Monday, August 3, 2009

Wow - now that's some genes!




2009 PDGA Open Men and Women Champions: Avery and Valarie Jenkins (with proud parents Leroy and Sharon)
Valarie is no rookie to winning a World title. She stepped up her game to have a commanding lead going into the finals. Des Reading (2 X World Champion) took second followed by Nicole Frazer and Birgitta Lagerholm (1 X World Champion).
Avery Jenkins and Josh Anthon went into a sudden death playoff resulting from their pars received on the final 9th hole. After Avery’s last putt forcing a playoff, his words were, “Let’s Go!!” He was ready. Little did he know that he would have to stick it out 5 more holes in a playoff before he could officially claim his title. He came here to win. You could see it in his eyes. Josh forced some “should I lay-up or not” questions to float through Avery’s head. He definitely wasn’t going to just give Avery the Championship. If he wanted it, he had to earn it. Avery did just that.
What excitement! There were hundreds of spectators. The roars could be heard all over the course. Blue Valley is a long, uphill, downhill with a side of blind shots course. You have to have your game on to battle it out there and these two men sure did give us a great show. Congratulations to you both.
Matthew Orum, Mobile, AL placed a respectable 3rd followed by Cale Leiviska, St Paul, MN who placed 4th. The card changed leaders and 3rd and 4th place switched back and forth a few times. It was a very mentally challenging final round. Congratulations to you all.
History has been made: Largest PDGA World Championships, oldest (Olive Bolander, 82) and youngest (Ezra Hapner, 7) competitors and siblings winning Open Men and Women titles.

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