The Vermont Chapter returned to Manchester Country Club on Monday for one of the most enjoyable events on the schedule, the annual Pro-Junior Championship. Combining individual professional competition with a two-person Pro-Junior team event, the tournament once again highlighted the next generation of Vermont golfers while providing a fun and competitive atmosphere for players of all ages.
Two Newport Country Club teams shared the title, as Jackson King and Josh Gaskin along with King and Quinn Pratte each posted an impressive 9-under-par 63 to earn a share of first place. Just one shot behind at 8-under-par 64 were the teams of Sam Holden and Anders Daffinrud, Sam Holden and Nick Norris, and Travis Ovitt and Cramer, who tied for third after excellent rounds. Kellen Peery of Golf Garage with his Junior Henry Huggett rounded out the top 6. As is tradition, the top 6 Juniors get to take home engraved bags courtesy of Ping!
The individual professional competition featured a pair of outstanding rounds, as Sam Holden of Golf Garage VT and Jackson King of Newport Country Club each fired 4-under-par 68 to share medalist honors. Holden’s 32 (-4) front nine performance and King’s steady round, highlighted with an eagle on the par 5 17th, set the pace for the field, with both players finishing four shots clear of the next closest competitor.
Fresh off his Vermont PGA Stroke Play Championship victory, Curt Goldsberry continued his strong play with an even-par 72 to finish third. Golf Garage’s Kellen Peery followed with a 1-over-par 73 to claim fourth place, while Pat Pelletier and Tom Mackey shared fifth after rounds of 74.
The Vermont Chapter extends its sincere appreciation to Manchester Country Club for hosting the championship and providing outstanding course conditions. A special thank you also goes to PING and Cleveland/Srixon Golf for their continued support of the Pro-Junior Championship and junior golf in Vermont. Their partnership helps create memorable opportunities for young golfers to compete alongside Vermont PGA Professionals while continuing to grow the game throughout the state.
Congratulations to all of Monday’s winners and, most importantly, to the junior golfers who made the event such a success. The enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit on display throughout the day served as another reminder that the future of golf in Vermont is in great hands.