2010 Junior Sectional Challenge Match

Southwest Dominates Day Two on Way to Big Win at Junior Sectional Challenge Match

HAWKINSVILLE, GA- The Southwest section outlasted a lengthy weather delay to run away with the 37th annual GSGA Junior Sectional Challenge Match, which took place at Southern Hills Golf Club July 27-28. The Southwest trailed the Northwest section by less than a point after day one, but surpassed the first-round leaders to win by nearly six points.

For the second-straight day, the Southwest was powered by the strong play of Albany's Tyler Joiner in the Boys' 12-13 division. Joiner once again carded the low round of the day, 1-under-par 71. In the Girls' 14-17 division, Jodi Henley of Thomasville and the Northwest's Stephanie Vandiver of Douglasville both carded the low score of the day, 84. Vandiver took first in the division with Henley finishing third, two shots behind Elberton's Hannah Barger (Northeast).

The Northwest Section also picked up first-place finishes in the Boys' 16-17 and Girls' 11 & Under divisions from David Sullivan of Woodstock (76-76) and Abigail Bolt of Woodstock (43-42).

The West section, which finished day one in third place, remained in that position, 23 points out of the lead. The West had help from strong showings across the board, including Charlie Flowers of Columbus, who shot a 75 in the Boys' 14-15 division, which was good enough tie for second along with two Southwest competitors – Jacob Joiner of Albany and Josh Turner of Hazlehurst. Chris Sells of Savannah (Southeast) won the Division with scores of 73-71. The West Section's Daniel Davis of Columbus posted a 35 in the Boys' 11 & Under race, finishing third overall, one stroke behind Southwest teammates Camden Collins of Tifton and Luukas Alakulppi of Valdosta.

Macy Cochran of Evans and the East section posted the low score of the day in the Girls' 12-13 division with a 9-hole score of 40, but it was Bailey Buie of Waycross (Southeast) who won the division with a two-day score of 81 (40-41).

The Junior Sectional Challenge Match is a statewide competition that brings together the top performers from the summer-long GSGA Junior Sectional Program.  Participants earned the opportunity to compete and represent their section in the tournament by accumulating points in their section's qualifying events. Each of the seven geographic sections sends their top four point earners from each boys age division, the top three from each Girls' 14-17 division and the top two from the Girls' 12-13 and 11 and under divisions to the Challenge Match. The team winner, or winning section, is determined by cumulative points earned based on order of finish in the various age divisions during each round.

 

The Junior Sectional Program began in 1974 and was established by the Georgia State Golf Association as a grassroots effort to provide juniors across the state with the opportunity to experience competitive golf.

Final Section Standings
1. Southwest 60.32
2. Northwest 54.61
3. West 37.30
4. Southeast 36.00
5. Middle 12.66
5. Northeast 12.66
7. East 9.41