Author: Jesse Dodson
Tess Blair, this year’s girl’s high school golf 6A medalist, shot a three-under 70 at the 2017-2018 High School All-State Invitational at Fox Hollow Golf Club to take home the Zion’s Cup and secure an exemption into the 2018 Rolex Girls Junior Championship.
The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is coming to Utah for the 2018 Rolex Girls Junior Championship, a top-tier AJGA invitational event featuring the top-72 juniors from around the world. The championship will be played June 11-15 at the Promontory Pete Dye Canyon Course in Park City, Utah.
“It really means a lot. I don’t qualify for huge tournaments that often,” Blair said. “Also, I am so thankful that the PGA Utah Section gave high school girls an opportunity like this and am excited to play in such a prestigious event.”
Utah Section PGA President and Director of Golf at Promontory Club Ryan Kartchner played a pivotal role in the process of landing the Rolex Girls Junior Championship in Utah. Kartchner ensured that an exemption spot be given to one of Utah’s many girl junior golfers.
“It brings a lot of national exposure to Utah golf and Utah junior golf,” Kartchner said about the AJGA coming to Utah. “A ton of college coaches will be flying in from around the country to come watch these girls compete.”
Blair believes that some of the other national events she’s participated have prepared her to play in an event like the Rolex Girls Junior Championship. However, she doesn’t neglect the experiences she gains through her Utah schedule.
“I think the junior events hosted here in Utah have also prepared me; I play in a full schedule every summer. I’m ready to soak up this experience and have a lot of fun.”
Parker Reese fired a seven-under 65 with two eagles to win the boys competition at the High School All-State Invitational. His victory earns him a spot in the 2018 Utah Open at Riverside Country Club this August.
High school golf in Utah is providing more and more opportunities to help further Utah junior golfers’ playing resumes and experiences. The Utah Section PGA dedicates a countless amount of hours to ensure juniors in Utah have life-changing experiences in golf.