MIAMI, Fla. – 600 top young golfers recently competed in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship at Trump National Doral in Miami, Fla. The tournament brought together some of the world’s most talented young competitors, many of whom have the potential to become leading collegiate and professional golfers in the future.

Alex Bernier from Natick competed in the 12-13 age division in the championship on July 15 - 20 at the Blue Monster Course in Doral. Bernier placed 16th out of 98 golfers, shooting scores of 79,78 and 74 over the 3-day tournament.

The Optimist prides itself as an international event, with players representing 23 nations. Former champions and top finishers of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship include PGA TOUR members Jonathan Byrd, Jason Day, Bill Haas, and Jeff Overton in addition to LPGA members Stacy Lewis, Brooke Pancake, Brittany Lincicome and Lexi Thompson. A number of other well-known professional golfers have participated in Optimist-sponsored championship, including Ernie Els, Nancy Lopez, Davis Love III, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.

This golf resort is home to four uniquely designed golf courses, including one of golf’s most famous - The Blue Monster. With the most recent course transformations of the Red Tiger, Golden Palm and Silver Fox, Trump National Doral sets itself apart from all others by offering distinct and exciting Doral golf experiences all at one location.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with more than 2,900 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated to “Bringing Out the Best in Kids,” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than 6 million young people each year. The Optimist Junior Golf program is one of the organization’s most prominent programs.

Scores, photos, news stories and tee times will be updated throughout the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship. Results will be available under the tournament’s information at www.optimist.org/golf.

News items will also be included on the Optimist Junior Golf Facebook page at www.facebook.com/optimist.golf and Twitter feed @OptimistGolf.