The CJGA Tournament of Champions draws one of the best junior golf fields of the year in Colorado, both for boys and girls. But in recent golf seasons, it’s probably more remembered for crummy weather than stellar play.
Three years ago, the invitation-only event was canceled altogether due to inclement conditions. In 2010, a full 36 holes were played, but it was cold, drizzly and windy. And last year, the tournament was shortened to 18 holes because of the weather.
And — surprise, surprise — it looks like more of the same is in store this weekend as the 2012 edition of the Tournament of Champions is scheduled for the Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs.
“It’s unbelievable; it really is,” CJGA director of junior competitions Eric Wilkinson noted regarding the Tournament of Champions’ bad luck in the weather department.
The event is scheduled to include two rounds — one Saturday at the West Course and one Sunday at the East — weather-permitting. With cold and rain or snow forecast for Saturday, it’s possible the tournament could be reduced to 18 holes like last year. A determination will be made on Friday. (Friday update: Saturday’s round has been canceled, but tournament organizers are planning for play on Sunday.)
Assuming the event can be played, many of the state’s top junior golfers are scheduled to be on hand. Both of the 2011 champions — Jimmy Makloski (pictured above) of Pueblo Country Club and Claudia Davis (pictured at left) of Glenmoor Country Club — are set to defend their titles.
This year, Makloski has won the CGA Junior Stroke Play, the CJGA Junior Series Championship and the AJGA Junior at Fox Hill. And Davis teamed with Allie Johnston to claim the CWGA Mashie Championship earlier this year.
But that’s just the start.
Also in the boys field are 5A state high school champion Kyler Dunkle of The Club at Pradera, 3A winner Ben Moore, 2010 and ’11 3A champ Ethan Freeman, 2012 CGA Junior Match Play winner Andrew Romano of Colorado Golf Club and U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier Josh Seiple of Castle Pines Golf Club.
On the girls side, Calli Ringsby of Denver Country Club is coming off a sterling summer. She won both the CWGA Junior Stroke Play and Junior Match Play and she competed for America in the USA-China Youth Golf Match in California. Also scheduled to play is Jennifer Kupcho, the CJGA Junior Series Championship winner.
In addition this weekend, the CJGA will hold its Junior Ryder Cup for 11-13 year-olds at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora.
Twenty-four boys and girls — 12 each representing Team USA and Team Europe — will compete in nine-hole foursomes and four-ball matches on Saturday, then 18 holes of singles on Sunday. Among those playing is Coby Welch, the CJGA 11-13 Junior Series Champion. (Friday update: Like at the Tournament of Champions, Saturday’s action at the Junior Ryder Cup has been canceled. The plan on Sunday is to play three nine-hole matches: four-ball on the Kids’ Course, and foursomes and singles on the regulation course.)
