Minnesota Junior Golf

Trent was the 2004 Players' Tour Series "B" Champion. He took 1st place in three Series "B" events at Northfield GC, North Oaks GC and Bent Creek GC. Trent also placed second at the 2004 Players' Tour Tournament of Champions and won the National PGA Junior Series in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in July 2004.
     Most Memorable experience(s) that occurred while participating in a Minnesota PGA Junior Event: One of my most memorable experiences was the summer of 2003 when I was runner-up in the match play. I liked the match play format and I liked having a different caddie every round.
     What are some tips/advice that you would recommend to other juniors to help them with their game? Keep your cool under pressure and play the game one shot at a time. Don't look forward and don't look back.
     Additional Activities/Hobbies: Trent maintains a 3.75 GPA and is captain of his high school's alpine ski racing team. Trent also curls at the St. Paul Curling Club and works part-time at Mendakota CC.

Dan Barthell Age 17 Bloomington, MN

Junior Golf Highlights/Accomplishments:

Dan won the 2004 Players' Tour Match Play Championship. He was runner-up in the 2003 Players' Tour Tournament of Champions. He tied for third in the 2004 USGA Junior Amateur qualifier at Elk River CC. Dan has been a member of the Bloomington Jefferson Varsity Boys golf team since he was a freshman. He has been selected All-Conference two times and has made two appearances in the Class AA State Tournament.
     Most Memorable experience(s) that occurred while participating in a Minnesota PGA Junior Event: Battling back from four down at the turn to win the 2004 Players' Tour Match Play Championship at Dacotah Ridge GC.
     What are some tips/advice that you would recommend to other juniors to help them with their game? Read books written by Ben Hogan who I believe was the greatest ball striker that ever lived. His books do a great job of teaching the fundamentals of the golf swing, which can bring your game to the next level. Also, never throw in the towel when your game goes south. It is those times that you can improve the most.
     Additional Activities/Hobbies: Dan loves to ski and play basketball. He also enjoys reading and hanging out with friends.

Troy Merritt Age 18 Fridley, MN

Junior Golf Highlights/Accomplishments:

Troy was the 2004 Players' Tour Series "C" Champion. He took either first place or tied for first in three Series "C" events at Rochester G&CC, Mankato GC/LeSueur CC and Austin CC. He also finished fourth at the Players' Tour Tournament of Champions and took third in Players' Tour Player of the Year points. Troy was also the winner of the Players' Cup Ages 16-18 at Edina CC shooting a 69 and took sixth place in the MGA Junior Championship.
     Most Memorable experience(s) that occurred while participating in a Minnesota PGA Junior Event: I won my very first Players' Tour Tournament on the 20th hole versus Eric Nystedt. Also, I played my last eleven holes in six under par to shoot 69 and win the Players' Cup by five shots.
     What are some tips/advice that you would recommend to other juniors to help them with their game? The mental part of my game is why I've accomplished so much. Normally I struggle on the first few holes, but I keep my cool and make my comeback. It is very important not to get frustrated and lose your cool. When a bad hole arises you have to shake it off and play the next one. I try not to show my competitors my emotions, good or bad. I try to remain at an even temperament. Have fun!
     Additional Activities/Hobbies: I helped lead Spring Lake Park to its first ever Boys Basketball State appearance. I set school records in season scoring, three-point field goals made and most consecutive free throws. I like to spend time with my friends, family and I like to chip golf balls around my yard.

Drew Kittleson Age 15 East Gull Lake, MN

Junior Golf Highlights/Accomplishments:

Drew was the 2004 Westfield Junior Minnesota PGA Boys Champion. He went onto the National Westfield Junior PGA Championship in Westfield Center, Ohio and placed 14th. Also, Drew placed fourth individually and helped Pinnacle High School win the Arizona 4A State Golf Tournament last fall. In 2004 Drew played in the Park City AJGA and took 3rd, the Indianapolis AJGA and took 6th and he played in the PING Jr. Phoenix AJGA and took 4th place. He won the Doral Publix Junior Classic in Miami in 2002.
     Most Memorable experience(s) that occurred while participating in a Minnesota PGA Junior Event: Winning the 2004 Westfield Junior Minnesota PGA Championship in a playoff.
     What are some tips/advice that you would recommend to other juniors to help them with their game? Play to have fun.
     Additional Activities/Hobbies: Drew likes to fish, watch football and also play pool and ping-pong.

Lindsey Wellenstein Age 17 Albany, MN

Junior Golf Highlights/Accomplishments:

Lindsey won the 2004 Players' Tour Match Play Championship. She placed eighth at the Class A State Tournament in 2003 and third place in 2004. She received All-State rankings in 2003 and 2004 and was All-Conference from 2002-2004. In 2003 and 2004 she was the sub-section and the section medalist. Lindsey also participated in the 2004 Minnesota/Wisconsin Cup and the Minnesota/Manitoba Cup Matches.
     Most Memorable experience(s) that occurred while participating in a Minnesota PGA Junior Event: Taking two of my matches in the Players' Tour Match Play Championship into extra holes and I birdied both of my extra holes to win the matches.
     What are some tips/advice that you would recommend to other juniors to help them with their game? Trust your game and don't let a bad hole ruin your round.
     Additional Activities/Hobbies: Lindsey is a member of the National Honors Society, Captains and Leaders. She is also involved in swimming and enjoys spending time with friends and family and shopping.

Sarah Lucken Age 19 Fosston, MN

Junior Golf Highlights/Accomplishments:

Sarah was the 2004 Players' Tour Series "A" Champion. She took first place at Hazeltine National GC and tied for first place at Alexandria CC/Greystone CC. Sarah played on the 2003 Minnesota Cup Match Team against Wisconsin. She also placed second at Somerset CC in 2002 at the Junior Tour Players' Cup. On the Varsity Golf Team throughout high school she placed All-Conference and All-State for four years. Sarah played in four Class A State Tournaments and as a junior and senior tied for third. She is playing college golf at the University of North Dakota.
     Most Memorable experience(s) that occurred while participating in a Minnesota PGA Junior Event: My most memorable experience was shooting a 71, one under par, at Greystone CC in Sauk Centre this summer. Also, playing for Minnesota in the 2003 Minnesota/Wisconsin Junior Cup Matches, which we won.
     What are some tips/advice that you would recommend to other juniors to help them with their game? Practice your short game because that is where you can save a lot of strokes. Also, stay positive and have fun!
     Additional Activities/Hobbies: Sarah plays basketball and volleyball. She also likes to hang out with friends, watch movies and listening to music.

Michelle Reiners Age 18 Burnsville, MN

Junior Golf Highlights/Accomplishments:

The Junior PGA program is second to none. Without the program, being on the 2000 Class AA State Championship Team would not have happened. Being the captain of the Burnsville team for three years would not have happened. Without competing in junior tournaments as a little one, being named 2004 Players' Tour Player of the Year would not have happened. Most important I've had fun and I have built a network of great golfing acquaintances. Lauren Huhnerkoch was one of those acquaintances. We were introduced to each other through golf and we became best of friends chasing dreams and a ball within the Junior PGA program and Burnsville High School Golf.
     Most Memorable experience(s) that occurred while participating in a Minnesota PGA Junior Event: Going to Wisconsin for the Minnesota/Wisconsin Cup is probably the most memorable experience. It was just an awesome way go get to know people from all over Minnesota and it was just an exciting atmosphere. Not to mention we kicked Wisconsin's butt!
     What are some tips/advice that you would recommend to other juniors to help them with their game? Golf is just a game, don't ever forget that. Golf is meant to be fun and the minute it isn't fun anymore success will be that much harder. Enjoy the people you meet and have fun!
     Additional Activities/Hobbies: Michelle enjoys Alpine skiing, shopping, reading and skating. She also participates in music library, FCA, National Honor Society, TASK, LIFE and is a peer leader.

Becky Quinby Age 17 Plymouth, MN

Junior Golf Highlights/Accomplishments:

Becky was the 2004 Westfield Junior Minnesota PGA Girls Champion. She won three Players' Tour event in Series "A" which were, Moorhead CC, Edinburgh USA and Southview CC. Becky also placed second in the Class AA State Tournament as a sophomore.
     Most Memorable experience(s) that occurred while participating in a Minnesota PGA Junior Event: We were at the Westfield Junior MN PGA Championship at Giants Ridge. On the first day there was a backup on a par 4 because of lost balls. We were sitting on the tee with another threesome when Bob drove up. He talked to us for a bit then started to leave. As he was leaving he clipped Kate Solheim's bag with the cart. He says, "Uh oh!" We looked at the bag and one leg is completely bent! He ran over her bag yet she refused to get a new one because she loves her purple bag so much (which happens to be ugly).
     What are some tips/advice that you would recommend to other juniors to help them with their game? Well, my old swing coach used to always say, "The most important shot is the next shot." You can't thing about the past; it certainly won't clear your head. Christine Herzog and I were golfing together at the Minnesota vs. Manitoba matches in alternate shot and we were not playing well. We had just lost a hole to dumb mistakes and Mr. Herzog walks up and says, "Start playing golf!" Then we turned around and that's what I say now when I'm playing bad.
     Additional Activities/Hobbies: Becky enjoys working out, swimming and golfing. She also likes knitting, shopping, movie watching and long walks on the beach.

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