Rushton, Qualkenbush, Villarreal, and Otsuka Win at Port Royal

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC - The Final Round of the 3rd Annual Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy (Hank Haney IJGA) Family Weekend concluded Sunday at The Port Royal Plantation in Hilton Head, SC.  During the two-day event, competitors and their families enjoyed numerous festivities provided by Hank Haney IJGA including a welcome reception, swing evaluations by instructors, and various clinics featuring Hank Haney IJGA's mental training and college placement staff.

The Boys 16-19 Division was dominated by Hank Haney IJGA student Matthew Rushton (Johannesburg, South Africa).  During the opening round, Rushton carded a consistent even par round of 72 to take the lead heading into the final round.  On Sunday, he would pull away from the pack firing an impressive final round 3-under par 69 and earn his 7^th victory of the year.  Hank Haney IJGA student Skyler Mednick (Calabasas, CA), finished alone in second place with consecutive rounds of 74 for a two-day tournament total of 148.  Finishing in a two-way tie for third place were Hank Haney IJGA students Ernesto Vitienes of the Dominican Republic and Paul Drinkwater of the United Kingdom both finishing the tournament at 149.

After his two impressive rounds, Rushton explained, 'I was really confident about my game during Sunday's round.' His highlight of the weekend was his approach shot on his second hole during the final round when he stuck his approach shot to four feet.

In the Boys 13-15 Division, Hank Haney IJGA student J.J. Qualkenbush (La Quinta, CA) posted rounds of 75 and 79 for a two-day tournament total of 159 for his 3^rd IJGT victory of the season.  Hank Haney IJGA classmate Luke Park (Monument, CO) finished in third place after finishing the weekend at 162.

After his third win, Qualkenbush stated, 'I have to give credit to my putter and my patience during this event.'  

Another familiar face took home championship honors in the U-12 Division.  Hank Haney IJGA student Derek Villarreal (Hartland, WI) captured his eight win of the year. 

Villarreal has won 8 out of his last 10 tournaments during the IJGT 2009-2010 season.  His goals entering this final round were to be comfortable with every shot he played and play the best he could.  He credited the hard work that he has put into his short game and putting.  

In the Girls U-19 Division, there was an exciting duel during the final round.  Hank Haney IJGA student Yuri Otsuka (Chiba, Japan) posted a solid round of 77 on Saturday but came out firing on Sunday with a 2-under par 70 to claim the title. Hank Haney IJGA classmate Rika Park (Fujieda-Shi-Shikuoka, Japan) carded rounds of 74 and 75 to finish the tournament at 149.  Hank Haney IJGA student Noriko Inoue (Tokyo, Japan) posted scores of 74 and 77 to finish at 151.

Otsuka mentioned her putting was the main reason for her solid play. Her highlight of the week was a 15 footer that found the bottom of the cup on her first hole.

The IJGT will travel to Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst, NC) this weekend. To sign up for this event or any other IJGT events, please visit http://www.ijgt.com/schedule.php.