South Burlington unseats two-time defending champion Rutland High as Division I Boys High School Golf Champions
KILLINGTON – Vermont’s best young golfers descended upon Green Mountain National Golf Course last week to compete in the Vermont Boys High School Golf Championships. In an impressive show of skill and mental fortitude, South Burlington took the Division I title from two-time defending champion Rutland High. The Rutland Red Raiders came in third place led by Drake Hull and Jared Nelson. Hull was medalist and the only player in the field to break par with a 1-under 70. Nelson, son of Rutland Country Club Head Professional Greg Nelson, shot an even par 71.
The Vermont High School State Championship was the first of two significant showcases of junior talent at Green Mountain this month.
On June 21-25, the Killington Junior Golf Championship returns to Green Mountain National for its sixth year in Killington. Hosted by the American Junior Golf Association, this event features the top junior golfers from around the world. Last year, Rutland’s own Drake Hull tied for third place in the prestigious tournament. Hull is not eligible to play this year but Vermont will be represented by Jared Nelson, Logan Broyles, Alex Chin, Alex Giroux , Bryson Richards and Katie Goulet.
Last year’s Junior Golf Championship saw a field of 20 states and five countries. The five days of play in Killington present an opportunity for spectators to watch some sensational golf, played by the future stars of the PGA and LPGA tours. AJGA alumni include this year’s Masters Champion Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson, Paula Creamer and Vermont’s own Keegan Bradley. Organizers are seeking volunteers to help shuttle players and serve as spotters and timers for the event.
Charity tournaments
These two championships join a large number of charity tournaments filling the fairways of Green Mountain National, and according to Tournament Director Bobby Peterson, the course hosts no less than seven major fundraisers before July even arrives.
“This season, we’re looking forward to welcoming back these fantastic organizations that raise so much money for deserving causes. We’re glad to be a part of it. We enjoy helping organizations raise money for their cause and work with them from planning to tournament day to make sure their event is a success.”
Kicking off the month, the Vermont Grocers’ Association Scholarship Tournament held its traditional double shotgun event on June 3 for the VGA Scholarship Fund.
“We’ve been holding our event here at Green Mountain National for close to fifteen years, with so many teams we do both morning and afternoon starts,” says VGA tournament chair Jim Harrison. “They do an outstanding job, it’s something they do better than anyone else.”
Also raising money for charity last week, the Summit Lodge held its annual tournament to benefit the Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society. And on Monday June 8, The Table 24 seventh anniversary Golf Classic took to the course, with proceeds going to the Foley Cancer Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
There is still time to get a team together for the Goombay Golf Classic on Thursday June 18, a five-person Captain & Crew fun scramble. Hosted by the Foundry at Summit Pond, this tournament is particularly popular among the local hospitality crowd. All proceeds go the Ted Bridges Hospitality Scholarship Fund, which helps Vermont students pursuing careers in hospitality, resort management or the culinary arts.
For more information, to sign up a team for a tournament, or to sign up as a volunteer, call (802) 422-4653 or visit www.gmngc.com.
