Gardner wins 18U boys' crown

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 19, 2009 1:46 PM

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One day before Tiger Woods hit his first shot at the U.S. Open, some of the best and brightest young golfers in eastern North Carolina teed off in search of a Wayne County Junior Amateur title at Lane Tree Golf Club.

The 32-player field took to the course in the early-morning hours and were treated to near-perfect scoring conditions. Soft greens and lush fairways made for low rounds in each age group.

"The rain that came through on Tuesday was good for the course," said tournament organizer Stan Adams. "We are glad it stopped before the first tee time so the weather wasn't a factor."

The competition was neck-and-neck in the 18U boys' division throughout most of the day.

Taylor Gardner fired an 18-hole round of 76 which was good enough to hold off Jackson Shearin, who finished one stroke behind. Davis Taylor captured third place with a round of 82.

A three-hole playoff was used to decide the boys 15U winner.

Eastern Wayne standout Caleb Jones recorded a par on the third playoff hole and earned first-place honors. Southern Wayne's Will Bunch came home in second place after each player carded a 79 in regulation play.

"We had some pretty good matches out there today," said Adams. "The numbers were slightly down from last year, but that didn't take away from the quality of play."

Familiar foes did battle for the third consecutive year in the boys' 13U group. Nick Adams carded a one-over 73 to take home the first-place trophy. Kyle Best finished two strokes back.

Wesley Simmon captured third place with an 80.

"Nick and Kyle have been playing against each other for a few years now and every year it's a close match," said Adams. "Two years ago, Kyle got the best of it and last year they played within one stroke."

In 11U boys' play, Seth Braddy carded a nine-hole total of 48 which was good enough to best Lucas McKay by three shots. Drew Barnes and Andrew Braddy each fired nine-hole rounds of 60 to finish in a tie in the 9U boys' pairing. Barnes emerged the victor in a card playoff.

Jasmine Reeves captured the girls 18U honors with a round of 94. Reeves was the lone female participant in this year's event.

"I would love to get some more girls out here next year," said Adams. "We had some late entries and things like that, and it just worked out that only one girl came out to play."

All players were treated to a prepared lunch at the course and a tournament shirt.