The US Kids Golf World Championships has begun at Pinehurst, NC… and 9 year old James Imai did something most golfers only dream about doing on Day 1, let alone in competition. James made a hole-in-one! His first ever ace came on the Par 3 - 5th Hole at the very challenging Pinehurst No.8 course.
This was only the 16th hole-in-one at the US Kids World Championship since 2000. Pretty impressive!
James featured on the big screen at the main Pinehurst Clubhouse
Fourteen year old Katharine Fortin had never won a golf tournament, up until three weeks ago. She now has 3 victories!
Yesterday Katharine took home her third straight tournament win and became the 2010 Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts Silver Division Junior Champion.
Katharine Fortin holding the WGAM Juniors Silver Division trophy
In the girls 14-15 year old division (fifty four player field), Vinh-Hoa fired rounds of 78-79-75 and came in 14th place over-all. In the girls 12-13 year old division (forty player field), Vinh-Hop fired rounds of 77-77-75 and tied for 11th.
Ngo sisters at the Optimist Championship
MyGolfingGoals Academy players Andrew O’Leary and Owen Murphy took 1st & 2nd place in the 2010 New England Junior Open Championship last week. O’Leary shot his career low round to take home the title, which was his first ever tournament win.
“Andrew and Owen have been working incredibly hard on their games this summer and it is paying off.” said coach Bill McInerney. “They really enjoy practicing and competing. They are wonderful to work with, and I am very proud of both of them!”
Andrew O'Leary... 2010 New England Junior Open Champion
MyGolfingGoals Academy would like to congratulate 14 year old Katharine Fortin for winning the Callaway NEPGA Junior Campbells Scottish Highlands Championship, the girls 14-18 year old division. Katharine racked up four birdies for the day, which included birdies on her final two holes - AWESOME finish! This was Katharine’s first ever tournament win! We are all very proud of you Katharine… keep up the great work!
Earlier this year I interviewed Justin Peters before he had even tee’d it up in a Nationwide event this year. He was basically waiting for the reshuffle and his chance to play. Justin’s journey to this point in his career has been a long one, but just like his ringtone “Don’t stop believing”, he hasn’t. Justin is starting to see some great success on the Nationwide Tour and has made 4 of 7 cuts. His best finish coming at the Melwood Prince George’s County Open where he finished T12.
You seem to be playing with a lot of confidence right now. Is there anything that you could point to as a reason you are starting to see so much more success?
Justin Peters: I would say I am starting to see more success because of the mental training I have been doing over the last couple of years. Working with my coach Bill McInerney and utilizing www.MyGolfingGoals.com has made a huge improvement on following the map to reach my goals.
You’re making a lot of great progress, making 4 of 7 cuts so far this year. After struggling to get to this level for so many years, how good does it feel to be out there, especially being in the final group over both days on the weekend in Maryland?
Justin Peters: It makes all the struggles worth it. There have been many people who thought I was crazy for sticking with it and taking so many financial risks, but I never stopped believing that I could do it. Even though I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be, I am now a lot closer. Being able to experience the final group for two days in a row was awesome. We all work our butts off to try and get into the final group to be in position to win. I know I didn’t win this time, but as long as I keep putting myself in contention, the wins will come.
MyGolfingGoals Academy player, James Imai, clinched another victory at the US Kids Hartford Spring Tour Championship. James had a challenging start to his day, but stayed patient, persevered, and played the last 3 holes at 2 under par after holing out a 25 yard pitch shot for an eagle.
This was James’ third win of the season on the Hartford Spring Tour. With this win, James captured Player of The Year honors - along with getting him a special invitation into the US Kids World Championships, which will be held at Pinehurst Resort in early August.
Congratulations James!
James with US Kids Player of The Year Trophy
MyGolfingGoals Academy at McGolf is pleased to announce that our Director of Golf and Player Development, Bill McInerney, has been ranked #1 on the New England Golf Monthly’s Top 25 Best Instructors list for 2010. NEGM’s Top 25 in New England Golf Awards are voted on by the golfer, the media and the industry.
The ranking of the list can be found in copies of New England Golf Monthly Magazine, or by visiting the New England Golf Monthly website.
McInerney was also recently named to the Honorable Mention list of the U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Best Kids Teachers in America, for overall excellence and commitment to serving youth.
Congratulations to 9 Year Old James Imai for taking home his first victory of 2010. Yesterday, James sank an 8 foot putt for birdie on the final hole to win the US Kids, Hartford Spring Tours first event. Way to kick off the season James!!!
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