B.C. Golf's Juvenile (16 and under) Boys' and Girls' Championship heads to Crown Isle this week.
Defending his 2012 title against a hungry field of 102 challengers will be Henry Lee, 15, of Coquitlam. No doubt to be leaderboard favourites include Coldstream's Austin Bosquet, 16, Parksville's Santiago Bouyra, 16, 2011 bantam boys champion A.J. Ewart, 14, of Coquitlam, 15-year-old Alex Francois of Burnaby and recent PNGA Junior Boys' standout Andrew Funk, 16, of Sidney.
Others to watch as potential Gerry Walker Memorial trophy holders are Courtenay's Matthew Irvine and Logan Yanick, both 16-year-old members of Crown Isle.
Trevor Yu, 16, of Vancouver recently posted exceptional numbers at the Canada Summer Games as a member of the gold medal performing Team BC. Diego San Pedro, 15, of Richmond was crowned an Eddie Hogan Cup Team BC champion this month.
In the Girls' Championship, Janet Zhang will not be defending her 2012 title, leaving the way for the likes of 16-year-old Keanna Mason of Maple Ridge, Team Canada Development Squad member Naomi Ko, 16 of Victoria, 13-year-old phenom Sumie Francois of Burnaby or Halfmoon Bay's Avery Struck, 16.
Both championships will be 54-hole stroke play competitions beginning Tuesday. The Boys' Championship features a cut to the low 60 players and ties following 36 holes. Due to a limited field, no cut will occur after 36-holes for the girls. During rounds one and two, zone and club team competitions will be contested.
The girls' championship was first contested in 2005 while the first boys' tourney was 1974. Since then a plethora of champions have emerged victorious including Jim Rutledge in 1976.
Following the passing of Gerry Walker, a dedicated volunteer of British Columbia Golf, the Juvenile Boys' trophy was named in his honour thanks to his tireless volunteer effort and his unwavering passion for junior golf.
Spectators are encouraged to attend. Entry is free-of-charge.
For tee times and scoring results for the Boys' Championship, please click here.
For tee times and scoring results for the Girls' Championship, please click here.