Following two Junior Match Play qualifiers for players under 18, conducted by the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA), the Championship began Saturday at Parkersburg Country Club.
The field of 16 boys was reduced to the “Round of 8,” while the field of six girls determined the semi-finalists.
On the girls’ side, Audrey Kerr of Bridgeport and Madilyn Buttrey of Williamstown had a bye round into the semi-finals. In other matches, Lexi Green of Charleston defeated Kianna Garrison of Moundsville 2 up, while McKenzie Armstrong of Belmont defeated Scarlett Albertson of Charleston 5 and 4. In the semi-final round, Kerr defeated Green 6 and 4, while Buttrey defeated Armstrong 2 and 1. In finals action, Kerr will face Buttrey Sunday for the Championship.
Action leading to the “Round of 8” on the boys side saw:
- McCartney Hinkle of Bluefield, Va., defeated Wyatt Maynard of Barboursville, 6 and 5;
- Kellen Pauley of Hurricane defeated Justus Mann of Chapmanville in 21 holes;
- Will Gruse of Charleston defeated Alexander Randolph of Bridgeport in 19 holes;
- Cooper Ward of Beaver defeated Carson Sergent of Huntington 3 and 2;
- Tyler Beard of Lewisburg defeated Grant Winkler of Daniels 1 up;
- Marshall Creel of Millwood defeated Isaac Hutchison of Lewisburg 5 and 3;
- Jack Michael of Huntington defeated Isaac Hayes of Hurricane 5 and 4; and
- Stephen McDavid of Scott Depot defeated Andrew Pennybacker of Wheeling 9 and 7.
In the semi-final round, Hinkle defeated Pauley 3 and 1, Gruse defeated Ward 5 and 4, Beard defeated Creel 5 and 3, and Michael defeated McDavid 7 and 5.
The boys’ finals and championship will be determined Sunday.
“Since junior golf started here with the late Larry Martin, we love hosting the kids and the Junior Match Play Championship,” said Parkersburg’s Head Golf Professional Adam Chesnut. “The course is in terrific shape with a healthy rough and great greens.”
“We had cooler temperatures for the golfers today, and it was a good day to start this championship,” said WVGA Director of Junior Golf and Core Services Lucas Ware. “Thanks to Adam Chesnut and his staff for hosting us this weekend!”
Click here for a complete list of today’s final scores.
For more information, please visit wvga.org.