Beacon Falls golfer earns first junior PGA win

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Ryan Warner, 13, of Beacon Falls won the Frank Kringle PGA Junior Championship in the 9 Hole Division held in Westfield, Mass. recently. Ryan shot a one over par 37 to earn his first championship win. CONTRIBUTED

Ryan Warner recently won the Frank Kringle PGA Junior Championship in the 9 Hole Division with a scorching one over par 37 at the East Mountain Country Club in Westfield, Mass.

“I have been working on my putting and chip shots,” Warner said. “Each tournament I have been able to knock a few more strokes off my game. At the last tournament the field was pretty competitive. But, I finished up strong and it certainly was a great feeling to win the championship.”

Ryan was in a battle with Jonathan Farrell of Feeding Hills, Mass. for the title. Farrell jumped out to an early lead after shooting a birdie on the first hole of the match.

Warner came storming back with some solid play down the back stretch. Ryan hit a birdie on the 15th hole and then went on to par the final three holes to win the championship in a match of cards with Farrell.

Warner, 13, is the son of Bob and Melissa Warner of Beacon Falls and was playing in his eighth tournament of the season.

On June 27, Ryan played in his first tournament of the season at the Ellington Ridge Memorial. Warner posted a score of a 12 shots over par but continually brought his scores down over the following seven tournaments.

Ryan began taking up golf seriously last year and takes lessons at Stony Hill in Bethel. His love for the game comes from his dad, and the father and son duo have formed a close bonding experience through the game of golf.

“My dad has really helped me to improve my game tremendously,” Ryan said. “Usually when I play against him I’m only a stroke or two behind him.”

In the fall, Ryan will look to continue improving on the links as a Hawk.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to learn the game. Next year, when I go to Woodland High School, I will be ready to go out for the golf team,” he said.

Although college is still a few years away, Ryan can see himself on the links at the collegiate level. However, the young golfer has his priorities in order.

“I would like to go on and play in college,” Ryan said. “But the main thing is to get a good education and enjoy the game of golf in the process.”