By Mitch Bach

Locals shine in Alberta-Montana Junior Ryder Cup

Aug 9, 2017 | 4:25 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A terrific opportunity for two local junior golfers this week.

Ryan Hodgins and Lauren Koenig are representing the province in the 26th annual Alberta-Montana Junior Ryder Cup.

The 12 best juniors from Alberta are welcoming the same caliber from Montana for a two-day event at Desert Blume Golf Club. The competition wraps up Wednesday evening.

Rather than typical stroke play, players are teeing off in a variety of formats including four-ball, alternate shot, and match-play. It’s a similar structure to the professional version of the Ryder Cup, except compressed into two days rather than three.

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After a strong opening round Tuesday, CHAT TV Sports caught up with Hodgins and Koenig to hear their thoughts on representing Team Alberta. Plus, coach John Deneer talks about the level of competition at the Junior Ryder Cup and how each player was selected to compete.

UPDATE

Both the boys and girls squads representing Alberta completed a two-day sweep over Montana on Wednesday. 

The girls bracket was won by a landslide 10 Nassau points, with two ticks separating the boys division.

In an Alberta Golf press release, Hodgins’ teammate Marko Banic credited the team’s chemistry for helping secure the victory. 

“We’re just all good friends, we all knew each other from before this event. We just all get along really well. So, I think that this team fit perfectly together,” said the 14 year old.

Click here for photos from the past two days of competition, courtesy of Alberta Golf.