By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Twenty-one young golfers turned out at Orchard Hills Country Club Tuesday morning to compete in the Optimist Junior District Qualifier.
The event, sponsored by the Optimist Clubs of Niles, Berrien Springs and Three Oaks, handed out prizes to the top two or three finishers in four age groups. The top two in each age group qualified for the state tournament which will be held at El Dorado Golf Course in Mason on Wednesday, June 23.
Only two golfers participated in the two youngest age groups, 10-11 and 12-13. Six golfers took part in the 14-15 age group and 11 competed in the 16-18 division.
Each top three finisher received a placque and the top two in each age group will have their entry fee for the State Tournament paid by the local Optimist Clubs.
The winners of the State Tournament will be sent to the National Tournament at the PGA National Resort in West Palm Beach, Fla. Expenses will be paid by the Michigan District Optimists.
Chris Noble won the 10-11 bracket with a nine-hole score of 45. Brett Phillips finished second with a score of 68.
Terrill Blake took first place in the 12-13 division with a nine-hole score of 37. Chad Majerek took second place with a score of 72.
Jeff Jurgosnki won the 14-15 age division with a round of 85. After a one-hole playoff, Ryan Clem finished second and Alex Welch took third. Both shot rounds of 94.
Finally, Ben Landgraf outlasted the 16-18 age group field with his round of 78. Nathan Saunders finished second with a score of 81 and C.J. Wright took third place with a round of 82.