The Kootenay Golf Trail, an association of the seven 18 hole golf courses in the West Kootenay and Boundary region, has selected Castlegar’s Ely Overennay as the BC Golf Association Zone One West 2013 Junior Golfer of the Year.
This award is based on a player’s tournament score progression, attitude on the course and commitment to development as a golfer. Ely was deemed to have exemplified these attributes during the past golf season.
Now 13-years-old, Ely has been involved in golf from a very early age. His father Collin, reports that at age five, Ely was already busy hitting balls in the back yard and by eight was fully engaged in formal play.
As a Zone 1 West Junior golfer, Ely has played each of the courses in the region and reports to have enjoyed them all. When asked his favourite he had no hesitation in saying that his home course, Castlegar, topped the list. In fact, his lucky charm when involved in tournament play is a Castlegar Golf Course ball marker.
As for his favourite golfer, Ely is most impressed by Phil Mickelson believing that he is an excellent role model for an aspiring young golfer. Ely is hopeful that by the time he has completed high school, he will be have improved his game to the point that he will receive a university or college golf scholarship.
The local golf courses that make up the Kootenay Golf Trail are committed to the development of young golfers in this region and it is hoped that this award will act as a form of motivation for those who are currently engaged or are considering the sport.