The McLennan Ross Sun Junior Tour

Strathmore

He's no Rucki any more,,,,,,,,

Derek Rucki, 17, of Chestermere, has been competing in McLennan Ross Sun Junior Tour events since he was thirteen.  He scored an impressive win today at the Strathmore Junior Open, firing a 2-over par 74 to edge his clubmate Dane Biluk and Martin Boland of River's Edge GC in Okotoks by a single shot. Four players tied for fourth with 77s: Adam Monroe of the host club, Mac Keats of Bearspaw, Theo Olver of Three Hills and Nick Becker of Covered Bridge GCC in Hartland, NB who was visiting relatives and decided to play in the tournament to have some fun and meet some new friends. 

Derek Rucki of Calgary GCC, shown here at left, Champion of the Strathmore Junior Open.

Keats' round was highlighted by an eagle 2 on the 288-yard par 4 16th hole when he drove the green pin high 15 feet and drained the putt. Rucki, Boland, Biluk, and Becker  all qualified for the season ending Tour Championship at Wolf Creek Golf Resort today and will be joined by Red Deer's 14 year old Brett Pasula (81) from the flight for boys born in 1996 and later.

Outfit of the day though had to go to Riel Adkin of Heather Glen, shown here above,  who was rocking a pair of green, gold and white diamond patterned slacks that John Daly would have been proud of.  Riel can style.

John Witty of Strathmore was also a happy camper today, but not because of his round of 89.  The host committee under the direction of Head Professional Bryan Bassen do a great job in Stathmore for the kids featuring some terrific draw prizes at the end of the day. Witty walked away with a brand new Taylor Made R9 driver from a luck of the draw where you had to be there to win.  Two players drawn ahead of Witty had gone home and missed out on a fabulous prize.

Theo Olver of Three Hills won the flight for boys born in 1996 and later with a fine 77, good for T4 overall but his scorecard was somewhat unusual.  Theo fired nine consecutive 4's on the back 9 for an even-par 36!  Sure was easy to add up!

In the junior girls division, only three players were on hand today, down from the 18 in Canmore on Monday, but results today still showcased a rising star in Alberta Junior Girls golf.  Katie Griffiths of River Bend in Red Deer fired a personal-best 79 today to take home the hardware, and we know this isn't the last time this promising young player will be heard from in Alberta junior golf circles. Congratulations, Katie!

The Tour has now reached the halfway point of the 2010 season, but some terrific tournaments remain on the schedule. Two important events are coming up next week.  Wednesday, August 4 is the prestigious Kevin Hipple Memorial Junior Open at Pinebrook and Thursday the Tour moves across Calgary to Country Hills GCC for their Junior Open. Having private clubs hosting Tour events is a big feather in the cap of the McLennan Ross Sun Junior Golf Tour, and we certainly don't want to see any kids miss the opportunity to compete at these two terrific golf courses.  Entry deadline for the "Hipple" will be Monday, August 2 at 6 pm but the entry deadline for the Country Hills Jr Open is a day earlier on Sunday, August 1.  PLEASE CALL THE COURSES NOW to ensure you entry will be accepted!

Q = Qualified for Tour Championship at Wolf Creek Golf Resort on August 30.

WC = Wild Card Qualifier for Tour Championship.

PQ = Player had previously qualified for Tour Championship.

Overall Top Ten: