As I reflect on the pre-season Forum and the many names and expectations made at that time, it strikes me that golf is such an unpredictable game. Certainly many of the juniors mentioned then went on to have outstanding summers.

Witness Ben Conway winning the Challenge Cup Championship. Tony Grillo winning his 2^nd MGA Junior and his amazing US Junior Qualifying performance.  Craig Kublin winning the Ouimet Qualifier,  Evan Harmeling capturing his 2^nd World Series title and partnering with Colin Brennan to win the MGA State Fourball.  Lets not forget Ryan Gay winning the Hornblower Junior Classic and the Tournament of Champions, Chuck Sullivan winning the RI Big I qualifier, Manny Tulumaris earning the Gately Cup title and Taylor Fontaine qualifying for US Junior Amateur and Junior Worlds.  It was also no surprisethat Cameron Wilson seemed to challenge for everything he played finishing 2^nd at the World Series, winning the Junior Eliminator and losing in a playoff for the Orange Bowl qualifier.  Eddie Hjerpe had a outstanding summer highlighted by his capturing the RI Junior Amateur and it was great to see Matt Broome play so well at his final junior event, the World Series.

Among the younger boys and girls who were expected to and did have successful summers were Samantha Morell who finished 2^nd at the Challenge Cup and World Series of Junior Golf and qualified for Junior Worlds.  Juliet Vongphoumy was a strong presence at almost every event winning the Challenge Cup Invitational and finishing co-champion at TOC as well as qualifying for Junior Worlds and Optimist. Lets not forget Kaitlin and Erin Coons finishing 1-2 at the Ouimet Qualifier.

Amongst the “veteran” younger boys Richie Werenski winning the World Series and Noah Walker taking 2^nd validated their bright futures.  Nick McLaughlin served notice by winning the Junior Eliminator and FCWT Qualifier that he will be a contender for a long time as will Geoff Vartelas who seemed capable of winning any event he played.  David Pastore reinforced his reputation by earning the qualifying spot for the prestigious Orange Bowl in Miami. Clancy Waugh venturing north for the Challenge Cup Invitational finished as a runner-up in his division.

And that brings us to players who were all but unknown to Challenge Cup beforethis season.  Ian Thimble established himself early by winning the Match Play event in the Spring.  Bryce Schroeder, our Colorado visitor, had a great summer winning the TOC, the Computer Merchant Cup, and taking3^rd at the World Series.  Peter French proved he is a major factor capturing the title in his age group at the World Series.  Nick Celestino virtually owned the late summer events winning the Computer Merchant Cup, the TOC and taking 2^nd at the World Series!  Another newcomer, Connor Murphy began by winning the Optimist qualifer and then won the FCWT Qualifier as well.

Alex DiClemente , Ben Balter, Andy Mai and Chris Melvin, Sean Gaudette, and Zack Grabacik are certainly players who proved they can play with the best in any event.  Two late season newcomers, brothers Zack and Seth Sweet won Doral/Publix qualifiers on the same day and Seth followed that up with a win at the Invitational!  JJ Harris and Ricky Stimets tied for the title at the weather shortened Invitational.

Yes, it has been a year of great accomplishments by the veterans and surprising feats by many newcomers.  Just when we think we know who the best players are along come a whole new crew of fine players eager to take their place in the hierarchy of fine New England junior players.

And a word about a few alumni results as well.  Brad Adamonis had the finest moment of his pro career capturing his first Nationwide Tour Event and establishing himself among the elite.  Mike Welch won a Hooters Tour event and is progressing through PGA Tour Qualifying school at this writing.

And in the Providence Open( a Challenge Cup sponsored event) Mark Baldwin, 2^nd, Jess Houston, 3^rd and Justin Goodhue, 4^th are all former Challenge Cup players.

Lets not overlook the Paladino brothers – Brent who won the prestigious New England Amateur and Cody who lost in the finals of the USGA Publinx to none other than Colt Knost.

At this time next year what names will appear in this column. Work hard over the Winter in golf and at school and we look forward to writing about your highlights next summer.