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Parr goes on birdie binge to lead Canadian junior boys' championship

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — He has the perfect name for a golfer, but Jean-Philippe Parr of St-Celestin, Que., was all about birdies, an eagle and a record Monday as he shot to the top of the leaderboard at the Canadian Junior Boys' Golf Championship.

After opening with a 70 on Sunday, the 18-year-old Parr shot a record-tying 62 on Monday at Rivershore Estates and Golf Links for a 12-under 132 after 36 holes. He took a one-stroke lead over James Newton of Ottawa, who opened Sunday with a superb 63 and then slipped Monday with a 70.

Parr's sizzling round also ties the low Canadian Junior Boys Championship record set by Chris Vandette in 2019.

“I just did everything really solid today,” said Parr. “Got off to a hot start and then just kept it in the fairway which gave me good chances to attack the pins, and then just putted really nicely and made some really good birdie putts. Overall just really solid golf overall.”

Parr's round included eight birdies and an eagle. He's looking to stay consistent for Tuesday's third round.

“Heading into tomorrow, just trying to keep the same game plan and keep making birdies since there are so many birdies out there,” he added. “Also just going to try to be patient and most importantly have some fun.”

Newton, 11-under for the tournament, plays out of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Qué. He played well Monday but didn't score as well.

Closely following and tying for the third spot at 134 on the leaderboard were Cooper Humphreys of Vernon, B.C., and Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. The 15-year-old Javier also occupies the lead in the 16-and-under Juvenile Division. Andre Zhu sits second and one stroke back.

The junior winner will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C., as well as a spot in 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship

The 36-hole interprovincial competition came to a close as Team Québec, consisting of Parr, Felix Bouchard and Newton, extended their first day lead to capture the title by six strokes. Hot on their heels was Team Ontario who challenged throughout the afternoon but fell short of closing the gap.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 8, 2022.

The Canadian Press

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