A nailbiting finish has ended with a repeat title on the links for a Foothills golfer
Josiah Tong held off a strong field of competitors to repeat as junior boys champion at the Maple Leaf Junior Tour Ford Series Junior Championship held July 2-4 at Calgary’s McKenzie Meadows Golf Club.
"Preparing for this tournament after my win last year, I mentally had to make sure my expectations were reasonable and achievable,” said Tong, in a MJT release. “My coach, Paul Horton, was especially important to my success.”
Tong’s three-round score of 202 just edged out Calgarian Charlie Gilliespie’s 203 with the latter posting a final round 62. Tong, 18, earned rounds of 68, 68 and 66 to win the title while acing 13 birdies and one eagle.
“This season has been filled with a lot of second places, so I am grateful I was able to overcome,” added Tong. “Going into the rest of the season, I can mentally visualize what I was able to have in order to respond to uncertainty and adversity."
Okotokian Erik Petersen continued his strong season with another championship.
Petersen, 12, won the Peewee division by one shot over Edmonton’s Oscar Gosgnach.
The Okotoks golfer scored rounds of 77, 77 and 70 to claim the title.
"I played a practice round with one of the best players in Alberta, and he helped me a lot with lines and good spots to miss," Petersen said. "I was trying to stay not frustrated with some bad shots, and that helped me mentally a lot."
For more information, go to maplejt.com.
