Carr Vernon named 2010 Junior Player of the Year

After a long summer of challenging tournaments and many champions, Carr Vernon of Poplar Bluff, is crowned 2010 Junior Player of the Year.  Vernon started his summer season off with a bang.  He was victorious at the Ozark Invitational winning by two strokes (pictured right with trophy).  Vernon was the youngest player to win this tournament at the age of 16.

Next notable finish was at the Missouri Amateur.  Vernon qualified for the Missouri Amateur in a tie for fourth place shooting an even par.  During the week of the Missouri Amateur Vernon had to win in a playoff to advance to match play.  He was seeded in the 63^rd spot.  His match where he was defeated in the first round was to the eventual Missouri Amateur Champion, Brad Nurski.  The tournament that clutched his award was qualifying for the U.S. Amateur.  Vernon shot the only under par round in round 1, carding a 69.  Vernon will travel to Washington to compete at Chambers Bay, August 23-29.

Other juniors in the top five on the Junior Player of the Year list include Jacob Fair, Ben Crancer, Austin Lowe, and Joey Johnson.  Jacob Fair of Monett, MO captured his points as our reigning Junior Match Champion and tied for 11^th at the Junior Amateur.  Ben Crancer of Kirkwood, MO recently qualified for the USGA Junior Amateur along with Austin Lowe of Kansas City, MO.  Both Crancer and Lowe tied for 11^th in the Junior Amateur.  Lowe has had a successful summer.  Lowe tied for eleventh overall as mentioned early but he also tied for second in the 14-15 year old division.  Lastly, Joey Johnson of Ozark, MO had a top finish at the Junior Amateur in a three way tie for second place.  Johnson also finished in the quarterfinals of the Junior Match Play.

Congratulations to all juniors.  We hope to see everyone next summer!