REDMOND, ORE. – Bryce Wortman (Klamath Falls, Ore.) medaled in the Junior Boys Division, and Ellie Slama (Salem, Ore.) medaled in the Girls Division to highlight the first day of the 85th Bob Norquist Oregon Junior Amateur Championship, held at Eagle Crest Resort – Ridge Course in Redmond, Ore.

Match play begins for three divisions (Junior Boys, Girls, and Boys) tomorrow, June 23rd. Two divisions, the Intermediate Girls and Intermediate Boys, will play 18 more holes of qualifying after playing an 18-hole round today. The Pee Wee Divisions for both Boys and Girls will play 9 holes of stroke play qualifying tomorrow on the back nine on the Ridge Course at Eagle Crest.

In the divisions that will determine this year’s Junior Amateur champions, under par rounds were a rare occurrence. Wortman fired an impressive 68 (-4) in warm and windy conditions on Monday. His round included no bogeys and two birdies, as well as an eagle on the par-5 14th hole. Spencer Tibbits (Vancouver, Wash.), Max Murai (Beaverton, Ore.) and Joshua Wu (Medford, Ore.) tied for second in stroke play qualifying, all shooting 70 (-2).

The top 32 scores in the Junior Boys Division moved on to the Championship Flight. The remaining players were separated accordingly into the second and fourth flights.

In the Girls Division, Slama totaled five birdies on the day, and only two bogeys, on her way to a 3-under par 69. Her birdie on the 18th hole sealed medalist honors by one shot over Ellen Secor (Portland, Ore.), who fired a 2-under par 70 by birdieing two of her last three holes. Madalyn Ardueser (Eugene, Ore.) shot an even-par round of 72 to earn third place.

The top 16 scores in the Girls Division advanced to the Championship Flight, with the remaining players in the division put into their respective flights.

Craig Ronne (Klamath Falls, Ore.) earned first place in qualifying in the Boys Division, firing a 2-under par 70. Jackson Kennon (Bandon, Ore.) and Samuel Pyon (Happy Valley, Ore.) tied for second after both shooting 71 (-1).

In the Intermediate Girls Division, Baylee Hammericksen (Medford, Ore.) is leading after the first day, shooting an 81 (+9) on Monday. Jessica Ponce (Portland, Ore.) is four strokes back after shooting 85 (+13).

Scotty Kennon (Bandon, Ore.) tied Wortman for low score on Monday, also firing a 4-under par 68 to lead the Intermediate Boys Division. Mateo Fuenmayor (Beaverton, Ore.) and Isaac Buerger (Redmond, Ore.) are eight shots back after the first day of qualifying, both at 4-over par (76).

For coverage, tee times, photos, results and more, CLICK HERE or visit www.oregonjram.org.