The 1st round of the 45th Annual Junior America’s Cup, hosted by the Washington Junior Golf Association, teed off this morning at The Home Course in DuPont, Wash.

• Day 1 Scores

Team Utah, represented by Cole Ponich, Max Brenchley, Zach Jones and Blake Tomlinson shot a team total of 3-under par 213 to lead team British Columbia by 2 shots. Similar to a collegiate event, the Junior America’s Cup features 18 teams of four boys representing their state, province or country. The competition is held over 54-holes with each team counting its best three scores each round. The low scoring team after 54-holes will be crowned 2017 champions and presented the champions gold medals.

Cole Ponich led Utah with a 2-under par 70 and sits in a tie for 5th place individually. Austin Carnese of Oregon, and Ty Griggs of Northern California lead the field individually after both shooting 4-under par 68 on the 7,220 yard Home Course layout.

Past Junior America’s Cup participants who have gone on to successful professional careers include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Corey Pavin, Rickie Fowler and local PGA Tour members Ryan Moore, Kyle Stanley, Alex Prugh, Joel Dahmen and Michael & Andrew Putnam.

For a list of the players in the Championship and complete first round scores, please visit http://www.junioramericascup.net/.