Waldrip, Madson, Jackson Win Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational
SUPHUR SPRINGS – Wylie Waldrip shot 4-under par 68 to win the Boys 15-18 Division of the weather shortened Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational at Sulphur Springs Country Club. Lauren Madson won the Girls Division at 3-over par 75, while Henry Jackson won the Boys 14 & Under Division in a three-hole playoff, after finishing at 4-under par 68 for the tournament.
After the championship was converted to an 18-hole championship due to weather, Grapevine’s Wylie Waldrip notched a one stroke victory over Tomball’s Grayson Petru. Waldrip recorded five birdies and an eagle enroute to his round of 4-under 68, which included a crucial up and down to save par on the 18th hole.
Trailing Waldrip was Tomball’s Grayson Petru who carded an impressive 3 under 69 in the tough conditions. Dallas’s Deacon Dortch and Magnolia’s Aiden Wright finished tied for third at 2-under par, one stroke ahead of Dallas’s Nathan Zmolik in fifth place.
Mansfield’s Lauren Madson captured her first LJT victory of the year in a one-shot victory after posting 3-over par 75. Madson recorded birdies in the par 5 3rd and par 5 11th holes today.
Spring’s Darcy Wright, Tyler’s Sidney Robertson, and The Woodland’s Joann Bee finished tied for second and one shot off the lead at 4-over 76. Houston’s Lauren Evans, McKinney’s Daniela Sitompul, and Frisco’s Grace Kalina all finished tied for fifth at 5-over 77.
Lantana’s Henry Jackson won the Boys 14 & Under Division in a playoff after 4-under 68. Jackson made three eagles and two birdies in his round on the day. Jackson bested Selma’s Aadi Parmar in a three hole playoff. Dallas’s Luke Olive finishes in third after posting 2-under 70. Dallas’s JD Moore finishes in fourth at 1-under 71, and Spring’s Anthony Butt rounds out the top five at even par 72.
2023 Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational Leaderboard
The Course: Sulphur Springs Country Club is hosting the Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational for the second time. The course played to just under 6500 yards for the Boys 15-18 division, 6200 yards for the Boys 12-14 division and 5700 for the girl’s division.
The Weather: The course received 5” of rain early Saturday morning and consistent showers throughout the day forced play to be cancelled. After being converted to an 18-hole championship, players battled through another ½” of rain fall Sunday morning and temperatures ranging in the low 50’s to high 40’s.
About the Event: The Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational is the final event on the Legends Junior Tour schedule for 2023 and the last chance players have to earn points towards the Player of the Year Standings and earn spots on their respective Jackie Burke Cup teams. The Invitational is open to all players that have an active membership with the Texas Junior Golf Alliance. Players earn exemptions into the field through the Alliance Partners.
About the Texas Junior Golf Alliance: The Alliance is a joint venture between the Texas Golf Association, Northern Texas PGA and Southern Texas PGA. The goal of the Alliance was to allow junior golfers a clear path to the best tournaments in Texas. The players transition from regional events like the NTPGA and STPGA into statewide events like the LJT. The elevation of tours allows junior golfers a chance to grow their game, while preparing them for the next level.
Up Next: The Legends Junior Tour will take the Jackie Burke Cup Matches to Eagle’s Bluff Country Club in Bullard on Nov. 11-12. The Alliance Invitational was the final event for players to earn points towards the Jackie Burke Cup and the North and South Teams will be announced on Monday, October 30th. The South Team has won the cup the past two years.
Player of the Year Winners: Congratulations to the Boys 15-18 Division Player of the Year, Garland’s Garrett McMellon. Joshua’s Kaylee Yuan ran away with the Girls Division Player of the Year honors by posting 4 victories in 6 events this year. Selma’s Aadi Parmar used a runner up finish this weekend to hang onto the Boys 14 & Under Player of the Year honors. Full POY Standings can be viewed here.
For more information on the Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational, click here.