HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Nathan Kerns knew it would be a tough challenge. He didn’t know how well he was going to play.

When Kerns was finished with his play in the Tri-State Junior Golf Circuit this summer, the one thing everyone knew was how good Kerns could play.

Kerns’ solid player throughout the summer earned him the Tri-State Junior Golf Circuit 13-15 age division’s Player of the Year. He was presented the award during a banquet Thursday at the Guyan Country Club.

Kerns racked up 135 points — the most of any golfer — as he won three tournaments. He tied for first place at the end of regulation play in three others only to finish second.

He finished ahead of Morgan Dobbins and Dagan Abdon.

“After the first tournament, I knew it was going to be tough. Morgan and Dagan are pretty good players,” Kerns said.

“I played pretty consistent in each tournament. I can’t complain about one round I had.”

One of the most memorable moment on the tour was a sudden death finish between Kerns and Dobbins.

Kerns sank a 30-foot putt on the 18th hole to tie Dobbins at Esquire Country Club and then birdied the first playoff hole to beat Dobbins who had to settle for a par.

Kerns said he didn’t feel any extra pressure.

“I just take it the same way. I play the golf course, not the player,” Kerns said.

“There’s always a little extra pressure. There was some pressure at Guyan. I knew I had to win it to get this (award). Then the rain came and made it tougher.”

This year marked the 24th season for the TSJGC which is under the direction of Ed Wilgus, head golf coach at Fairland.

The other division awards went to Gary Hunter and Drew Rothenstine, both members of the Ashland (Ky.) golf team.

Hunter, 17, won the 16-18 age division with 87.5 points and Rothenstine the 10-12 age bracket with 95 points.