By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

All of us that love golf remember the first time someone handed us a club.

The first time we were able to play golf with our dad.

Or the first time we had a lesson — even if it meant hitting a water balloon for fun, as we prepared to play this game.

This game is one that can be played no matter what the age.

Great-grandparents play with their great grandkids and both compete well.

No matter what level we are playing and competing, junior high, high school, collegiate or adult tournaments and leagues, it is a game worth mastering.

As the focus right now is on high-school golf as the conference championship tournaments and OHSAA postseason events begin, it is worth following several of the golfers both preparing for a golfing future as well as golfers now competing at the collegiate level.

ROOSEVELT GIRLS CONTINUE

Morgan Bauza (left) and Sydnie Leavery

This weekend, the 2025 Bucknell Fall Invitational takes place in Pennsylvania and is not only a tournament to watch featuring young women playing collegiate golf, but it also a reunion for several alumni of the Kent Roosevelt girls golf program.

Morgan Bauza and Sydnie Leavery graduated from Roosevelt in 2022 and were state-tournament qualifiers while playing for the Riders.

This weekend, they are competing on different teams, but still had the chance to enjoy a reunion.

Bauza competes for Niagara University and Leavery is at LaSalle University.

“We are proud to watch our Lady Riders continue to shine,” said Bryan Harvey, coach of the Kent Roosevelt girls high-school golf team and general manager of the Fairways at Twin Lakes in Kent.

Coach Harvey knows the importance of offering junior programs to encourage excellence for prep golfers. He has run the successful Little Riders program for years as young girls interested in golf have the opportunity to learn hitting, putting, chipping and all aspects of the game as well as play golf.

Eleven years ago, he wanted the youths to play under the Amateur umbrella and the Kids Amateur was born.

Be the person that encourages golf at every level.

FALL JUNIOR LEAGUE

JULIANA BAILEY

Olde Dutch Mill and the head professional Mike Jenior also encourage youths playing golf at a young age hosting Fall and Summer leagues for juniors each season.

This fall, the juniors compete and play on Sundays as they enjoy challenges, games, lessons and several holes of golf.

Juniors winning the first week’s challenges included:

     • Boys Closest to the Pin Challenge: Jaxon Kramarczyk (ages 7-8), Camdyn Hubbs (ages 9-10), Caleb Oblisk (ages 11-12) and Tristan Parker (ages 13-14).

     • Girls Closest to the Pin Challenge: Juliana Bailey (ages 7-8) Naia DePaul (ages 9-10).

Coming weeks will focus on driving with a long-drive contest, putting with a lag-putt competition, chipping drills and competition, a parent-child alternate-shot round of golf and a prize raffle and championship.

FOLLOWING COLLEGIATE GOLFERS

LIAM CURTIS

Liam Curtis, Kent Roosevelt alumnus now playing for the Kent State University Golden Flashes made his collegiate debut with the team in Mishima, Japan, at the Pan Pacific Golf Super League at the Grand Fields Country Club.

The Golden Flashes finished in fifth place.

Curtis fired Kent’s lowest score in round two, carding a 1-over-par 72. He concluded the tournament at 6-over-par, good for 21st-place among the golfers in the 59-player field.

Next up for the Golden Flashes is the Canadian Collegiate today, Sunday, Sept. 14 at Oviinbyrd Golf Club in Muskoka, Ont.

A FEW SCRAMBLES STILL ON THE CALENDAR

There are several scrambles and events remaining on the golf calendar but leagues and tournaments are winding down.

Many of us will continue to play golf all winter, weather permitting at golf courses that are open throughout the year.

SHARE YOUR SUCCESS

Information for the column including tournaments, leagues and adult and junior golfers successes may be shared at golffam2@gmail.com or text 330-206-9083. We look forward to sharing the accomplishments of all golfers throughout the Summer and Fall.

GOLF CALENDAR

Note: To be added to this calendar, email golffam2@gmail.com or text 330-206-9083.

• Oct. 4: CHUBBS PETERSON MEMORIAL SCRAMBLE: Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, Lake Milton. (Happy Gilmore inspired) four-person scramble. $100 per person includes lunch, dinner, drink tickets, tee gift and skins. 330-654-4100
• Oct. 19: CROSS COUNTRY SCRAMBLE: Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, Lake Milton. Four-person scramble, nine created holes across the 18-holes of Olde Dutch. $200 per team includes golf, cart, two drink tickets, skins, food and prizes. 330-654-4100
• Nov. 1: GREENS KEEPER’S REVENGE: Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course, Lake Milton. Four-person scramble, $300 per team includes golf, cart, two drink tickets, skins, food and prizes. 330-654-4100