The Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy hosted its first tournament of the year on March 3rd- 4th. The academy partnered with Optimist Junior Golf for the Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy Open. The tournament hosted thirty junior golfers from ages 11-18. This tournament served as an opportunity for the golfers to qualify for the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship, at the PGA National Resort and Spa, in Palm Beach, FL.

Although the weather in Myrtle Beach had begun to show signs of an early spring, the weather was one of the golfers biggest challenges that specific weekend. With winds reaching twenty miles per hour, the golfers had to take that into consideration when playing on the Norman Course at Barefoot Resort.

Five of the GNCGA full time students competed in the tournament, with two earning awards. Full time student, Angel Guerra, placed second in the 16-18 age division and Inaki Jauregui placed third in the same division. Guerra credited his win on the “home course advantage” and the “ continuous practice on short game and tee shots.” Although Guerra knew the course better than most of his competitors, he still had to overcome the challenge of the windy weather. He did this by using his woods, to have better control over his tee shots. Guerra’s favorite part of the tournament was seeing all of the support that he got from the staff, coaches, and friends. “ It made me so happy to see all of my teammates come in and cheer me on during their day off. I feel so much love and support from my family at GNCGA, and I am so thankful for that.

Congratulations to all first, second and third place boys and girls who placed:

Boys 11-13 Division:
Tyler Jones shot 153 for 1st place
Garrison Welborn shot 181 for 2nd place
Sam Walker shot 198 for 3rd place
Boys 14-15 Division:
Ryan Macri shot 153 for 1st place
Caden Baker shot 155 for 2nd place
Gavin Ganter shot 161 for 3rd place
Boys 16-18 Division:
Felix Van Kleef shot 149 for 1st place
Angel Guerra shot 156 for 2nd place
Inaki Jauregui shot 164 for 3rd place
Girls 14-18 Division:
Kendall Turner shot 157 for 1st place
Kayla Ramsey shot 163 for 2nd place
Yeonjoo Kim shot 164 for 3rd place

 

Overall, the tournament went smoothly and the Greg Norman Staff enjoyed the opportunity to work with the group of junior golfers that competed. We’d like to give a big thanks to tournament coordinator, Morgan Majeski for all of her hard work and all of our food sponsors for the amazing meals that they provided. It was a great weekend for all in attendance.