While the field for this year’s Hardin Junior Championship was only 31 players, there was some
great golf played in the brutal heat at the Legends. The Legends played hard, but the players
survived and we saw some great golf and great winners.
11 & Under
This division is always the smallest division, and the three players played on the Ridge Course
(third nine) at the Legends, which played to almost 2100 yards. Players play nine holes each
day. First round leader Michael Lepper, from Quincy Country Club, shot 45 on Day One and 47
on Day Two to edge out Greenbriar’s Grant Kapilla, who shot 47/47 to capture the Runner Up
spot for this Division.
12-13 Yr. Olds
This division featured 7 players and played at about 5400 yards, Whitmoor’s Kolton Kijanko
shot 82 both days, battling Greenbriar’s Chase Pantazi for the division title. Pantazi shot a
blazing 37 on the back nine on Day Two to force a playoff at 164. Kijanko made a steady Par
on the first playoff hole to win the Division. Well played by both competitors!
14-15 Yr. Olds
11 players fought it out in this division, playing at 6000 yards. William Bomkamp, from Forest
Hills, was the first round leader, shooting 74, while Glen Echo’s Ben Gelven was a shot behind
at 75. Gelven carded a 77 on Day Two, for a Two Day total of 152, outlasting Bomkamp, who
shot 81 on Day Two for a total of 155. Congratulations to Ben and William.
16-18 Yr. Olds
10 players teed it up in this Division, battling to become the 2022 Hardin Champion, which
played at a tough 6500 Yards. The First Round leader was Eddie Rothery, from Algonquin, who
shot 77. On Day Two, Rothery was paired with the three closest competitors from Day One,
which included Owen Farley, from St. Louis Country Club at 78, Bennett Babington, Sunset
Hills at 79, and Whitmoor’s Ben Berger at 80. Berger shot an outstanding 75 on Day Two, for a
total of 155, besting Rothery by two strokes, who shot 80 on Day Two for a total of 157.
Congrats to Ben and all the the players who contended for this year’s Hardin Trophy.
And, as always, many thanks to our District Rules Officials, who volunteer their time for the love
of the game. they spent 6+ hours out on the course both days to assist the players. We also
had a great following of spectators for the two days, and many of the players had caddies to
help their players survive the brutal heat.
Special thanks to to Head Pro Brian Schmersahl and Assistant Pro Cory Cowsert for their
support in making this event the success that it was. And a big “Thank You” to the Legends
membership for hosting the 2022 Hardin Championship.