Mitchell Klooz wins U.S. Kids golf state title

Randy Klooz Mitchell Klooz is U.S. Kids Golf Nebraska State Champion.

LINCOLN -- U.S. Kids sponsored its state qualifying tournament at Wilderness Ridge Golf Course in Lincoln last Wednesday (July 7).

Mitchell Klooz, age 8, fired a 38 and captured first place in the 9-year-old age division, which plays from tee boxes adjusted for age.

Par 3's are approximately 110 yards, par 4's are approximately 220 yards and par 5's are approximately 320 yards totaling par 36 for 9 holes.

Klooz won by four strokes. His win qualifies him for the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships in Williamsburg, Va., July 28-31.

The World Championship competition will consist of 3 rounds of 18 holes at the Williamsburg National Golf Course.

Klooz has had a very successful summer. He has competed in several other tournaments around the state, including:

* 1st place, Coke Jr. Tournament, 10 & under, at Prairie Hills, Pleasanton.

* 4th place, George Mohlman Memorial Tournament, 11 & under, Kearney.

* 1st place, Kearney Junior League Tournament, 11 & under.

* 1st place, Shasta Bosshamer Memorial Tournament, 11 & under, Kearney.

* 1st place, Pepsi Junior Tournament, 7-8 years, Wilderness Ridge, Lincoln.

Klooz is also currently the Central Nebraska Junior Champion for the

11 and under age division after competing in a two-day tournament at Jackrabbit Run and Riverside Golf Courses in Grand Island on July 8-9.

Klooz is the son of Randall and Lori Klooz of Franklin. Grandparents include Larry and Nancy Ceder of Smith Center, Kan.; Wes and Kathy Wilmot of Beaver City and Roger and Judy Klooz of Lexington.

Mitchell is great grandson of Betty and Eldon Robinson of Beaver City and Merlin and Mary Wilmot, Wilsonville.