Noah Moody, a Northern Idaho College commit, and Avery Kraatz, who will play for Sonoma State University, captured the first Utah PGA Junior Series Junior Major of the year at Glenmoor Golf Club, June 5-6.
With the win both players were awarded an exemption into Utah’s AJGA event later this summer. Due to a conflict for Kraatz, Madalyn Hadley who finished tied for second place has accepted the exemption.
Moody shot (-3) 73-68 – 141 at Glenmoor, a full six shots better than second place finisher Eastyn Ewell. Krew Saunders won the Boys 13-15 division at (+3) 76-71 – 147.
In the Girls 16-18 division, Kraatz finished (+20) 164 to best three players, Hadley, Reimi Bleyl and Katelin Bingham, who tied for second place with a (+23) 167. Mikaila Lieu finished on top of the Girls 13-15 division at (+15) 159.
“Winning a Junior Major so early in the season is a true confidence builder,” said Kraatz. “I just came off a state championship (5A) win with my team and this was my next tournament back, so I’m happy to have these wins to fuel me through the inevitable highs and lows of the summer season.”
In the 2024 season the Majors Series will consist of one and two-day events throughout the summer for junior golfers ages 13-18. In order for players to gain a Junior Major Membership and be able to compete in the 2024 Major events, juniors had to qualify from one of two Q-School 18-hole tournaments or be exempt in through previous tournament experience listed on the UtahPGA.com website.
In addition to the winner’s exemption into Utah’s AJGA event, the top three boys and top two girls in the 13-15 and 16-18 age groups qualify for the season ending Junior Major Championship July 29th at Hobble Creek GC.
Many thanks to Glenmoor Golf Club for hosting the Glenmoor Junior Major.