Rivers and Long sweep the Investors Group Ontario Bantam Championship

Fenwick, Ontario-

Brooke Rivers of Brampton Golf Club held her lead from the first day to win the girls championship after two rounds. Alex Long of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club had a lead after the first round, but during moments of the second round found himself tied at times for first place with his competitors. In the end, he would carry his solid game through the entire day to prevail and win the boys championship.

The final round of the Investors Group Ontario Bantam (U15) Championship took place today at the beautiful Sawmill Golf Course in Fenwick Ontario.  While the first round of competition on Tuesday was plagued by rain, delays, and hot temperatures, the final round of the championship which took place today was a windy day, with cooler temperatures allowing some relief for the golfers.

Brooke Rivers of Brampton Golf Club (+2) 73 started out the front nine (+1) 36, with two birdies, a bogey, and a double bogey. She then finished off the course (+1) 37 with two birdies, a bogey and a double bogey. She went 71, 73 for a two-day total of 144.

Nicole Gal of Oakville Golf Club was awarded a silver medal for her efforts this week, she started out the front nine at par 35 with three birdies and three bogies, she then finished the back nine (+2) 38 with one birdie and three bogeys. She went 78, 73 for a total of 151 over two days.

In third place was Ella Weber of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club who started out the front nine (+3) 38 with three bogeys, she finished off the course (+2) on the back nine for a score of 76.  She went 77, 76 for a two-day total of 153.

Brooke said a lot of focus on her game worked out for her this week, and her strategy was simple, “Just trying to focus on my game, not play too risky (of) shots. Pars are your friend. Try not to make doubles. That didn’t work out. Just try to be consistent”.  She said she is happy to have won, “It’s really nice to win. I had a lot of fun playing with all the girls, and they were all supporting me, … they were all cheering for me when I made putts” – Brooke Rivers.

Alex Long of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club started out the front nine (+3) 38 today with three bogeys and went out on the back nine (-3) 33 with three birdies. He was even through the day with a 71.  He went 67, 71 over two rounds for a total of 138.  In second place was Justin Matthews of Oshawa Golf and Curling Club who started out the front nine today (-2) 33 with three birdies and a bogey, he then finished up the back nine at par 36 with a double bogey and an eagle. He went 72, 69 for a two day total of 141.

Long was happy to have won today, after winning the Golf Ontario PeeWee Championship earlier this season at Lakeridge Links Golf Club, winning two championships in one year is extra special.  After a (+3) front nine, he wanted to post a red number on the back nine, and he did, he was (-3) on the back nine, with a great even par day 71.

“I would like to thank Golf Ontario for having another great Ontario championship. I’d like to thank Sawmill Golf Club for hosting it, the course was great. I’d like to thank my dad for taking me here, as well as my mom for supporting me, and I’d like to thank my coach for teaching me” – Alex Long

Ben MacLean of St. Catherines Golf and Country Club and Thomas Latter of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club finished T3 with a two-round total of 145 each. Ben MacLean was (+3) 38 on the front nine with a double bogey, a birdie, and two bogeys and finished the back nine (-2) 34 with two birdies for 72 today, paired with his 73 yesterday, his low scoring week secured his T3 position.  Thomas Latter of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club started out the front nine (+3) 38 with four bogeys and a birdie and finished out the back nine (+1) 37. He went 70, 75 for a two day total of 145.

Golf Ontario would like to thank Sawmill Golf Course for hosting the Investors Group Ontario Bantam (U15) Championship this week, as well as the course volunteers and course membership for allowing this championship to be held at their course this week.  We would also like to thank the rules officials and Golf Ontario volunteers who helped make this championship a success.  We would also like to thank our title sponsor Investors Group for sponsoring this championship and many others throughout the years, thank you for your ongoing support of Golf Ontario and our programs.  Thank you to all of the players who competed in this event, and congratulations to everyone who made this a great Championship.

About the Investors Group Ontario Bantam Boys’ Championship
The Ontario Bantam Boys’ Championship is a 36 hole competition featuring the top 60 Bantam (U15) male Golfers from across the province.
 
About the Investors Group Ontario Bantam Girls’ Championship
The Ontario Bantam Girls’ Championship is a 36 hole competition featuring the province’s top 30 Bantam (U15) female Golfers from across the province.

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