May 14 and 15 marked the beginning of the SGI Canada Junior Order of Merit Tour and a junior golfer from North Battleford was ready to swing his clubs.
Taylor Cook competed in the 17 to 18 junior men's division and had the 14th best score in his grouping on the weekend at the Willows Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon. During a windy weekend, Cook battled on day one and finished with an score of 85 and in 11th place. Saturday, he improved his score by four strokes finishing with a two-round total of 168. Cook finished ninth in the junior men's 18 and under age division and earned 37.5 Junior Order of Merit Tour points.
Order of Merit Tour points are accumulated from over 40 tournaments in Saskatchewan and more than a dozen national events. A golfer's top six events, including the SGI Canada Junior Order of Merit Tour Championship, are added to the final score, which leads to more elite golf opportunities. This weekend in Moose Jaw is the next Junior Order of Merit Tour stop and May 28 and 29 the tour stops at the Wildwood Golf Club in Saskatoon.
Tyler Wilson was also registered for the event at the Willows Golf and Country Club, but withdrew.
Another local golfer earning Golf Saskatchewan recognition was Brett Harrison. Harrison who works and resides in Maidstone is a member at the North Battleford Golf and Country Club and was one of 12 recipients of 2011 Athlete Assistance.
Athlete Assistance is awarded by Golf Saskatchewan to deserving applicants to help subsidize some expenses related to training costs, tuition fees at post-secondary institutions, lost wages for competing in tournaments and elite training camps. This year's Athlete Assistance was valued at $450 each.
