Vermont Young Disc Golfers Shine at US Junior Championships

The second annual US Junior Disc Golf Championships kicked off on a high note in Vermont, with numerous divisions showcasing exceptional play. One of the standout performers was Timothy Lutz, who dominated the MJ18 division with an impressive 57 (-4) score at Brewster Ridge Golds. This challenging course has hosted major events like the PDGA Professional World Championships and Pro Masters World Championships, making Lutz's achievement all the more notable.

Hot on his heels is Robert Burridge, who shot a 60 (-1), earning him second place in the division. The FP18 side saw Lily Marr take an early lead with a respectable 72 score.

The MP15 division has become one of the most competitive groups at this event, with an astonishing ten players within five strokes of the top spot after round one. Lucas Oberholtzer Hess and Gil Rowe are currently tied for first place, both shooting identical 59s (-2) from Brewster Ridge Blues. The FP15 division is also heating up, as Emma Partee battles against last year's champion Lilly Ruthen, who sit at +3 and +5 respectively.

Pete Kozlowski leads the MP12 division by two strokes after a solid performance with a 63 (+2). Griffin Swinburne and Miles Sayer trail closely behind, just four strokes off the pace. On the FP12 side of things, it's a close contest between Alexis-Julia Craveiro and Skylar Poquette.

Wyatt Mahoney, a three-time Junior World Champion and last year's runner-up in the MJ10 division, got off to an incredible start with an eight-under-par 53 score. However, Uriyah Kelley is only one stroke behind, making for an exciting matchup all weekend long. Wyatt is seeking to add a US title to his impressive collection of accolades before his tenth birthday.

The MJ8 division saw Kaidin Bell take the lead by a significant margin after round one, while Rivers Reese has established himself as a strong contender in the MJ6 division. The younger players are also making their mark, with Cascade Reif Matoney and Katherine Nunn-Gage leading the way in FJ8 and FJ6 respectively.

In addition to the intense on-course action, the junior competitors are enjoying an exceptional experience at Smugglers Notch Resort. A range of off-course activities has been carefully curated by Kids Disc Golf and the Smuggs Disc Golf Center, including a fireworks display and a free clinic led by four-time world champion Paige Pierce.

The Fun Zone 2.0 takeover has also brought plenty of excitement to the resort, featuring a pizza party and the annual US Junior putting championships. The kids are back on the course for day two, and fans can follow along from home to support their favorite young athletes.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/us-junior-disc-golf-championships-opening-day-books