URBANA, Ill.– After two challenging days of tournament play, The University of Illinois Classic came to a close this afternoon for the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour. Players experienced both extremes in heat and cold throughout this tournament and proved to be a challenge to all of the competitors. In the Boys Division, Ryan Johnson (2016) of Channahon, Ill., shot a two-day total of 148 to capture the title. In the Girls Division Frankie Saban (2015) of Orland Park, Ill., had the lowest score with a two-day total of 151. In the College Women Division, Alyna Vaughan of Aurora, Ill., recorded a final two-day total of 164 and in the College Men Division Nick Szerzinski of Lemont, Ill., shot a two-day 146 to bring home the champion trophy.

“I was beyond impressed with Ryan’s two-under round and Frankie Saban’s equally impressive first place finish,” said senior director Stephanie Schwartz. “It’s so exciting that the College Division had their first tournament of the year and it’s great to see some MAJGT alumni return after their junior careers”

The MAJGT University of Illinois Classic was a 36-hole stroke play competition featuring 76 junior and college level golfers representing Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota. This tournament featured the par-72 Stone Creek Golf Course. The Boys Division played from 6,696 yards and the Girls Division played from 5,975 yards. The College Men Division played from 6,973 yards and the College Women Division from 6,194 yards.

The MAJGT is designed for exceptionally talented junior golfers ages 12-18 and is nationally recognized by the Junior Golf Scoreboard and American Junior Golf Association with all of its events providing national exposure.

Johnson kept his edge during both days of play and throughout the tournament he recorded five birdies and remained consistent in the first and final rounds of play. Johnson finished the tournament only one stroke better than his competitor.

“The weather for the first round was great and was a great for play,” said Johnson. “But then coming into the second day the weather got so much worse and really made this course a challenge.”

In second place for the Boys Division was Benjamin Johnson (2015) of Downers Grove, Ill., who carded a two-day total of 149. Justin Hemings (2016) of Edwardsville, Ill., took home the third place title after recording a tournment total of 151.

Saban kept her place atop the leaderboard through both days of competition shooting an even 72 for the first round and then a 7-over-par, 79, during the final round of play.

“I would like to thank my parents for their support,” said Saban. “It was tough out there today but overall I was very happy with how I played.”

Isabella Abdullah (2017) of Hinsdale, Ill., came in second for the Girls Division after shooting a two-day total of 160. In third, Brianna Ward (2016) of Chicago, Ill., carded a two day total of 164

In the College Men’s Division, Szerzinski carded five birdies and an eagle to come out on top. Nare Elser of St. Charles, Ill., took home the second place title with a tournament total of 150. In third, Matt Lynch of Palatine, Ill., shot a two-day total of 150 and recorded six birdies during both days of the tournament.

In the College Women’s Division Alyna Vaughan of Aurora, Ill., recorded two birdies and remained steady throughout both days of play. In second was Angie Kim of Schaumburg, Ill., who shot a total of 165 just one behind the leader. Also with tournament totals of 167, both Hannah Netisingha of Carol Stream, Ill., and Britni Gielow of Muskegon, Mi., are tied for the third place position.

The MAJGT’s next tournament is set for July 16 and 17 at the Sanctuary Classic in New Lenox, Ill.
By Aubrey Aspan

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