Bolster Secures 104th W.Y. Dear Junior Championship
ESSEX FELLS, N.J.— Henry Bolster of Canoe Brook Country Club emerged victorious in the 104th W.Y. Dear Junior Championship following three days at Essex Fells Country Club. Bolster won the final match 2 and 1 over Michael Clifford-Levy.
“I’m really excited, it’s great to earn a win here. Essex Fells did a great job hosting this one. The course was in great shape and it was just an overall awesome experience,” said Bolster.
Bolster, 18, has etched his name on two NJ Golf trophies already this year. Along with teammate Sean Vowells, the tandem won the New Jersey Four-Ball Championship at North Jersey Country Club in June.
Today, Bolster won his semifinal match against stroke play medalist Ryan Klarreich, 3 and 2. Bolster got out to a strong start winning each of the first two holes on his way to victory, crediting his putting as a driving force all week.
“I putted really well. I made a few long ones in my matches yesterday and some clutch putts in stroke play,” said Bolster. “Today I didn’t make any long ones but I knocked in the short ones that really matter.”
In the final match, a back-and-forth battle found Bolster 1-up at the turn. After trading wins on holes 11 through 14, Bolster stepped up with a solid par on the par-4, 16th to grow his lead to two with two holes to play. With a solid two-putt par on 17, Bolster secured the title.
“I’m just proud of myself and the work I’ve put in. It’s pretty cool when you do with some hard work and belief in yourself,” said Bolster.
With the victory, Bolster earns an exemption into the 77th U.S. Junior Amateur which will take place at Trinity Forest Golf Club from July 21-26.
“It’s pretty awesome,” said Bolster. “Any USGA event, I just told my mom, it’s an honor to play in and I’ll be really excited for that.”
Semifinal Results
Henry Bolster def. Ryan Klarreich, 3 and 2
Michael Clifford-Levy def. Harry Cohen, 4 and 3
Final Results
Henry Bolster def. Walter Gumbinger, 5 and 3
Michael Clifford-Levy def. Arjun Caprihan, 3 and 2
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