Johnny Bart Shines as Fecchio Junior Cup Gets Underway
Johnny Bart and Arman Newton
IslandStats.com
A summer atmosphere in the heart of December provided the perfect backdrop at Turtle Hill Golf Club as the 38th Fecchio Junior Cup opened with a day of exceptional scoring. With the sun beating down on the par-three layout, the island’s premier junior talent took full advantage of the benign conditions to set a blistering pace in the opening round.
In the marquee Blue Division, Johnny Bart delivered a masterclass in iron play to seize the clubhouse lead. Bart, a known specialist on this course, carded an impressive two-over-par 56 to establish a narrow two-shot cushion. He is closely pursued by Lewis MacFarlane, whose 58 keeps him firmly in contention, while Arman Newton sits in third place after a resilient 61.
The White Division saw Charles Smith emerge as the man to beat after the first 18 holes. Smith’s gross 62 gives him a comfortable six-shot advantage over Damian Moniz, who carded a 68, with Cillian McGlynn just one stroke further back in third.
The handicap divisions provided plenty of drama of their own, led by a high-scoring battle in the Gold Division. Jacob Garrett leads the way for the under-11s with 42 points, narrowly edging out Leo Sund and Benjamin Ivey, who are currently locked in a tie for second with 40 points apiece.
In the Yellow Division, Thomas Troughton proved his mettle by racking up 41 points to lead the field. Zara Soutter remains within striking distance on 39, while Poppy Parry rounds out the top three with 34 points heading into Friday's final round.
The day was also marked by several moments of individual brilliance during the "Closest to the Pin" challenges. Adam Roberts claimed the honors for the Blue Division on the 13th, while Connor Sousa showed his accuracy on the 2nd for the White Division. Bradford Laing, who also leads the Red Division with a gross 66, took the prize on the 1st, and Yellow Division leader Thomas Troughton capped off a fine day by winning the challenge on the 7th.
