Clarion Area Golfers, Mckayla Kerle And Kameron Kerle Win Great Lakes Junior Golf Championship Tournament; Fellow Bobcat Lucas Mitroski Also Competed

(Images submitted) Above: Kameron, Lucas and Mckayla before the final round of the championship

(By Clarion Area Assistant Golf Coach Jackie Kerle)

The Great Lakes Junior Golf Championship was held at Lake View County Club in North East on Sunday,August 8th and Monday, August 9th.

Three Clarion Area golfers, Mckayla Kerle, Kameron Kerle and Lucas Mitroski, qualified with enough season tour points to compete in the two-day 36 hole golf tournament.

Lake View is an elite course with narrow fairways and fast greens many of which are surrounded by bunkers. Not only did they have to battle one of the toughest courses Erie has to offer, they had to do it on two of the hottest days this summer.            

Mckayla had a great 2020 season finishing as Season Champion and Tour Champion in the girls 13-15 age division.

This year she moved up to the girls 16-19 age division and the 2021 season did not start out the way she envisioned. With lots of time spent practicing and regaining confidence in her swing, she was able to secure a couple big wins to score enough points to attend the tour championship and to claim the title of Season Champion.           

After a slow start on the front 9 the first day, Mckayla found herself on the back 9 making a couple birdies and shooting a 39, putting her just 1 stroke off the lead after the first round. On the second day, she got off to a good start and was able to take the lead after the front 9. For the back 9 she had to contend with spectators and news camera men at several of the holes. Even though she did not play her best she was able to secure the win by 2 strokes.              

Kameron started off the season with a double digit win at the Lake Shore-War at the Shore Tournament. Kameron dominated the regular season, in the Boys 13-15 age division, winning 7 of the 8 tournaments and had one second place finish. Kameron posted several rounds in the 70’s. After a mediocre first day he found himself with a 3 shot lead.   

Kameron started day two with a birdie on the first hole and handled the pressure and the heat very well. He carded a 76 to secure the championship win by 10 strokes.        

Lucas had a good rookie season on the tour and was able to secure a spot at the tour championship. Lucas gained a lot of tournament experience that will benefit him going into his freshman year on the Clarion High School golf team.

(Thank you to Coach Kerle for this article and pics. CONGRATULATIONS MCKAYLA, KAMERON AND LUCAS!!!!)