All eyes were on the Indianwood Golf & Country Club in Orion Township a few weeks ago when it hosted the 2012 U.S. Senior Open.
While it was certainly exciting and glamorous, there’s no denying those golfers who chipped and putted in the national spotlight represent the sport’s past.
Enthusiasts interested in the sport’s future were paying close attention to the Junior Golf League at the Oxford Hills Golf & Country Club on E. Drahner Rd.
The popular league came to end on Friday, Aug. 3 as three young men walked away with trophies for the mantel and bragging rights for the year.
Oxford resident Nick Gwisdalla was the first flight champion. He shot a 44 playing nine holes Friday.
Lake Orion resident Kyle Holobaugh earned the second flight championship with a score of 54.
Coleton Campbell, of Oxford, claimed the third flight championship. He shot a 51.
A total of 36 youths, ranging in age from 10-15, participated in the annual Junior Golf League.
Players were divided into flights based on age and ability.
‘It gives the kids more of a league format,? explained Tim Kalohn, director of golf at Oxford Hills, who noted it’s designed for players who have more experience as opposed to beginners. ‘Most of them have been through lessons and clinics, stuff like that. Being in a league format, they’re on their own ? they have to keep their score and play by the rules.?
The youths also learned how to keep a commitment as they played nine holes at Oxford Hills every Friday morning for seven weeks this summer.
Kalohn believes the junior league is very important with regard to cultivating future generations of golfers.
‘A lot of the high school team players started here,? he said.