LOOP COMES FROM TWO BACK TO CAPTURE MEDALIST HONORS
Wilson fights his way back to finish one stroke behind

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. — Curtis Loop of New Canaan, Conn., shot a final-round 74 to capture medalist honors at the Medicus Preseason Junior at Rhode Island title by one stroke with a tournament total of 149. Cameron Wilson of Rowayton, Conn., shot the only sub-par round of the tournament on his way to a second-place finish with a tournament total of 150.

Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the Medicus Preseason Junior at Rhode Island was held at Newport National Golf Club in Middletown, R.I. Part of the Medicus Preseason/Postseason Junior Series the Medicus Preseason Junior at Rhode Island was a 36-hole stroke play event and consisted of 84 boys, ages 12-18, from 17 states and Canada. The par-72 golf course played to 6,654 yards.

Loop, who started the day two strokes back, put together a 2-over-par final round to propel himself to the top spot in his first-ever AJGA event. After a consistent front nine, he had five bogeys, three birdies, and one par on the back nine.

“Ten to 13 was probably the toughest stretch out there,” said Loop. “The par-3 13th hole was playing really tough again Sunday.”

“I had no clue I was in the lead,” commented Loop after his round. “I was pleased with my round yesterday though.”

After finishing the first round tied for 13th, Wilson put together the only sub-par round of the tournament to move up 11 spots into second place overall. After a double-bogey on No. 1, Wilson was able to play the next 17 holes at 4-under-par.

Third place went to Ryan Gay of Gardiner, Maine, with a total of 151.

Trevor Fiedler of Endicott, N.Y., and Matt Campbell of Rome, N.Y., finished in a tie for fourth at 152. Brandon Parker of Auburn, Mass., was alone in sixth at 153. David Zhang of South Glastonbury, Conn., finished alone in seventh at 154. James Collins of West Hartford, Conn., was alone in eighth at 155. Matt Baker of Clarks Summit, Pa., finished ninth at 156. Tony Spirakis of Wilmington, N.C., Camrin James of Jackson, N.H., Michael Turner of Baden, Pa., and Jason Burstyn of Miami, all finished in a tie for tenth with tournament totals of 157.

The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA, the largest Association of its kind, has an annual junior membership (boys and girls ages 12-18) of approximately 5,000 junior golfers from 50 states and 30 foreign countries.

The Medicus Preseason/Postseason Series is designed for new AJGA members or members who have yet to play in an AJGA event. The series provides an opportunity for members to gain status in Performance Based Entry, which in turn will increase their ability to play in future AJGA events.

Titleist, the AJGA's National Sponsor, has been the catalyst and driving force behind the Association's success since 1989. Rolex Watch USA, which is in its third decade of support, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.

AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. More than 160 former AJGA juniors currently play on the PGA and LPGA Tours and have compiles more than 300 wins. AJGA alumni include Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Mike Weir, Charles Howell III, Jim Furyk, Grace Park, Cristie Kerr, Candie Kung and Paula Creamer.

For more information on the Medicus Preseason Junior at Rhode Island, please contact the AJGA's National Headquarters at (770) 868-4200.