GNS Student Earns Spot at Golf Junior World Champions

April 16, 2021

Academics

GNS

Congratulations to Shunkichi Yamamoto ’23 who recently placed first at the IMG Junior World Championship Golf Qualifiers. Shunkichi had the best score out of over 30 other competitors in his group (ages 13 to 18). His score earned him a spot on Team Canada for the IMG Academy Junior World Championship in San Diego.

The qualifiers were played in Langley at Pagoda Ridge Golf Club. Shunkichi finished the tournament with a six-shot lead shooting over 1. He is grateful for the support he received from his friend and virtual caddy, Zachary Scott ’23, who provided some inspirational words before the start of the tournament.

“It was really competitive,” he said. “I had a lucky couple of days and it was really fun.”

Shunkichi has been playing golf for the last six years and said his grandfather was the one who really got him into the sport.

“I used to play with him a lot when he was back here in Canada,” he said. “I like golf because of the pressure. Normal golf playing with friends is fun, but tournament golf is better than anything.”

Practice will be an important part of how Shunkichi gears up for the World Championship in July.

“I practice as much as I can. Whenever I have the time. Maybe four to five times a week,” he said. “I just need to be focused and stay in the moment.”

Good luck Shunkichi—we will be rooting for you!