Junior golfers kicked off the 2021 Blue Ridge Junior Golf Tour campaign at Pete Dye River Course at Virginia Tech.
Sunny skies welcomed the 71 young golfers to the challenging course.
“It is a real treat for these young players to have the opportunity to play the River Course,” said Executive Director Dewayne Belcher. “Obviously, the Pete Dye name sets a high standard among golf courses, but the immaculate conditions, hospitable staff, and breathtaking scenery certainly take the experience to high level. We are very appreciative of the generosity and know that our members gain much from the day.”
In the 17- to 18-year-old age group, Jake Albert of Blacksburg took medalist honors shooting a three over par 75 on the 6,495-yard course. Albert made the turn at par and put together solid play on the back nine to earn a four-shot victory over Alex Brannock of Galax, who shot 79. Abigail Peterson of Bluefield, Virginia, was third with a score of 81. Tanner Walls of Mathena, West Virginia, was one shot back at 82 to finish 4th.
Blacksburg’s Pierce Campbell was first in the 15- to 16-year-old age group, shooting a two under par 70 on the 5,903-yard course. After a slow start, Campbell found himself three over after three holes. But consecutive birdies on holes 4, 5, and 6 got him back to even par for the day. He added two more birdies on the inward nine holes allowing him to secure medalist honors. Campbell certainly didn’t coast to victory. McKenzie Weddle from Floyd was busy having her own good day. The rising Floyd County High School junior made three birdies on her way to a round of even par 72. Close behind Weddle was Major Ewing of Blacksburg. Ewing posted a score of two over par 74 to finish third in the competitive age group. Walker Gillespie of Pearisburg shot 76 to finish fourth and Ryne Bond of Floyd finished with 77 to earn fifth place.
In the 5,903-yard, par 72 13- to 14-year-old course, Galax’s Grayden Laird broke up the Blacksburg party, firing a two over par to claim a birthday win. On his 14th birthday, Laird mixed two birdies with 11 pars to celebrate in style. Ryan Highfield of Blacksburg was one shot back at 75 to earn second place. Cameron Sharp of Blacksburg was third at 76 in another competitive age group.
Radford’s Hudson Hurt took first in the nine-hole, 2,589-yard par 36course for 10- to 12-year-olds. Hurt shot a 38. Ryan McGinnins of Blacksburg was second with a score of 46. Jack Herbert, also of Blacksburg, finished third with a score of 47.
Blacksburg was back on top in the 9 and under age group with J.J. Robertson carding a 43 on the 36-par course. Marco Beato, also of Blacksburg shot 48 to finish second. Daniel DeJesus of Blacksburg, and Christopher Rizo of Tazewell tied for third place with score of 67.
The Tour continues next week with a stop at the Greenbrier.
