Jonathan Oakes Completes Magical Performance to Capture NYS Junior
APALACHIN, N.Y. — Jonathan Oakes of Ardsley Country Club went wire-to-wire at the 82nd NYS Boys’ 18U Junior Amateur Championship at the Links at Hiawatha Landing.
Related: Championship Central / Final Results / Photos / Day 1 Recap
The 18-year-old out of Tarrytown blew away any and all competition in the final round to hoist the Hickok Cup.
After opening with an astonishing eight-under 64, Oakes continued the trend on Wednesday, going 70-68 (-5) across the last two rounds of play. He made only two bogeys the entire tournament, with his last coming on the 11th hole of his second round.
“I told myself on twelve tee, alright, no more bogeys,” said the newly-crowned champion after his round. “It was kind of a joke, but I was able to play the next 34 holes bogey free.”
Oakes ended up eight strokes clear of the runner-up, Owen Corby of Monroe Golf Club. His official line was 64-70-68 for a total of 202 (-14).
“64 was a personal best, 14-under was a personal best,” said Oakes. “I'm just glad I was able to bring my A-Game this week.”
With the win, Oakes earned an exemption into the US Junior Amateur Championship, taking place at Oakland Hills Country Club July 22-27.
Corby fired three rounds under par to grab a solo share of second place. The Rochester-area player finished at six-under par.
After a first-round 74 (+2), Danny Wehle of Oak Hill Country Club found a rhythm on Wednesday, turning in a 68-69 to finish in third place at five under. Two players - Dante Bertoni of En-Joie Golf Club and Jackson Saroney of Drumlins Golf Club closed out their tournaments at two under par for a share of fourth place.
Brayden Dock of Glens Falls Country Club was the final player to conclude play at the links-style Hiawatha below par. Dock fired a final-round 69 to finish at one-under.
The top-five finishers (and ties) are exempt for the 101st NYS Men’s Amateur Championship at Wanakah Country Club.
2023 champion Kellen Dean of NYSGA Youth on Course, and Christopher Stilwell of Yahnundasis Golf Club both finished at even par. Stilwell fired the low score of 67 in round three, and Dean finished strong with 72-70 after opening with 74 to tie for seventh alongside Lucas Rizo-Patron of Pelham Country Club.
Age group winners were also recognized at this year's championship: Dante Bertoni of En-Joie Golf Club (Boys 18 Flight), Jackson Saroney of Drumlins Golf Club (Boys 17 Flight), Danny Wehle of Oak Hill Country Club (Boys 16 Flight), and Leon Bui of Youth on Course - MGA (Boys 15 Flight).
