Backspin Volume 3, Issue 8 | Page 26

Miller wins Mississippi Boys Junior Amateur 26 Charlie Miller will once again be etched onto the Mississippi Boys Junior Amateur trophy. The Mississippi Junior Golf Association players started the final round with strong doubts of being able to finish a complete eighteen holes due to heavy storms pedicted throughout the day moving in the direction of Deerfield Golf Club. Despite these hesitations and forecasted weather, all divisions were able to complete their designated round with some champions being awarded in a light rain. The 14-18 Division A players, along with the 13-18 Girls Divisions, did have a delay in play for approximately an hour at the middle of the day. Golfers were able to get back on the course after the heavy rain and lightning storm. For Miller, of Jackson, the overall champion for the Boys 14-18 Division, this is his third consecutive title at the Mississippi Junior Amateur. This makes him the only person to win three championships. Biting at the heals of Miller was close friend Matt Liddon of Yazoo City. After completing his first nine holes, Liddon was four under, bringing him within three strokes of Miller. However, Liddon lost speed on the second nine with only two birdies and two bogeys. Also tied for the runner-up position with Liddon was Cecil Wegener finishing three under par for the championship. The Girls Division completed its final round with another defending champion keeping the title for yet another season. Presley Baggett of Canton struggled more in the final round but was still able to stay ahead of the competition. Coming in close behind was Karley Whittington who was also runner-up in the 2015 championship. Baggett and Whittington begin their junior year this fall and have a great future in golf ahead. Two more familiar faces were tied for the third place in the 1618 division, Carlee Nanney, who begins college this fall at Belhaven University with plans to compete on their Women’s Golf team, and Blair Stockett, who will begin her senior year this fall. Hayes Hinson of Meridian won the Boys Division C division by four strokes over Wells Williams. Right behind Williams was Collins Trolio who finished in third. In the Boys D division, Brady Lagendyk’s consistent play all week allowed him to take first place over Jacob Blanton. In third place was William Marshall. In the Girls 10-12 Division, Emerson Blair was the champion just edging out Avery Weed. Right behind Blair and Weed was Callie Mobley in third. In the Boys 9 and under division, Henson Sharpe of Hattiesburg beat out Grayson Hale to take home his first Junior Amateur title. Allie Meyers edged out Karstyn Altese by six strokes to finish in first place in the Girls nine and under division. The MGA thanked Deerfield Golf Club for hosting the junior golfers of Mississippi. Superintendent Bryan Deweis prepared a true test in the golf course. The organization also thanked Golf Professionals Billy Allen and Leigh Brannan for their efforts in hospitality and accommodations for the many spectators, golfers and family members. For complete results, visit http://www.ghintpp.com/ mjga/TPPOnlineScoring/ Default.aspx?id=