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The History of the Junior Masters Golf Tournament
The Mike Bencriscutto Junior
Masters Golf Tournament was started in 1974 as the dream of
its founder, the late Mike Bencriscutto. Disturbed that the
availability to compete in junior tournaments strongly
favored junior golfers with country club affiliations, Mike
was determined to do something about it.
As the
consummate golf professional, he envisioned an event that
would rival the finest junior tournament anywhere. To make
his dream materialize, Mike enlisted the assistance and
commitment of eight knowledgeable and very capable players
themselves who shared his dedication and enthusiasm for
junior golf. These eight individuals were a perfect fit to
assure that the tournament would be successful. Their
challenge was to promote the program to local business
leaders and get their financial support. After nearly two
years of intense effort, Mike and his select board had their
financial support and a host of volunteers standing by to
inaugurate what was then known as the Wisconsin Junior
Masters Championship.
Mike and his
committee were uniquely qualified to structure a tournament
for the juniors. Nearly all of these individuals had learned
to play under Mike's tutelage and were very experienced
players that had won many tournaments statewide. Today, the
success of the tournament lives on through the loyal
dedication of five of these original committee members.
These members include George Madsen, Bruce Hansen, Paul Loth,
John Feiner, and the chairman Tom Feiner. Several additional
directors were added to the board ( all former Junior
Masters competitors) to assist Chairman Tom Feiner in
continuing the high standards of the tournament. A very good
amateur golfer for many years, Tom was Mike's hand-picked
choice to succeed him as chairman.
The format of
the Junior Masters was designed to offer the juniors a
maximum number of rounds for the cost of their entry fee.
The board decided that the best way to do this was to have a
36-hole qualifying on Monday and Tuesday and then begin the
match play on Wednesday. By the end of the final match on
Friday the finalists have played a total of 36 holes of
medal play qualifying, and six 18-hole match play rounds.
This format was designed to test not only ones golfing
skills, but their endurance as a player as well.
Today, the
Junior Masters is as strong as ever with 200 plus entries
filled nearly two months before the tournament's deadline
date. Since the Junior Masters is a statewide open
tournament, it follows that the division winners rank among
the best junior golfers in the state. While many of these
young players have continued to play outstanding golf after
the Junior Masters, at least four, Steve Stricker, Skip
Kendall, J.P. Hayes, and Jerry Kelly are making their mark
on the PGA Tour.
With the
continued support and generosity of the many volunteers and
donators, the board of directors trusts the Mike
Bencriscutto Junior Masters Championship will remain a
prestigious and successful event for many years to come.
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