It took determination and stamina to reach the finals of the 2008 Utah State Junior Amateur Match Play Championship. A dozen young golfers attained the distinction of making the match play championship June 13 at Ogden Country Club, after competing in multiple matches and a stroke play qualification round the four days prior to the championship. In the end, six sported the title of champion.
Layton’s Brandon Kida and Syracuse’s Amanda Snyder led a cast of the state’s best young golfers by winning the Boys’ 15-18 and Girls’ 15-18 Division titles respectively. The pair and the other finalists in the championship matches battled cold, wind and rain in previous matches during the week. Their final match was played under blue skies on the beautifully manicured Ogden Country Club.
Kida said he went into the 36-hole match with one goal – to play smart. He also felt his stamina may have come in handy during the match that lasted nearly seven hours.
“I am used to staying on the golf course for long hours,” said Kida.
He credited his opponent Erik Wright of South Weber for creating a truly memorable championship match. Every time Kida appeared to be on the verge of running away with the match, Wright sunk 20- to 30-foot putts or hit a shot out of the bunker to within two feet.
The two were all square after the first 18 holes. Kida began making his move on the 23rd hole with a birdie to go up 1. He then parred the next six holes to increase his lead by one. Another par on the 31st hole brought him a step closer and left him up three on Wright. He finally won the match 4 and 3. The win also gives him an automatic exemption into the State Amateur at Soldier Hollow July 9.
Results of the other Junior State matches were:
Girls 15-18: Amanda Snyder, Syracuse, defeated Annika Afoa, Murray, 2 and 1.
Boys 13-14: Jaden Jackson, Salt Lake City, defeated Arman Ben Jacob, Logan, 19 holes.
Boys 11-12: Austin Banz, Salt Lake City, defeated Jaece Stokes, West Haven, 1 up.
Girls 12 and Under: Naomi Soifua, Taylorsville, defeated Nicole Begay, Vernal, 8 and 7.
Boys 10 and Under: Rhett Rasmussen, Draper, defeated Jordon Costello, Pinedale, Wyo., 3 and 1. |
