Published: June 13, 2009 10:36 pm      

Bluegrass Jr. full of tradition

Young golf talent back for 26th year at Bellefonte

ASHLAND — Golf stars of tomorrow often pass through Ashland via the Natural Resource Partners Bluegrass Junior.

Last June, the American Junior Golf Association event celebrated its 25th year at Bellefonte Country Club.

During that span, teen players such as Jim Furyk, Leigh Anne Hardin, Ben Curtis, Brittany Lincicome and Robert Damron used the Bluegrass Junior as a stepping stone to pro tour careers.

Once again, top junior players from more than 20 states and outside the United States will make up the field for the AJGA’s longest-running tournament at one site.

The 2009 NRP Bluegrass Junior opens Wednesday with 120 players, including defending boys’ champion Justin Thomas of Goshen, Ky.

An 18-hole qualifier Monday morning will complete the main field.

Through the years, the Bluegrass Junior has won AJGA awards for volunteer support and its Junior-Am tournament.

“They really think a lot of our tournament at the AJGA level,’’ said tournament chairman Jeff Conley. “It’s a testimony to the people that have worked this event. Bellefonte not only gives up the course for a week, but the members support it and come out and volunteer their time.’’

Conley, who works for the tournament’s title sponsor, is feeling more comfortable in his second year overseeing the NRP Bluegrass Junior. He shares that role with his wife, Barbara.

“Last year was my first (as tournament chairman),’’ Jeff Conley said. “I’ve gotten a lot more sleep this year.’’

Maybe so, but Conley is energetic and always looking for ways to make the tournament better.

One of the players making the trip to Ashland this year will be Robert Meador III of Miami Lakes, Fla.

“His father called me one day and said the reason they wanted to come up to this tournament is because of the strength of the field,’’ Conley said.

Among the age 12 to 18 golfers already accepted in the tournament, five are from California.

“I guess basically that tells you how good our tournament has been and how much everybody respects it,’’ Conley said.

Last year, Thomas shot 206 here to win by seven strokes. He started this season with a fourth-place tie in the Verizon Junior Heritage and a tie for eighth in the Mizuno Junior at Innisbrook.

Another Kentucky player to watch in the boys division is Parker Page of Louisville. He tied for sixth place at the Aldila Junior Open in April and has five Top 20 finishes in his AJGA career.

Emma Talley of Princeton, Ky., will be looking for her first Bluegrass Junior title after placing fourth last year. Last fall, Talley shot a state-record 10-under par in the Kentucky high school state tournament.

Paintsville’s Katy Humphrey, who tied for 20th in the state tournament, is looking forward to competing at Bellefonte.

“I know that tournament brings in a big crowd,’’ Humphrey said. “The competition is always going to be strong.’’

Grant McKenzie of Russell is familiar with the Bellefonte course and wants to improve on his performance in last year’s tournament.

“I didn’t play very well,’’ said McKenzie, whose best round was 79. “I’m looking to redeem myself.’’

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.