Michigan Golf Scene

     The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) 12-15 year-old division is playing Fieldstone Golf Club and while the club is hosting the event for the first time, many of the players are hardened veterans of tournament golf.  Gordon Marmion was concerned that he would have to find a sponsor for the Tour event but all he had to do was pick up the phone and tell the AJGA he was willing to host the season opener and he was in luck. The Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy already was on board but they needed an elite place to play.  The reputation of Fieldstone won them the event. “We are fortunate to host because we host a dozen events each season including several junior events,” said Marmion.

The events include the Michigan Publinx, Top 50 junior Tour, Michigan PGA and played as a Buick Open qualifier for nine years. “Long term, we need a sponsor to come aboard and we are confident one will come through.”

     Many tournament golfers have plenty of options to play tournament golf and many play multiple tours and many play all over the US looking for golfing glory. Daniel Jaramillo of Bradenton, Florida is one golfer who has a ton of experience. He is 15 years-old but has played elite golf for four years and has a second place finish last year in medal play.

Due to Weather, Brandon Barrows will not Wear Shorts this Weekend

Still, when it comes to being a golfing prodigy, Brandon Barrows of Lake Orion has medaled all over the country including the Michigan Junior PGA, Michigan Amateur and the Michigan Amateur Qualifier. Most golfers would consider any of these tournaments a real coup but Barrows is only 14-years-old and is a freshman at Rochester Adams.

Barrows loves Fieldstone and likes his chances. “The greens are nice and the fairways are in good condition,” said Barrows.

Karen Arimoto is the Girls Favorite and is Hot Off an
Early Season Win.

 The girl’s 12-15 age division also golf’s at Fieldstone and while many top players are competing this weekend only three players from Michigan are competing including Jennifer Yang, 15 of Troy. The pre-tournament golfer that is playing very well is Karen Arimoto of Howey-in-the-Hills in Florida. She is coming off of a 2012 Taylor Made-Adidas Junior Classic earlier this month.

The 19^th hole at Fieldstone this weekend will be the weather.

Temperatures will be in the low 40’s with a good chance of

rain and the AJGA has already scrubbed tee times for a

shotgun start at 9:30am. Barrows is prepared. It’s going to be cold the next few days so we are going to have to play

conservative and make sure you do not mess up some

holes,” added Barrows.