Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Christiansburg alum Adam Anker is the 2017 Blue Ridge Junior Golf Tour player of the year in the 16-18 age group.
This fall, he will take his will continue his career at Roanoke College.
After a season that brought several first places finishes in weekly contests, Anker feels honored with the individual award that was announced Wednesday.
He started playing golf at Christiansburg High School as a freshman, but he wasn’t “all-in” on the course, as his attention was split between two sports.
His first two years of high school, Anker also wrestled, but three knee injuries pulled him away from the mat and closer to the greens.
“I fell completely in love with golf,” he said.
He shot a 78 in this year’s conference tournament and caught the eye of a coach from Roanoke College. A short time later, he made his decision to play at the Division III school.
This fall, Anker will join Hidden Valley’s Brad Williams as incoming golfers. The two were opponents for the past few years, but now will become both roommates and teammates.
“I am very excited about joining Brad at Roanoke College. Originally, I had planned to go to Campbell and study in the PGA (Professional Golf Association) program there. But I just thought Roanoke was a better place,” he said.
In addition to the Blue Ridge Tour, Anker also played in the Roanoke Valley Youth Tournament and another one in Myrtle Beach. “I feel I have gotten a lot better this summer,” he said.
He describes his golf game as being solid and believes he is in a good place.
“Now, I hope to prove myself,” Anker said as he looked ahead to Roanoke College.
His low is a 70 at Auburn Hills and a 73 in tournament play.
Anker was joined on the Blue Ridge Junior Golf all-star team by Carter Vance of Riner. He is leaning toward a degree in business administration with the hopes that he can work at a golf course or become course pro after graduation.
“I would like to play competitively as long as possible,” Anker concluded.
The Blue Ridge Junior Golf Tour final event was held this week at the Wytheville Country Club. Anker finished tied for third after shooting a 79.
Seth Walker of Christiansburg was named to the 14-15 age group all-star team, while Jack Davis and Ben Shull, both of Radford were named to the 12-13 all-star team.
The Blue Ridge Junior Golf Tour completed its 19th season with the completion of the Tour Championship, and will hold its “2 Tour Challenge” featuring six players from the Blue Ridge Tour and the Roanoke Valley Tour on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Auburn Hills Golf Club in Riner.
