Sportsmanship.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term as “conduct becoming to one participating in a sport; showing fairness and respect for one’s opponent and graciousness in winning or losing.”
For the Golf Association of Philadelphia, Christopher Allan, Jr. of Penn Oaks GC is a reflection of just that, and as a result, is the recipient of the inaugural Junior Sportsmanship Award.
Whether he was in contention or not, the 17-year-old senior out of Bishop Shanahan High School represented GAP and its Junior Golf Program in 2006 with the utmost sportsmanship.
“Throughout the season, Chris demonstrated a level of class and sophistication one would come to expect from such a competitor in this great game of ours,” said Mike Sharp, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s Junior Coordinator. “It’s nice to see him rewarded for his respectful demeanor on and off the golf course.”
In this, his eighth season participating in Association tournaments, Allan knows what is expected of the competitors who take part in the organization’s events but this turn of events, earning the Junior Sportsmanship Award, was certainly a surprise.
“It feels great to win the award because it was totally unexpected,” Allan said. “Although I would have liked to have topped off my junior career off by winning the Junior Boys’ Championship, this is a great accomplishment to have before heading to college.”
The native of West Chester, Pa., has not made a decision on what institute of higher education to attend next fall, although he is confident this accolade will help him at the next level.
“I think winning [the Junior Sportsmanship Award] can help me a lot with choosing a college,” he said. “It shows coaches what kind of personality I have on and off the golf course. It’s nice to show them that even though I might be having a bad day on the course, I’m still able to represent their university in the right fashion.”
On the course, Allan finished in the top 15 for the Junior Player of the Year Award and had his best showing at the 92nd Junior Championship where he advanced to match play. Allan did, however, take home another trophy this season as a member of the victorious Junior Team Championship Penn Oaks GC foursome.
