Franklin Regional’s Jackson wins Westmoreland County Junior golf tourney

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, June 21, 2018 | 9:10 PM

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Palmer Jackson finished a busy week by winning his first Westmoreland County Junior golf tournament Thursday.

Jackson, who will be a senior at Franklin Regional, began the week qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur by chipping in for a victory Monday at Carlisle Country Club.

On Wednesday, he needed extra holes to defeat good friend Brady Pevarnik at the Junior PGA National qualifier at Fox Run Golf Course at Aliquippa.

But Thursday's win at Latrobe Country Club meant even more. It was on the home course of the late legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the golfer after whom he was named.

Jackson had been in contention for the title the past three seasons, but he was edged by Greensburg native Mark Goetz in 2015 and '17 and by Belle Vernon's Mike Lubriani in 2016.

He was a favorite to win the title after his top competitor, Pevarnik, didn't register because he didn't think he'd be back from vacation. Pevarnik instead flew home to play in the PGA Junior National and caddied for Jackson on Thursday.

He didn't play his best, but he easily grabbed the title with a 3-over-par 75. He bogeyed the final hole after his drive went left and hit the wooden Arnold Palmer statue left of the 18th fairway.

“I guess I deserved a bogey after hitting Mr. Palmer,” Jackson said. “Even though I knew I was a big favorite, I told my dad I wanted to shoot in the 60s. I just didn't play as well as I could have.”

With Pevarnik and Goetz caddying in the final group, they made sure he stayed focused. They also made him laugh and back off a shot a few times with friendly jabs.

“Actually, winning this is a big deal for me. Winning at a place (that was home to) who I was named after is pretty cool and something I take pride in and was fortunate to do,” Jackson said. “I lost the past three years by a shot of tying. To get it this year was nice because my game isn't the best right now.”

Jackson also led Franklin Regional to its fourth consecutive team title. He, Ethan Yohe, Chuck Tragesser and Michael Wareham finished with a 235.

Yohe finished second with a 79, and Tragesser took the 13-15 age division with an 81.

Finishing third was Jonathan Kebe with an 81 and fourth was Thomas Shaw with an 83.

Pevarnik said he thought he was too late to play in the tournament. He was on vacation in Myrtle Beach and, after a few good practices, decided to fly home and play in the Junior PGA qualifier.

“I was satisfied how I played,” Pevarnik said. “I've been working on a new swing and was pleased with the results.”

Jackson said about chipping in for eagle Monday to win the U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier that he knew he needed a five to qualify.

“I didn't have much room to land the ball,” Jackson said. “I flopped one over a bunker and landed it right in the hole. I was really lucky, but I'll take it.

“Being in a playoff with Brady was tough. Obviously we're great friends, but (I) still wanted to beat him to get that spot. I'm sure he'll be great at the Pennsylvania Amateur.”

Jackson said the only disappointing thing in his run of qualifying was missing the West Penn Open and playing at Oakmont Country Club.

But getting a chance to play at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J., for the U.S. Junior Amateur and Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., for the Junior PGA National isn't so bad.

He still can play at Oakmont in the WPIAL Class AAA Championship in the fall.

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.