Final Results - IJGT NorCal Jr. at Darkhorse G.C.

Lowe Wins First IJGT Event

Leppek Victorious at Darkhorse

AUBURN, Calif. - The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) held the NorCal Junior at Darkhorse Golf Club in Auburn, Calif., on Sept. 21-22. The two-day, 36-hole event was contested at Darkhorse Golf Club, which is ranked the eighth best course you can play according to Golfweek Magazine. A talented field with players ages 10-19 took on the course, competing for national rankings and IJGT Merit Points.

Logan Lowe of Grass Valley, Calif., won the Boys 15-19 Division in his first appearance in an IJGT Event. The first round was key to his success in the tournament as he built himself a large cushion after an impressive 1-over-par 73. Darkhorse Golf Club was not playing easy that day, as consistent rain was falling for the entire back-nine. Lowe made two birdies on his round, but the highlight of his round came on the par-4, eighth hole where he holed out from 135 yards for eagle.

"I hit a wedge and I started walking because I thought it was going to be good. And then my grandparents and parents started screaming so I knew it went into the hole," commented Lowe.

Going into the final round, Lowe did not change his approach. He was consistent and avoided any large numbers that would have allowed his fellow competitors a chance to take the lead from him. After 10 pars and two birdies he finished his round with a 7-over-par 79 which was good enough to secure a 10-stroke victory.

"I really didn't think any differently out there. I just tried to take it one shot at a time," said Lowe.

Finishing in a tie for second place were Karl Beidle of Reno, Nev., and Michael Bove of Truckee, Calif., who finished with a tournament total of 162.

In the Boys 14 & Under Division, Grant Leppek of Rocklin, Calif., was once again victorious in an IJGT Event. Leppek played solid both days en route to a 152 tournament total. He was able to navigate the difficult golf course and make the key putts when he needed. In the first round, Leppek battled the worst of the rain as he played 10 holes after the weather delay.

"The front nine (in the first round) had great conditions, but on the back nine it changed severely," said Leppek.

Leppek saved his best game for the last day of the NorCal Junior where he posted a 2-over-par 74 which was the low round of the day. It also earned him the Clazic Belts Low Final Round Award. During his round, Leppek was able to convert 14 pars including six consecutive ones to start his round. His lone birdie on the day came on the 15th hole where he dropped a 40-foot putt to his own disbelief.

"It was pretty much just hit it and hope," commented Leppek.

This was Leppek's second IJGT victory with the first coming at the NorCal Open at Eagle Ridge last November. Finishing in second place was Michael Tan of Carmichael, Calif., with a tournament total of 170. Rounding out the top three was Cole Skach of Reno, Nev., with a tournament total of 190.

The Girls Division played out the same as the other divisions where the first-round leaders held onto their leads to secure victories. Trae Jones of Sparks, Nev., put together a solid final round of 83 to fend off the competition at Darkhorse Golf Club.

In the first round, Jones had a little trouble prior to the weather delay. She made two double-bogeys on the front nine but quickly regrouped on the back nine where she played her last two holes in 1-under-par to shoot an opening-round 86 giving her a four-stroke advantage going into the last round.

The last day was much smoother for Jones as she started off very well making a birdie and four pars en route to a 40 on the front nine. She was able to stay steady on the back nine to finish off her tournament with an 83 which also earned her the Clazic Belts Low Final Round Award. This was Jones's first career IJGT title. Finishing in second place was Gurman Kaur of Elk Grove, Calif., who recorded a tournament score of 176 for the Event.

"Today (final round) I was just playing for par. I was playing against the course and taking it one shot at a time," said Jones.

The IJGT West Coast tour will be back in action on Nov. 16-17 in Half Moon Bay, Calif., for Pacific Coast Open at Half Moon Bay. The scenic golf course is located on the Pacific Ocean and is featured in many publications as a top golf destination in all of California.

To sign up for this Event, or others, visit www.IJGT.com/info or call 888.936.5327.

About the IJGT

The IJGT provides exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game. As a tour that operates primarily throughout the academic year, the IJGT hosts approximately 60 tournaments annually. In addition, the IJGT hosts three international events. Each event provides multi-day competition for junior golfers of all skill levels ages 9-19. Players representing 45 states and 43 countries around the world regularly compete in events at venues such as TPC Sawgrass, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Kiawah Island Resort, and Harbour Town Golf Links. Official partners of the IJGT include Bridgestone Golf, Quagmire Golf, CHAMP Spikes, Clazic Belts, AB Golf Designs, The First Tee, Sundog Eyewear, Golfweek morodZ, PURE Grips, and the International Junior Golf Academy.

To obtain more information about the IJGT, please visit www.IJGT.com/info or call 888.936.5327.

AUBURN, Calif. - Final-round results of the IJGT NorCal Junior at Darkhorse Golf Club conducted by the International Junior Golf Tour completed September 22, 2013. Boys 15-19 Division: Copper Tees - 6,765 yards, Par 72 (73.3/136) Boys 14 & Under Division: Blue Tees - 6,219 yards, Par 72 (70.8/129) Girls Division: Whtie Tees - 5,714 yards, Par 72 (77.9/142)

Weather: Saturday: Rainy with temperatures in the low 60's with 5-10 mph winds
Sunday: Sunny with temperatures in the high 60's with 0-5 mph winds

International Junior Golf Tour
NorCal Junior at Darkhorse Golf Club
Auburn, Calif.
September 21-22, 2013

Boys 15-19 Division - Black Tees, 6,765 yards, Par 72
1. Logan Lowe, Grass Valley, CA, *73-79--152
2. Karl Beidle, Reno, NV, *81-81--162
2. Michael Bove, Truckee, CA, *79-83--162
4. Louie Euer, Loomis, CA, *84-87--171
5. Jake Leppek, Rocklin, CA, *90-94--184

Boys 14 & Under Division - Blue Tees, 6,219 yards, Par 72
1. Grant Leppek, Rocklin, CA, *78-74-152
2. Michael Tan, Carmichael, CA, *81-89--170
3. Cole Skach, Reno, NV, *89-101--190

Girls Division - White Tees, 5,714 yards, Par 72
1. Trae Jones, Sparks, NV, *86-83-169
2. Gurman Kaur, Elk Grove, CA, *90-86--176