In terms of experience Matt Codd was a step behind most of the competitors in his age bracket at the Canadian Junior Golf Association stop at River Bend Golf Course during the weekend.
But in terms of ability he wasn’t out of his class.
The 15-year-old from Red Deer shot a one-over par 73 Sunday to finish the 36-hole event at 146 to grab second place in the boys’ 15-19 year-old age class. Only Kieran Standen of Edmonton finished ahead of Codd as he shot a pair of three-under 69s to come in at 138.
“Kieran and I are good friends, in fact he stayed at our place last night. I was planning on roughing him up a bit, but it didn’t work,” he said with a laugh. “But coming out of the Alberta Open I was happy to put some good rounds together and be consistent. And it worked out today. I did miss a few putts and picked up some bogeys I shouldn’t have, but it wasn’t bad. I enjoy coming out here and contending.”
Codd made the cut at the Alberta Open with rounds of 75-76, then shot an 84 on the final day.
But the experience was something that will only benefit the Grade 10 Hunting Hills student.
“I like playing against the older guys it pushed me,” he said. “The first time out against the older guys there were some 67s and 68s and it made me want to play better. It pushes you to go out and play your best all the time rather than just play mediocre.
“My short game is good and I can get up and down from anywhere, but my mid to long irons need some work and I need to hit more greens (in regulation),” he said. “But then I’m still 15 so I’m pleased where I’m at.”
Codd plays most of the CJGA events in Alberta and the odd McLennan Ross tournament. He’s also planning on playing more Alberta Golf Association events such as the Alberta Amateur and Alberta Junior and several events in the States.
“I like the tournaments where they’re more than one round,” he said. “A guy can shoot lights out in the first round and you still have a chance against him. And if you play the Alberta Amateur and junior you need to be consistent over more than one round.”
Codd also plays for Hunting Hills in the high school provincials. Down the road he hopes to receive a scholarship to the States.
“I’d like to get a full ride somewhere, but I still have time for that,” he added.
The CJGA stop at River Bend was a Nike Golf Junior Series and a Stephen Ames Cup qualifier. Codd hopes to compete in the Crossfield next weekend and at Wolf Creek June 18-19.
Derek Roach of Calgary was third in the older class at 148 after a 72 Sunday. Jesse Teron of Red Deer had a 73 Sunday and placed fourth at 150 with Brandon Zimmerman of Edmonton coming in at 151 following a final round 76.
Austin Jacobson and Kolby Vold, both of Ponoka, came in tied for 16th at 163 while Julien Boothby of Red Deer was 22nd at 170.
Brett Pasula of Red Deer had a final round 75 to win the 14-and-under with a 146 total, two strokes ahead of Andrew Brown of Calgary, who had a 73 Sunday.
Michael Pruss of Red Deer and Nolan Mastel of Medicine Hat tied for third at 156 after rounds of 77 and 79 respectively,
Allan Pruss of Red Deer tied for seventh at 160 with Nolan Bruin of Red Deer ninth at 164.
Megan Paul of Calgary won the girls’ division with a 163 total, following an 82 Sunday. Bria Jansen of Cochrane and Bria Major of Calgary came in at 176.
The CJGA Junior Linksters Series took place Sunday at the mini links with Ryan Gillard of Calgary winning the boys’ 11-13 year-old division with a 64, three strokes ahead of Joshua Estepa of Calgary. Trey Felesky of Rocky Mountain House was fifth at 75.
Jakob Chicoyne of Calgary won the boys’ 9-10 year-old class with a 65 with Max Murchison of Calgary at 69.
Carson Rody of Calgary had a 33 over nine holes to win the boys’ eight-and under title with Devin Kucy of Camrose at 39.
drode@www.reddeeradvocate.com