Callaway Junior World Qualifier

The Callaway Junior World Qualifier was held at Lockhaven Country Club on Thursday June 4^th.  The Gateway Section had seventy-two golfers compete to continue on to the Championship tournament to be held at Torrey Pines, La Jolla, California July 14 - 16.  The first place winner in each age category qualified to continue on to the finals.

In his second year playing Gateway Junior Golf, Nathan Nottrott from Maryville, Illinois shot a 74 to win first place for the Boys age 15-17.  Nathan is 15 and will be a junior at Collinsville High School this fall.   His home course is Arlington Greens in Collinsville where he usually plays golf with his dad or friend, Tyler Hermes.  He said the playing conditions at Lockhaven were tough with the wet conditions; drives wouldn’t go anywhere and the greens were slick and fast…the course was in great shape!  He thanks the competitors and the Gateway Junior Golf program for the great tournament.  He especially thanks his parents for their love and support!    At 75, there was a tie for 2^nd place with Nick Goeke and Steve Souchek.  Nick Goeke had a birdie on hole number one to claim second place with Steve Souchek in 3^rd.

Gina DellaCamera from Town and Country, Missouri shot an 87 to claim first place in the Girls 15-17 division.  Gina is a member at Norwood Hills Golf Club and usually plays golf there with her friend, Rachel Thompson.  This will be Gina’s third year on the golf team at St. Joseph’s Academy where she will be a junior this fall.  She said the playing conditions were really wet and she had to keep telling herself not to get mad if she hit a bad shot!  Rachel Thompson took 2^nd with 89 and Kristen Kilpatrick 3^rd with 91.

Cory Boots took 1^st place with an 83 for Boys 14 and under.  Cory is from Quincy, Illinois where he will be a freshman at Quincy Notre Dame High School.  Cory usually plays golf at Quincy Country Club with his friends, Will, Tom and Zach.  He said the course was hard and wet…had to put the ball in the fairway….it was tough!!  Seth Smith took 2^nd with 84 and Drew Blaske 3^rd with 91.

Shawn Rennegarbe of Addieville, Illinois won the Girls 14 and under division with a 97.  Shawn will be in 8^th grade this fall.  She usually plays golf with her dad and older sister at Ronald Barkau Memorial Golf Course.  Shawn said the course was very wet and hilly but pretty open.  Shawn was the only competitor in this age division.