Braden McKay swung the clubs pretty well on the first day at last week’s Bantam Boys Provincial Championships at the Nyco-Wind Golf Club in Surrey but on the second day he was spectacular.
The 13-year-old golfer carded an 81 on his first round of the 36-hole event on the par-70 course. A pedestrian round for the Rossland resident; the seven pars and 11 bogies left McKay well back in the field of 30 golfers.
But on Friday, McKay came out swinging and putting. He hit almost every green in regulation then made the putts to finish with a 2-over-par 72.
“After he played his first round he went to the putting green and worked on putting for a few hours,” said Braden’s father Rob McKay. “He hit the ball very well both days, but the second day he putted much better.”
Braden carded the fourth lowest round of the day among B.C.’s best Bantam golfers, a good indication that he can compete with the province’s elite.
In the second round Friday, McKay shot 3-over-par 38 on the front nine and a 1-under, 34 to finish with the 72.
The round vaulted him in the standings to finish in 12th place overall.
A. J. Ewart of Coquitlam came from behind to win the event, with a 2-under 68 to finish at 4-under for the tournament.