BARRINGTON, Ill. – The Illinois Junior Golf Association’s 47th Illinois State Junior Amateur began Tuesday at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington, Ill. At the conclusion of the first round, David Perkins (2016) of East Peoria, Ill., sits atop the leaderboard after carding an even-par 71.
“It’s great being back at Makray Memorial,” said Brett Dreier, director of the playing member division. “The golf course is a true test to players in the field, who are amongst the best in the state of Illinois. It appears that the players will have perfect conditions tomorrow as they battle to make their way to the top 50 (and ties) moving into the final round Thursday.”
The Illinois State Junior Amateur (ISJA) is a 54 hole, stroke play event, with a cut after 36 holes to the top 50 and ties. The field, made up of male junior golfers from Illinois ages 12-18, played the first round on the par 71 course from 6,587 yards.
The Illinois Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing playing opportunities for its members ages 8-18, conducting educational clinics and events, and serving as a junior golf informational clearinghouse.
Perkins, who is appearing in his second ISJA – finishing 12th in 2015, is currently leading after the first round. The 2016 grad will be attending Illinois State in the fall.
Currently in solo second is Kevin Paek (2017) of Glenview, Ill., who finished the round at 1-over-par 72. In a five-way tie for fourth at 2-over-par 73 are Justin Choi (2017) of Northfield, Ill., Connor Prassas (2017) of Winnetka, Ill., Tyler Isenhart (2019) of Geneva, Ill., Jacob Krugman (2016) of River Woods, Ill., and Cameron Karney (2018) of Crystal Lake, Ill. After carding a 3-over-par 74 in the first round, Chip Savarie (2018) of Winnetka, Ill., and Michael Tanaka (2018) of Wilmette, Ill., are currently tied for eighth.
Rounding out the top 10 are Tommy Kuhl (2018) of Morton, Ill., Jordan Less (2016) of Elmhurst, Ill., Jackson Bussell (2019) of Lincolnshire, Ill., Patrick Akaniroj (2018) of Willow Springs, Ill., and Jonathan Nocek (2016) of Bloomingdale, Ill., each finishing the day at 4-over-par 75.
The second round of the 47th ISJA is set to begin Wednesday, at 7:30 a.m. off of Nos. 1 and 10 at Makray Memorial GC.
