Junior Golfers Vie For Trip To Nationals

SPOKANE — Monday was a big day for some of the best junior golfers in the area, as Manito played host to a U.S.G.A. national junior qualifier.

Twenty- eight boys and 31 girls teed it up, trying to punch there ticket to the finals. It was tougher for the boys, as only the winner moved on to nationals at Skoal Creek, Ala.  There was a little more room for error on the girls’ side. The top six girls advanced to Hartford, Conn. As good as the golf in our area is, it’s getting harder and harder to advance.

“I think Spokane has a very strong junior program around Spokane, and so there are a lot of kids that are interested in playing, and always have been,” U.S.G.A. junior girls’ committee member Susan Prugh said.

Spokane’s Chessy Thomas from Manito and Lewis & Clark High School was one of three girls to tie for first and move on. She was the only local girl to advance. The only boys’ spot went to Justin Haas, also of Manito and L.C. He shot a six under par 138 for the two rounds. Good luck to both.