Bryan, Texas — December 19th & 20th – The Texas A&M Traditions golf club, home of the 2009 NCAA Men’s National Champions and host site of the 2011 NCAA Women’s National Championship, played host to 98 of the best high school golfers in the country this weekend. The kids, parents, spectators, coaches and TJGT staff endured difficult weather on Monday but were relieved with warm, beautiful December weather on Tuesday.
The weather on Monday was nowhere near ideal as arctic temperatures delayed the start of the event until after noon. This late start put the juniors under the gun for a near dark finish, testing the abilities of the TJGT staff to keep the event running smoothly. The Texas A&M Traditions club has been proven to be one of the most menacing tracks on the TJGT circuit. The golf course layout just doesn’t let up. Every hole, every shot seems to be as difficult and as brain numbing as the next. While one hole gets you on one day, another jumps at the chance the next. If you play this course enough, you’ll have a story to tell about every one of the ominous 18 holes. Add to this difficult track, an unyielding effort from mother nature, meant that Monday’s test was as grueling as one can face in Texas.
While many wilted under Monday’s oppressive conditions, the event did have several competitors play great golf. Hailey Jones of Dallas, Tx (73) and Maria Jose Martinez (72) of Alvarado, Mexico played awesome on Monday to put themselves in a solid position to claim the top prize. Matthew Riedel of Houston, Tx (73) and Matthew Griggs of Prosper, Tx (73) posted equally impressive scores to lead the boys field after the first round.
The final round produced the round of the event on Tuesday when Katy, Tx Native Jared Bray carded a 71. As the dust settled, the Boys field had multiple players placing a bid for top honors. Matthew Griggs proved to be the class of the field as his one stroke victory was up for the task. Jared Bray came in second place with respective scores of 76 and 71. Thomas Bockholt of Austin, TX and Grayson Gilbert of Monroe, LA both tied for third place with a two-day total of 149. Gilbet bested Bockholt in a playoff and claimed the third place trophy. Maria Jose Martinez was able to hold off Hailey Jones for her own one stroke victory in the girls field. Hanna Liu of Austin, TX claimed third place with scores of 76 and 79.
Special thanks to the Traditions staff for hosting a great event. What a great facility, and what a great staff. Thanks to all of you!
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