The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN junior national golf standout Cameron Riley is currently representing the country on the international circuit against elite golfers from around the world.

Riley is tied for 6th at the 2016 American Junior Tournament at the World Golf Village in St John’s County, Florida.

Riley shot an opening round 75 (+3) to tie Adam Guedra of Sweden and Stefan Holczer of Venezuela.

Thacher Neal of the United States was the only golfer to shoot under par in round one and leads the field with a round of 70 (-2).

Riley bogeyed holes three, eight and nine to finish the front nine at +3. On the back nine, he was even through the first five holes and birdied the 15th. He would bogey 17 to finish the day at +3.

The tournament continues today and Riley will tee off at 9:30am along with Holczer and Jun Kim of the United States.

Riley finished last year’s event tied for No.25 overall when he shot rounds of 81, 81 and 77.

The WJGS hosts sanctioned junior golf tournaments around the world designed to enrich young golfers, patrons, and sponsors lives by creating a unique competitive experience.  Tour organisers herald the “family friendly environment” for players, parents, coaches and others as one of its main attractions.

In addition to the tournaments, the events also give golfers an opportunity to learn about the physical, mental and technical aspects of their game through educational seminars and individualised help offered at each event.

 The structure of the series is designed to showcase the best junior players (ages 12-19) on the world stage, mimicking the “Harder German Junior Masters” series.

According to its website: “The new junior series pursues a goal of operating each tournament at “major tour” standards agreed to by tournament directors and sponsors.

The World Junior Golf Series will also initiate a new World Ranking System as a result of this international play. Those players qualifying for series play may also apply for a scholarship to the Foundation’s golf academy located at Jacksonville, Florida, that features academic and golf schooling, mental awareness and tips on how to live a healthy life.”

Riley is the current Bahamas junior boys national champion and a veteran player for the Bahamas.

Most recently, the Florida A and M Rattler helped team Bahamas finish sixth at the 29th edition of the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships last summer. 

Riley was the second best finisher for Team Bahamas, 29th overall and 10th in the boys’ 17-and-under division.