Junior PGA Championship Dreams Realized in Arlington
By Krystal-Rose Agu
Posted on June 08, 2015, June 08, 2015

Articles-Parks

Photo Credit: The PGA of America

Golfers ages 12 to 18 competed in the third event of the 20th PGA Junior Series at Tierra Verde Golf Club in Arlington June 5-7.

More than 50 boys and girls contended in the series to gain a spot in the 40th Junior PGA Championship in August.

The Junior Series is significant because it allows young players to compete at a national level, said Chad Williams, head PGA golf professional at Tierra Verde Golf Club.

Three divisions comprised the 54-hole, three-round tournament: a girls 12 to 18 division, a boys 12 to 14 division and a boys 15 to 18 division.

Saturday, Zach Howe, 17, said he felt good about being a part of the series and looked forward to improving his game Sunday.

His advice for younger golfers aspiring to one day join the tournament is to have efficient speed in their putts.

"Practice hard coming into it, and be good off the tee," Howe said.

At the end of the boys 15 to 18 division Sunday, Cole Hammer, 15, from Houston, Texas earned a spot in the 40th PGA Junior Championship after shooting a final round of two-under-par 70, and a three day total of nine-under-par 207, according to a PGA press release.

Chandler Rosholt, 15, of Cedar Park, Texas competed in the girls 12 to 18 division and also earned her spot in the Junior Championship after shooting an even par 72, and a three-under-par 213 for the tournament, the press release said.

Brendan Powers, 14, of Mansfield, Texas held on to win the boy's 12 to 14 division.

The Junior Series allows young golfers to compete at a "highly competitive level" and prepares them for collegiate play, said Trey Johnson, PGA Junior Series media relations intern.

Having the tournament at the Tierra Verde Golf Club highlights the level of golf in the area, Johnson said.

"It shows that there's good golf in Arlington, Texas," he said.

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