The Evening Junior Optimist Open at Highland Pacific Golf Club on July 19 put the talents of some of the best young golfers in the province under the age of 18 on display.
Kyle Lieman from Highland Pacific was the winning male with a score of 73. He managed a birdie on the first playoff hole, edging out Keaton Gudz, who also shot a 73. Akari Hayashi led the girls in the field of 30 competitors with a 75.
The tournament also included current B.C. amateur champion Nolan Thoroughgood and 2014 junior champion Keaton Gudz, as well as many of the best juniors on the Island, said Warren Reeves, a Professional Golfers Association of Canada Class A professional.
“The calibre of golf for the event was outstanding this year,” said Reeves, who has been involved with the event for the past eight years of its 32-year history. “We owe a big thanks to all our Evening Optimist volunteers, Callaway Golf and all the kids for their ongoing support in making this year’s event such a success.”