Page 29 - Spring 2014 Magazine.indd

Spring 2014 • 27

In the summer of 2012, I won two Optimist tournaments, the local qualifer and the Midwestern Ontario Championship. In the summer of 2013, I had two top 5’s in Golf Association of Ontario U15 series tournaments.

The highlight of my 2013 season had to be my trip to the Optimist International Championships in Florida. There I met new friends from all over the world, and also some mentors whom I still keep in touch with today. I also experienced the highest level of competition the world had to offer at this tournament. Because of this tournament, I have been motivated to play in other high competition events back home in Canada to pursue my dreams.

When all the snow is gone, golf is my only focus. I play every day in competition or just a fun round with my friends. To enhance my game, I have a personal coach who helps me with my technique, as well as my ftness and nutrition. I played on the high school golf team this fall. My strength, other than golf, is my academics. I currently have a 4.0 GPA and hope to combine my golf and academics for a US Golf Scholarship, studying business and playing golf in University would be a dream come true.

Conner Steckly

Fore the Better

District Qualifers

Optimist Districts host more than 50 qualifers with top fnishers advancing to the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. These Districts will be seeking contributions from Optimist Clubs and Members to help send these junior golfers to the International Championships in Florida this July. To view the schedule of District qualifers, visit golf.optimist.org.

Tournament of Champions

The dates of the 2014 Optimist International Tournament of Champions are November 8-9 at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This competition is a 36-hole stroke play event with golfers competing in the following divisions: Boys 11-13, Boys 14-15, Boys 16-18, Girls 11-13 and Girls 14-18.

Optimist Junior Golf Tour

Optimist Junior Golf partnered with the Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy to hold an Optimist Junior Tour event in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in February. This two-day tournament featured more than 60 junior golfers competing in three age divisions. This new event on the Optimist Junior Golf calendar has been included in the Junior Golf Scoreboard and North Carolina state rankings.

In early March, WaterChase Golf Club in Fort Worth, Texas, hosted the second Optimist Junior Tour event of the season. This tournament was also ranked by the Junior Golf Scoreboard. Top fnishers of both events will advance to the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships in July. For tournament results and details, visit golf.optimist.org.

Optimist Junior Golf Notes and News