Taking golf to the next level

Brian Humphreys has had one busy summer.

During July, the Camas High School student played in three elite tournaments in the United States and Canada: The Callaway Junior Worlds in San Diego; U.S. Junior Amateur in Houston; and Junior America’s Cup in Vancouver, B.C.

“I have played at Worlds before, but it was a different course,” Humphreys, 16, said. “I have also played at the Junior America’s Cup before.”

Competition and course conditions were tough, especially in Houston, but Humphreys appreciates the opportunity to challenge himself and take his game to the next level.

“It was a pretty tiring month, but a lot of fun,” he said. “I was gone for about a week during each tournament. They are all cool cities.”

At Callaway, he scored a 76 the first day, 81 the second and 75 on the third.

“Wind was definitely a factor that second day,” Humphreys said. “I wasn’t really playing well the entire stretch, but that tournament was the best.”

He said the U.S. Junior Amateur was the most challenging. The first day out, he shot an 85, following that up with improvement the next day to 76.

“That time, I was really struggling with my drive,” he noted. “You couldn’t miss the fairways. I probably could have shot par if I was dialed in, but a score can add up quickly if you have trouble.”

Junior America’s Cup was the highlight because Humphreys went with friends from the Oregon Junior Golf Association.

“It was a fun experience,” he said. “We all stayed together.”

There, he shot 81-82-81.

“All of the tournaments were new experiences, and it was kind of nice to see what areas I need to improve in,” he said. “It’s great to have this level of competition.”

Now that summer is winding down, Humphreys has his sights set on the upcoming high school golf season.

“I’m hoping we have three or four players who make it to the postseason and I would like to win districts,” he said.