AKRON, OH – The 5th annual Firestone Junior Cup took place Wednesday at Firestone Country Club’s Fazio Course, bringing together eight PGA Jr. League teams from across Northern Ohio for a day filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and competition — even as weather caused a change in format.
The day began with a group clinic led by Meg Glass-Stem, PGA Head Professional at Glenmoor Country Club who spoke to the players about the power of attitude and self-belief. Players were then treated to a Q&A session with PGA TOUR Champions player Paul Stankowski, who was on-site for the Kaulig Companies Championship. Stankowski answered questions from the juniors, shared stories from his career, and offered advice on preparation, perseverance, and the joy of the game.
Originally slated as a nine-hole competition, the tournament was cut short due to weather. In place of traditional scoring, all eight teams participated in a dramatic team shootout on the 18th hole. Each team’s eight players hit a 72-yard shot toward the pin in front of a crowd of teammates and spectators.
Jimmy Beers Golf clinched the title for the third year in a row after Emma Gonzalez-Ribble delivered a clutch shot to seal the win. Tanglewood Golf Club, led by Coach Jenn Creech, finished as the runner-up.
The eight teams who competed in this year’s Firestone Junior Cup included:
Jimmy Beers Golf
Red Tail Golf Club
Country Club of Hudson
Tanglewood Golf Club
Glenmoor Country Club
First Tee – Greater Akron
Medina Country Club
Fox Den Golf Course
For more information on junior golf programming in Northern Ohio, visit thenorthernohiopga.com.
