One of the premiere courses in the state, Stonehenge Golf and Country Club will host one of the premiere junior tournaments in the country next week. Events for the American Junior Golf Association Stonehenge Open are scheduled to take place from Sunday through Aug. 4. “This is a really big event,” said Warsaw Community High School boys golf coach Ben Barkey, who will serve as the tournament director. “It’s a really stacked field. “There are almost 150 of the best boys and girls junior golfers in the country coming to our community.” The schedule of events includes a qualifying round Sunday, a fundraising tournament Monday and the AJGA Stonehenge Junior Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. “This is one of the top tours in the country,” said Stonehenge Professional Seth Ray. “They have over 90 tournaments per year, and for them to come to Stonehenge is a really big deal. The community will get to see some of the best junior golfers in the country right here in our backyard.” The five golfers who made up WCHS’s varsity lineup this past season – Tim Ahlersmeyer, Bennett Hollar, Eric Tandy, Jon Schram and IHSAA state champion Tyler Ostrom – will compete in the tournament. “All five of my varsity guys from this past season are going to play,” said Barkey. “They’re going to play on our home course, and we’ll get to see how we stack up against some of the best junior players in the country.” Notable alumni of the AJGA include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Charles Howell III, Justin Leonard, Paul Creamer, Grace Park, Morgan Pressel and Brittany Lincicome. Each AJGA event raises funds for a charity. One of the beneficiaries of the event at Stonehenge will be the Warsaw Junior Golf Foundation. The Warsaw Junior Golf Foundation was established this year to bring exposure and growth in golf for all youth. According to its mission statement, the “Warsaw Junior Golf Association is committed to investing in our future by introducing new youth to the game as well as promoting growth for each individual.” According to Barkey and Ray, sponsors and volunteers are needed for the tournament. For sponsorship information, contact Ben Barkey at 574-453-7961 or bbarkey@warsaw.k12.in.us, or contact Matt Larson at 630-902-0237 or mlarson@ajga.org To volunteer at the tournament, contact Tad Nieter at 574-527-6888 or tad_nieter@yahoo.com
