Libby's Johnston wins IMG World Junior Open qualifier

Libby’s Ryggs Johnston added another bullet to his impressive resume with a win in the 15-18 age division of the IMG World Junior Open Qualifier at Primm Valley Golf Course near Las Vegas on April 14-15.

Tied for seventh at 1-under-par after the first round of play, Johnston fired a 9-under 63 in the second round to overcome a four-stroke deficit and take the title.

The Arizona State commit carded eight birdies in the second round and sunk a 40-foot, downhill putt for eagle on the 18th hole to clinch the victory over the field of 49 competitors from across the United States.

The win was Johnston’s first since winning the Class A state championship last fall, the third individual state title of his high school career. He demolished the Class A state record with a 10-under 134 for the tournament at Sidney Country Club on Sept. 30.

Johnston, a junior, advanced to compete in the IMG Junior World Championships at the infamous Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego July 10-13. He has qualified for the tournament eight of nine years since his first appearance as a 10-year-old.

Approximately 1,200 junior golfers from 42 states and 56 countries will be in attendance.

Bigfork to host Spartan Mountain Series race

Spartan, the world’s largest series of obstacle races, will kick off its six-race Mountain Series in Bigfork May 5-6.

Thousands of racers of all skill levels will compete over the weekend on two courses — a 12- to 14-mile “Beast” course and 3- to 5-mile “Sprint” course — at Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge.

The courses will include obstacles such as the spear throw, barbed wire crawl, monkey bars and fire jump.

The top 10 male and female finishers at each Mountain Series race will earn cash prizes.

Registration remains open for elite, age group and open heat races. There will also be a Spartan Kids course featuring age-specific distances and obstacles for children aged 4-13.

To register, visit spartan.com.