News and Notes: Philadelphia Junior Open

All in the Family:

For the second consecutive year, Zachary, Erica and Madelein Herr have made the AJGA Philadelphia Junior a family affair. The trio has only played in the same tournament twice, with both outings coming at Huntingdon Valley Country Club.

All three Herr’s have a bright future: Zachary begins play at the University of Vanderbilt in 2013, Erica recently won the William Penn Junior Championship and Madelein finished tenth in this week’s event.

The Herr Family: Madelein, Zachary and Erica.

Golfsmith:

Juniors tested their long drive ability at a local Golfsmith after the conclusion of the second round. J.D. Hughes of Carlisle, Pa., won the contest by crushing a 323 yard drive. Kevin O’Brien, Wexford, Pa., finished second at 317 yards.

History Lesson:

Housing two AJGA staff members this week is course historian, Mr. John Bowen. In 1988, Bowen wrote and printed a course map, thoroughly outlining every nook and cranny of the grounds. As Bowen explains, the club was incorporated in 1898, but it wasn’t until 1927 that the current course was designed by Tooney and Flynn (Shinnecock Hills Golf Club ranks as one of Flynn’s more prestigious course designs). Now in its 114th year of operation, Huntingdon Valley Country Club has no shortage of history.