POINT PLEASANT — A few wet spots remained, but bright sunshine was in charge as the young linksters launched the 2009 Tri-County Junior Gold Tour at Hidden Valley in Point Pleasant.

The premier 15-17 age division winner was Opie Lucas of Point Pleasant. Lucas fashioned a dandy three-over par of 39 which earned the weekly Fruth Pharmacy first place trophy. The runner-up trophy was captured by Justin Cavender of Point via a 48 total. Close behind was Zane Warner of Fort Myers, Florida with 50, David Michaels of Crown City at 52, and Matt Cornell of Point Pleasant at 61.

The largest division of the day was the 13-14 group, Dakota Sisk (New Haven) finished strong to earn the Fruth first place trophy on a solid 44, while Mason’s Sam Gordon shared the second placed hardware with a 48. Third place went to Gus Slone of Gallia with 57 with Zach Blake (Point Pleasant) posting 61 for fourth place.

Pomeroy’s Joshua Parker recorded 70, with Christian Sparks (River Valley) earning 78 and both Gus Graham of Gallia and Trenton Cork of Pomeroy receiving a DNF.

Ryan Schenkelberg captured the champ trophy in 11-12 age group. Ryan scored 57, while Zack Graham was a close runner-up with 60 strokes. Michael Edelmann finished at 76 for third, and Jacob Click came in fourth.

Two 10-and-under golfers earned the coveted Fruth trophies, Addison Stanley of Gallipolis came in first at 61 while Jasiah Brewer of Pomeroy garnered second with 86.

Veteran Libby Leach of Cheshire posted 61 to gain first place honors and he Fruth trophy for the ladies.

After lunch, the area youth golfers were reminded to reassemble next Monday, June 29 at Pine Hills in Pomeroy for the second round of play. Registration begins in Pomeroy at 8:15 a.m. with a shotgun-start tee off at 9 a.m. All area youth are invited to participate as often as possible.

On Tuesday, July 7, play resumes at Cliffside Golf Course in Gallipolis. Fourth round comes on July 13, and the final fun day at Hidden Valley on July 20. Players can join the competition at any week, all one needs to do is show up and register.