Kids Advance to Sweet 16 at CommonGround Golf Course in Sweltering 96-Degree Heat
Despite the intense 96-degree heat, the young golfers at CommonGround Golf Course displayed remarkable resilience and skill as they battled their way from the round of 32 to the sweet 16. The competition was fierce, and the matches provided plenty of drama and excitement.
Boys’ Division
Tyler Long advanced with a solid 3&2 victory against Ryland Doolittle. The match was tight through the front nine and even up to hole 10, but Tyler’s clutch birdies and pars down the stretch secured his win. Kellen Ball edged out Mason Hill 1 up after an 18-hole thriller. Kellen’s spectacular 40-foot birdie putt on hole 17 gave him the edge he needed to clinch the match. He will now face Tyler Long as the 16th seed.
Dalton Sisneros made a remarkable comeback from 3 down to defeat Jackson Stewart 3&1. He will take on Connor Scheich, who had a dominating round, winning 6&5 against Michael Rosman thanks to a hot putter. Landon Houska also moved on with a 3&2 win over Hunter Simmons. Henry Star and Peyton Walker had an epic battle that went to 20 holes before Henry secured the win with a par on the last hole.
Charlie Doyle maintained a steady lead throughout his match against Ryan Brady, winning 2 up. Colgin Youssi won decisively against Billy Ver Straate 5&3 and will face Charlie Doyle next. Andre Dumonteil, the 31st seed, overcame the heat and upset 2nd seed Jonathon Smith 2&1.
In another notable match, Clint Summers defeated Brayden Scheich 2&1. A dramatic comeback saw Parker Shirola overturn a 6-hole deficit to win 1 up against Ryan Woodley, who lost his ball on the final hole. Elijah Johnson also staged a comeback, overcoming a 3-hole deficit to beat Brayden DeStefano 2&1. Jesse Hand had a consistent performance to win 2&1 against Campbell McFadden. Jack Newton was on fire with birdies all day, winning 6&4 against Karthik Ashokprabhu. Alex Lest beat Lincoln Mackay 5&4 and will face last year’s runner-up, Noah Richmond, who won 3&2 against Gavin Amella.
Girls’ Division
The girls’ matches saw some impressive performances as well. Ashleigh Wilson, the top seed, advanced with a dominating 7&6 victory over Riley Kinsella. Ashleigh’s recent form, including qualifying for the US Girl’s Junior Championship, has been outstanding. She will face Brynn Balliet, who won 3&2 against Makaela Swanson.
CheyAnne Schrick edged out Caroline Ryan 1 up and will face Macy Kleve, who won her match against Taylor Hale 6&4. Brenna Higgins, last year’s champion, secured the 4th seed with a 6&5 victory over Mollie Todd and will play Shae Maiorana next. Shae won a tight match against Tatum Platt 2&1 and is confident after defeating Brenna last year during the high school season.
Landry Frost and Annette Parker had a nail-biting match that went to 20 holes before Landry secured the win. She will play Zoe Bar-Or, who won 4&3 against Raleigh Puzio. Sophia Lee, the day 1 leader, continued her dominant form with an 8&7 win over Ayla Rueschhoff. She will face Addison Hines, who won 3&1 against her friend Hope Torres.
Lenna Persson defeated Kaitlyn Grommeck 3&2 and will play Isabella Scott, who won 2&1 against Chloe Johnson. Logan Hale showcased her determination with a 7&6 victory over Payten Baca and will face Scout Fitzgerald, who won 5&3 against Richa Sajjan. Ellie Barry’s impressive long putts secured her a 1 up victory against Audrey Whitmore in a match that went to the final hole. Ellie will face Ashley Chang, who won 2&1 against Maddie Makino.
The young golfers showed remarkable skill and tenacity, advancing to the sweet 16 despite the challenging conditions. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on these talented players as they continue to vie for the championship.