MARENGO, ILL. – The competition was very close as the final round of the Blackstone Classic came to a close this afternoon for the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour. Shane Hoben (2016) of Minneapolis, Min., was the Boys Division champion after firing a 2-under-par 70 for a two-day total of 142. Reena Sulkar (2017) of Barrington Hills, Ill., is the girls Division champion after shooting a 1-under-par 70 for a two day total of 146.
The 2015 MAJGT Blackstone Classic is a 36-hole stroke play competition featuring 64 junior golfers representing Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana. This tournament featured the par-72 Blackstone Golf Club. The Boys Division played from 6,450 yards and the Girls Division played from 5,724 yards.
The MAJGT is designed for exceptionally talented junior golfers throughout the Midwest ages 12-18 and is nationally recognized by the Junior Golf Scoreboard and American Junior Golf Association with all of its events providing national exposure.
“The Blackstone course was in phenomenal condition,” said senior director Stephanie Schwartz. “I am so glad that our players could end their summer season with such a great tournament and I wish everyone luck this fall.”
Hoben carded 10 birdies throughout both rounds of play to climb the leaderboard from fourth place after the first round.
“I would like to thank my parents and coaches for helping me get to where I am today,” said Hoben. “This was a great course and I had a lot of fun playing here.”
Justin Lenzini (2016) of Algonquin, Ill., took home the second place trophy after carding a two day total of 143, just one behind the leader. In third place was Patrick Akaniroj (2018) of Willow Springs, Ill., who shot a tournament total of 144
In the Girls Division, Sulkar carded four birdies throughout both rounds of play. Sulkar came out just one ahead to take home the first place trophy. This was Sulkar’s fifth first place finish in five starts on the MAJGT this summer.
“The weather was really tough during the first round, but today was much nicer and my scores reflect that,” said Sulkar “I would also like to thank everyone who came out and made the awesome tournament possible.”
Frankie Saban (2015) of Orland Park, Ill., and Jessica Lee (2017) of Oak Brook, Ill., were tied for second place after the second round with a tournament total of 147. A playoff took place between the two starting on No. 1 and Saban came out on top after carding a birdie on the par 4 first hole.
The MAJGT’s next event is set for September 19-20 at the Minnesota Open in Faribault, Minn.
