Keating, Flanagan qualify for 2027 International Junior Optimists Championship

Braden Keating putts on hole six during the Midwestern Ontario Junior Optimists District Championship Aug. 11 at the St. Marys Golf and Country Club.

By: Spencer Seymour

Braden Keating and Henry Flanagan of Stratford both qualified for the 2027 International Junior Optimists Championship, to be held in Miami, Fla., next year, after strong finishes at the Midwestern Ontario Junior Optimists District tournament in St. Marys Aug. 11.

Keating, competing in the Boys’ 12-13 division, finished first to be crowned the Midwestern Ontario District Champion. Keating shot a score of 76 to claim his bracket’s top spot.

According to Keating, he was able to finish atop his division thanks to some steady chips and drives throughout the day.

“My irons and wedges were dialled in for the entire round,” Keating said. “The reason that I won is because of the consistency of my game and my confidence going into the tournament. I would say that the highlight of my day was my third shot on the par-five sixth hole. I was under a tree and flighted my 52-degree wedge to within three feet and converted it into a birdie.”

Keating added the opportunity to compete on the global stage is one he is ecstatic to have.

“It means the world to me that I get to travel to Florida and play some amazing golf there against competition from all over the world,” exclaimed Keating. “I spend a lot of time practicing and playing golf. You will find me at the golf course most days in the summer. I am excited for the opportunity, to say the least.”

In the Boys’ 16-18 group, Flanagan shot 75 to finish second and qualify for the international event next summer. Flanagan told the Times he was getting to the green very well and, once there, made some important shots from distance.

“I felt really good about the way I was playing throughout the tournament,” Flanagan remarked. “My approach shots from around 100 yards were particularly strong. I hit three shots that finished within five feet of the hole, which gave me some great opportunities to score. My putting was also a big part of my round. I made several difficult putts, including two 30-foot putts that were really important in keeping my round going and helping me finish with a 75.”

Flanagan also detailed a dramatic finish to his round that led to him earning his spot in Florida.

“The most memorable moment for me was definitely my final hole,” said Flanagan. “I had 115 yards to the pin and hit my approach shot to within a foot of the hole. I knew I needed a good finish because I was trying to qualify for the opportunity to play in Florida, and that shot ended up being the difference. I finished with a 75 and qualified by just one stroke, so it was a pretty exciting way to finish the tournament.”

Flanagan also explained how important the spot at the International Championship is to him.

“Qualifying for the international event in Florida means everything to me. I have been golfing since I was three years old, so having an opportunity like this is something I am extremely proud of and excited about. Golf has been a huge part of my life, and I have worked hard over many years to improve my game and reach this level. I also work as a groundskeeper at the Stratford Municipal Golf Course, where I have been working since I was 13 years old.

“Being able to work at a golf course has given me an even greater appreciation for the game and for everything that goes into maintaining a course,” Flanagan continued. “To have the chance to compete internationally is a dream come true, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to representing Stratford and making the most of this experience.”