INNISFAIL – An Alberta golf team that includes a player from Innisfail finished a prestigious international tournament in sixth place this week.
The Junior America’s Cup (JAC) was held at Soldier Hollow Golf Club in Midway, Utah from July 28 to Aug. 1.
Eighteen teams, each comprising the top four boys from 14 U.S. states, two Canadian provinces and Mexico, competed in the renowned tournament.
Representing Canada were eight players from Alberta and British Columbia, who were qualified and chaperoned by the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT).
Team Alberta secured a tied sixth place with a +6 finish, while Team British Columbia wrapped up the event at +38. Southern California emerged as the JAC Boys Team champions, finishing at -14.
Team Alberta’s members were Tobias Buffam (Calgary), Charlie Gillespie (Calgary), Mateo Kern (Calgary), and Brae Rogalczyk, (Innisfail) captained by MJT volunteer and Edge School’s golf director, Ryan Cater.
The dual format of the JAC emphasized both team results, determined by the lowest three gross scores of the four team members each day, and individual excellence, awarding low individual medalist honors.
Individually, Calgary’s Tobias Buffam, 17, stood out as the Low Canadian, finishing with an even par (T11).
"The Junior America's Cup in Utah provided an incredible opportunity for these young athletes, allowing them to compete at a high level on such a prestigious course,” said Trent Matson, MJT national operations director in a prepared statement. “The competitors, who are among the best top D1 college players from 14 associations, showcased exceptional talent, and we are proud to be part of such a fantastic tournament. As expected, this event lived up to its reputation as the best event on the West Coast."
