The local qualifier for the Trusted Choice Big I Junior Golf Classic was held at the Oakmont Country Club on June 21. This event was hosted by the Insurance Agents and Brokers of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena.

First place in the boys’ division was captured by UC Berkeley bound Robin Jang shooting a score of two over, 74. Second place was won by 11-year-old Connor Brown posting a 75 and third place was Village Christian golf team member Joel Yoo. All three of these golfers qualified for the second stage state event. Also qualifying were Richie Maloof, Adrian Chia, Connor Muir, Jack Bouchard and Harry Yadav.

The girls’ division low score was shot by Jocelyn Chia of La Crescenta shooting a three under par, 70. Jennifer Kim of La Cañada took second with a score of 79 and Monica Petchakan was third with a score of 79. All three of these girls qualified for the next stage along with fourth place finisher Audrey Chung of La Cañada.

For six of the players (including Connor Brown), this was their second 18-hole round of the day. There was another junior event for golfers 12 and under in Alhambra earlier in the day. All of these young golfers walked and played 36 holes in one day earning them the nickname the “Oakmont 36.”

“This will be one of the strongest groups that we have seen advance to the state qualifier,” said Tournament Chair Rick Dinger. “We are really hoping to have a player from our community advance to the National Championship.”

The state qualifier will be held on July 7-8 in Santa Cruz. The five low boys and two low girls will be invited to compete this August at the Reunion Golf & Country Club in Mississippi for the National Championship.

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