Vernon’s Ryan Vest carded a final-round 44 Saturday to finish in a six-way tie for 72nd place in the 8 and Under division at the U.S. Kids World Golf Championships in Pinehurst, N.C.
Vest, who had his dad, Jeff, carrying his bag, finished at 42-46-44-132 in the field of 141 at the Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club.
“It was a good experience,” said Jeff. “He was nervous on the first tee and then settled down. I’ve never seen it rain so hard. The poor little guys had to play in that rain for eight holes (Friday) and it also rained Saturday.”
Ryan had one triple-bogey in each round. He qualified by gaining Orange Status in the Desert Shootout at The Wigwam Golf Course in Phoenix in March.
Jay Leng Jr. of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. won the title at -7 under 34-34-33-101. Sihan Sandhu of Ashburn, Va. and William Tu of Vancouver were eight strokes back.
The mission of U.S. Kids Golf is to help kids have fun learning the lifelong game and to encourage family interaction that builds lasting memories.
Vest, who is entering Grade 3 in the Montessori program at Silver Star Elementary, is scheduled to play in a PGA sponsored tournament in Florida this October.
Meanwhile, the sixth annual Founder’s Cup goes Saturday at The Rise with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start.
The tourney is named after the 21 founding members who hail mainly from Vancouver and Alberta.
Vernon’s Justin Baillargeon and DJ Szestopalow pulled off a three-peat in the two-person best ball, last year, carding a sizzling 64.
The golf tournament features $9,000 in prizes. Entry fee is $165 which includes golf and power cart, dinner and prizes and a tee gift. The Friday practice round is $49.
Call The Rise pro shop at 250-545-7425 to register for Saturday’s tourney.
