Golfers invited to junior tour

    The Maine State Golf Association welcomes juniors under the age of 18 to an exciting 2010 season ahead. With new and returning hosts, the Maine Junior Golf Tour will kick off at Belgrade Lakes, June 22, with the Kit Bartlett Memorial Tournament. The MSGA is also pleased to announce that this year, the northern portion of the tour has been folded into the regular schedule, to invite and encourage young golfers from all over the state to explore new courses.
    The first tournament in Aroostook County will be on June 28, hosted by Aroostook Valley Country Club. Note that with every tournament played, junior scores can be used toward the opportunity to represent the MSGA juniors at the New England Junior Championship at Abenaqui Country Club in Rye Beach, N.H., August 16-18. All six New England states are represented by the top seven junior golfers. Maine’s team will be comprised of the 2010 Junior Champion, along with the next six best scoring averages of players who are eligible.
    After Aroostook Valley Country Club, the county swing will follow up with three tournaments scheduled July 12 at Presque Isle Golf Course, July 19 at Caribou Golf Course and July 20 at JATO Highlands. The Tour will culminate with the Maine Junior Championship, hosted by Val Halla in Cumberland on August 3-5. Following the Junior Championship, the Maine team will be determined for the New England Junior  Championship.
    Last year, along with other top junior golfers of Maine, the Houlton Community player, Ian Gervais, competed at Old Marsh, contributing to an overall third-place finish.
    Abenaqui, a world-class 6,697–yard golf course, has opened their doors to the Junior New England Championship this year. In the past, Abenaqui has hosted events such as the Women’s New England Championship, USGA qualifying events and New Hampshire championships. It is known to give players a challenge.
    The Maine State Golf Association is anticipating a great season and seeing all their Junior Golfers enjoying the game of golf. For complete details on the New England Junior Championship, as well as the complete Maine Junior Golf Tour schedule, please check out the MSGA website at www.mesga.org.