2009 AAU DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

May 5, 09 Hampton Roads District at Cahoon Plantation par 72 6,456 yards

“Answering the Call” by Anthony Crump

Walter Smith

The day is shaping up quite well. Those of you that don’t know the course, it is the jewel of Chesapeake, bent grass from tee to green. The weather today only compliments the course, 78 degrees with winds about 15 knots. In fact, my many times here the winds have always had its presence of 15 knots or more. The course sits in the jet stream thereabouts. The best juniors in the Hampton Roads District answered the call for the first AAU District Championships, participating in the First AAU Golf event of the year, making their presence known.

Some of you already known the Amateur Athletic Union have been around for years, hosting baseball, softball, basketball along with some other team sports and individual sports, all to promote our youth. The AAU has been a gin pool for colleges around the country for decades, and one of the best recruiting arenas known in the afterschool atmosphere. Parents are enjoying watching their juniors compete in the all new AAU Golf in the State of Virginia. What a great side-line moral support gallery. Competing divisions are boys 1 and 2, paired up by handicap to maximize competition levels. As the juniors tee off, the wind factor would prove to be one the x-factors along with greens surface like glass. All players are focused through the front 9 as they make the turn.

Focus is an understatement for some juniors in Division 2, especially Walter Smith. Walter makes a hard turn at number 9 posting an even par through the front 9. Can it hold up? Division 1 juniors are plugging away fairways and greens. That’s what the doctor ordered and I might say that’s a tall order here at the link style golf course, with greens like glass thanks to Brad Headpro and crew. Let’s not forget Mr. Cahoon who has literally built a community around this course. Mr. Cahoon, from the AAU and America Youth Golf Association, juniors and family thank you for having us and I’m sure everyone has enjoyed this fantastic venue.

The juniors have collected themselves, approaching the last few holes all smiles. I can’t wait to see the scores. I heard some small-talk about those like glass greens. Some 3 putts took place. I hope it didn’t upset their rounds too bad. Division 2, Walter Smith, Virginia Beach, finished as the medalist (36-37-73). Listen up folks, no chips, fairways and greens - 35 putts. Great job Walter! There is a big, big future ahead for this 13 year old. Second place is Tyler Putnum, Virginia Beach. Division 1 playoff time between Eric Ruce, from Chesapeake and Collin McAleer, also from Chesapeake. Third place is Austin Morin, from Virginia Beach.

The playoff hold will take place between Ruce and McAleer on hole number 2 par five 617 yards. The two duel it out. Eric Ruce will come out the victor with a fabulous third shot from the left side tall weed den. Congratulations to you all! Thank you for representing the Hampton Roads District with AAU.

Left to right; Walter Smith, Austin Morin, Colin McAleer, Eric Ruce

The next Hampton Roads AAU event will be the AAU Regional Classic at Bid-A-Wee Golf Course, Portsmouth, VA on Saturday, June 6, 2009. Save the date!