On Saturday, December 2, the Philadelphia Junior Tour held their inaugural Junior Tour Awards dinner. This event served as a way to recognize all of the junior golfers who achieved success throughout the 2016-17 Philadelphia Junior Tour season. In addition to formally recognizing the year-end award winners, Golf Channel personality and PGA Professional Michael Breed served as the event’s keynote speaker creating a special atmosphere for all in attendance.

After opening remarks from Philadelphia PGA Tournament Director Brian Schulte, PGA the evening’s first awards were given out. The Harry Hammond Scholarship, named in honor of the long time Philadelphia PGA Professional of the same name, recognizes juniors for their accomplishments both on and off the golf course. The 2017 Harry Hammond Scholarship winners were: BOYS – 1^st Conner Bennink, 2^nd Drew Steinmetz, 3^rd Simon Asadoorian; GIRLS – 1^st Savanna Haas, 2^nd Georgia Naples, 3^rd Jessica McClellan & Amanda Jones who all received contributions for their post-secondary education.

For the player awards, juniors were recognized in the following categories; Graham Company Player(s) of the Year for both boys and girls across all age groups as well as the Sam Penecale Scoring Average crown also across all age groups. The 2017 Graham Company Players of the Year were Alec Ryden (Boys 16-18), Grace Hickey (Girls 16-18), Dylan Gooneratne (Boys 13-15), Elizabeth Beek (Girls 13-15), and Benjamin Saggers (12 & under). Taking home the Sam Penecale Scoring titles were Caleb Ryan (Boys 16-18), Grace Hickey (Girls 16-18), Stephen Lorenzo (Boys 13-15), Elizabeth Beek (Girls 13-15), and Matthew Normand (12 & under).

After all the awards were given out the evening was turned over to keynote speaker Michael Breed. Although Breed spoke to all in attendance his message was specifically geared toward the juniors in the room. Breed asked the juniors to understand the difference between character and reputation and how knowing that will help them in all walks of life. Breed also asked that the juniors be appreciative of the sacrifices everyone around them make day in and day out to ensure that they are able to enjoy the game of golf. Finally, Breed fielded questions from the audience and answered everything from: “What was your most memorable moment in golf?” to “What was it like getting to meet and work with Arnold Palmer?” The ceremony and Breed’s comments made for a memorable evening.

For a complete list of Philadelphia Junior Tour award winners as well as updated schedule information please visit the Philadelphia Junior Tour website, www.phillyjuniortour.com.