low round at 73 and set the pace for the rest of the competition. Falling behind Yang was a long line of players within half a dozen strokes. On the girls side Sydney Garber (Fate, TX, 2017) led the way with a 76 on the first day and defending medalist Shawnee Allen (La Vernia, TX, 2017) was shot back from Garber.
Day two of competition had calmer winds but more moisture on the grounds. The temperatures remained around the low 40s. The players showed great resolve throughout day two as well and the leaderboard was shaken up with some new faces toppling the day one leaders.
Jeffrey Maciejewski (San Angelo, TX, 2017) fired the tournament low 67 and jumped up the leaderboard into a tie for the lead. In the tie with Maciejewski was Ryan Bailey (Humble, TX, 2016) who shot an even par round of 72 to secure himself a spot in the playoff. Maciejewski then bested Bailey on the second playoff hole with a par and took home the title of Boys champion along with 12 AJGA stars. Mike Yang claimed third place during a three-way playoff after he made par on the third playoff hole.
Kenzie Wright (McKinney, TX, 2016) an SMU 2016 signee finished the tournament with a 2 under par round of 70 to jump up the leaderboard and grab the title along with eight AJGA stars. Shawnee Allen (La Vernia, TX 2017) was two strokes behind Wright with a two-day total of 151. Sophia DiGesualdo (Austin, TX 2017) rounded out the top three girls with a 153 two-day total.
College coaches from Stephen F. Austin State University, Incarnate Word University, Houston Baptist University, Cameron University, University of Texas-San Antonio, and Concordia University were all in attendance this past weekend.
Follow TJGT on Twitter and Instagram. Like ‘TJGT’ on Facebook!