Seventy-one junior golfers assembled at the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech recently to kick off the 2021 Blue Ridge Junior Golf Tour with three Blacksburg golfers and one Radford golfers posting low scores in their respective age groups.
Dwayne Belcher, the tour’s executive director, said it was a real treat for these young players to have the opportunity to play the River Course.
“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,” said Dwayne Belcher, the tour’s executive director. “We are very appreciative of the generosity and know that our members gain much from the day.”
The results for the various age groups were as follows:
17-18 Age Group 6,495 yards Par 72
Jake Albert of Blacksburg earned medalist honors with a 3-over-par 75. Albert made the turn at even par and played steadily on the back nine to gain the four-shot victory over Alex Brannock of Galax, who shot a 79.
15-16 Age Group 5,903 yards Par 72
Pierce Campbell of Blacksburg posted the lowest score of the day with a 2-under par 70 to win the age group. After a slow start, Campbell found himself 3-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 that allowed him to secure medalist honors.
McKenzie Weddle from Floyd was busy having her own good day. The rising Floyd 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 2-over-par 74 to finish third in the competitive age group.
13-14 Age Group 5,903 yards Par 72
Grayden Laird of Galax treated himself to a birthday present by firing a 2-over-par 74 to earn medalist honors. 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.
10-12 Age Group 2,589 yards Par 36
Hudson Hurt of Radford won the age group with a nine-hole score of 38. Ryan McGinnins of Blacksburg was second with a score of 46. Jack Herbert, also of Blacksburg, finished third with a score of 47.
9 and Under Age Group Par 36
J.J. Robertson of Blacksburg won the age group with a score of 43. Marco Beato, also of Blacksburg, shot a 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.
