Player of the week: Jose Narro
Jose Narro of Altamira, Mexico, fired rounds of 76-72 at the Texas Junior Golf Tour’s Traditions Spring Break Invitational at A&M to win by one shot. Narro was two shots back after Round 1, but managed to shoot even par at Tradition at A&M. Narro attends Clear Lake High School in Seabrook, Texas.
William Brueckner, Casie Cathrea join illustrious list of San Francisco champs
A pair of juniors swept the Championship Division titles March 10 at the San Francisco City Championship at Harding Park Golf Course.
William Brueckner defeated Isaiah Salinda, 3 and 1, to win the men’s title while Casie Cathrea rolled to a 10-and-8 victory over Jayshree Sarathy.
Brueckner, a 16-year-old from Walnut Creek, Calif., advanced to the final match by upsetting third-seeded Alex Franklin, 5 and 4. He was 2 down in his match against Salinda after the first 18 holes and then lost the first afternoon hole before winning three straight holes to return the match to all square.
“My dad and I always joke that I have to give a few back before I get going,” Brueckner said.
He would eventually put away the match thanks to a combination of dry conditions and support in the gallery from his family and friends, some of them making the trip from Olympic Club, Brueckner’s home course.
“My length showed up when I needed it, when the course was more dry,” Brueckner said. “Also my buddies from Olympic Club came over. I love playing in front of an audience.”
Brueckner won the 2011 Junior All-Star at River Ridge, but he ...
Garcia, 17, makes first PGA Tour cut at Puerto Rico Open
At just 17 years old, Jorge Garcia made his first PGA Tour start at last week’s Puerto Rico Open.
He also made his first cut.
Garcia, who earned a sponsor exemption into the event after winning the AJGA Puerto Rico Junior Open, shot 70-70-73-74 for a four-day total of 1-under 287.
“It was a really great week for me,” Garcia said after finishing 75th. “I made some very good shots. . . . I’m very happy with my performance.”
Garcia shot 9-under 63 to open January’s junior event at Trump International Golf Club’s Championship course in Rio Grande. He began the PGA Tour event with two straight 2-under 70s to earn a spot in the weekend before shooting 3 over for the final two rounds.
“Things didn’t go so well for me as they did in the first two days, but I’m still very happy that I was able to make the cut.”
A nice run over his final seven holes of the second round helped Garcia advance. He was 2 over for the round after a bogey at the par-5 second hole, having started on the back nine. But he went 4 under to finish the ...
54-player field set for Junior Invitational at Sage Valley
The Junior Invitational at Sage Valley will take place at Sage Valley Golf Club on April 26-28 in Graniteville, S.C., just minutes away from Augusta, Ga.
Highlighting the field is returning champion Zachary Olsen, of Cordova, Tenn., who captured the title by three shots in 2012. Seven of the top 10 players in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings will be making starts this year at Sage Valley along with multiple players from around the world.
The field list for the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley:
• Zachary Bauchou - No. 23 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings
• Andrej Bevins - Attending New Mexico in the fall
• Sam Burns - No. 39 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings
• Derek Castillo - Won the 2012 AJGA Mission Hills Junior and Golfweek West Tour Championship
• Cameron Champ - No. 4 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings
• Austin Connelly - No. 44 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings
• Brad Dalke - No. 6 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings
• Branson Davis - No. 49 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings
• Rigel Fernandes - No. 15 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings (Indial)
• Matthew Fitzpatrick - No. 10 in the R&A World Amateur Golf Rankings (England)
• Dominic Foos - Member of the German National Team since 2011 (Germany)
• Nicolo Galletti - No. 38 in ...
Player of the week: Matthew Mahle
Matthew Mahle of Lexington, Ky., won the Golfweek Junior Tour event at Cherry Blossom on Sunday. The high school senior opened with a 73, then followed with the tournament's low score of 4-under 68 to win the title by seven shots. Mahle was the only player to finish under par.
Player of the week: Corey Pereira
Corey Pereira of Cameron Park, Calif., fired rounds of 69-71 to win the FCWT at La Costa Resort & Spa on March 3. Pereira, the 2012 FCWT Tour Championship winner, won his second FCWT event of the season by five shots. The senior will attend the University of Washington in the fall.
After 3 straight runner-up finishes, Scheffler seeking signature win
You might say Scott Scheffler is due a victory.
Scheffler’s T-2 finish at the HP Boys Championship Feb. 16-18 in The Woodlands, Texas, was his third consecutive runner-up finish in a notable junior event. He also finished T-2 at the Jones Cup Junior in December and lost to Adam Wood in the match-play final of the Polo Golf Junior Classic in November.
“It’s a little bit of both (satisfying and frustrating),” said Scheffler, a junior at Dallas' Highland Park High School. “But if I keep giving myself chances, eventually I’m going to win.”
Scheffler has seen his ranking rise over the past year thanks to several impressive finishes. He was fifth at the Ping Invitational, 15th at the Junior PGA, eighth at the Rolex Tournament of Champions and T-9 at the Thunderbird International Junior. He’s now third in the Golfweek/Sagarin Junior Rankings, though No. 1 in the Class of 2014, and fifth in the Polo Golf Junior Rankings.
In other words, he’s one of the big boys.
“When I used to go to these tournaments, I didn’t feel like I belonged,” Scheffler said. “Now, I feel like I belong. Every time I go ...
Player of the week: Thomas Yint
Thomas Yint, of Burma, won the Boys 16-19 division at the FCWT event at Plantation Inn in Crystal River, Fla. Yint shot a final round 5-under 67, including six birdies and one bogey, to win by two shots. His final round was the low score of the tournament.
U.S. Junior Amateur champion Shim, 18, decides to turn pro
Andy Shim, the 2012 U.S. Junior Amateur champion, has decided to turn pro, Golfweek learned Monday.
“I really wanted to focus more on golf – that was the biggest reason,” Shim said. “I wanted to play college golf, but I knew that if I went (to college), I would get behind and not be able to focus as much on golf.”
Shim, 18, said last summer that graduating from high school on time in the spring of 2013 would be difficult as he was struggling with his grades and test scores. He moved to Duluth, Ga., from South Korea about four years ago and is home-schooled.
“My grades are really low, so I don’t know what kind of college would want me,” Shim said last July after notching the biggest final-round comeback in U.S. Junior history, rallying from 5 down to defeat Jim Liu.
Shim, who ends his junior career ranked No. 5 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Junior Rankings, said he hasn’t signed up for any professional events yet, but he hopes he can soon begin playing mini-tours like the eGolf Pro Tour or NGA Tour.
Player diary: Matt Gilchrest talkes about AJGA HP Boys experience
This week I played the AJGA's HP Boys Championship at the Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas.
I did not play very well, shooting scores of 76-77-79. Some trouble around the greens proved to be culprit for the high scores.
Aside from the tournament rounds, their were many fun activities and events! From remote-controlled race car races to minute-to-win-it games, the AJGA put on tons of games to loosen the atmosphere and allow for a step back from the
competition. I am proud to say that I did win my race with the remote controlled cars.
To prepare for my next several events, I need to put some extra work toward my short game. It's important not to let one poor event reduce your confidence in yourself.
I had a tons of fun and an unforgettable week, plus my great friend Brad Dalke was the champion! Congratulations to Brad!
Player diary: Brad Dalke reflects on his big win at the HP Boys
I just played in the AJGA HP Boys Championship in The Woodlands, Texas, at the Club at Carlton Woods, and I won!
It is my second AJGA Invitational win and I had a lot of fun doing it! I shot rounds of 70-71-70 and won by one over Scottie Scheffler and Peter Kim. I guess my new Nike Covert woods helped a little bit!
A few weeks ago at the Jones Cup, I realized how my mental game was hurting me. To play against the best amateurs in the country, you have to be mentally strong. I found that I was beating myself up and looking at results too much. So, I worked with the mental coach we have at the Jim McLean Junior Academy, Fran Pirozzolo, and my instructor, Joey Wuertemberger, before the AJGA HP.
I focused on keeping my emotions even and staying in the moment. It really helped me even when I had a couple of big numbers on the second day. I have to admit, the change in my mental game is what won the tournament for me.
It was another awesome tournament – they always are with the AJGA. The best part of the week was ...
Q&A: Jorge Garcia, Puerto Rico Junior champion
Jorge Garcia is a sophomore at American Heritage in Plantation, Fla. He lives with his aunt while he attends the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral Golf Resort in Miami while his parents remain in his native Venezuela.
Garcia won his first AJGA title at the Puerto Rico Junior Open last month, and earned a sponsor exemption into the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open, to be played March 7-10. Before his latest victory, Garcia had four top-10 finishes on AJGA events since 2011, including a runner-up finish at the 2012 Puerto Rico Junior Open.
Question: When you won the Puerto Rico Junior Open, how did it feel knowing you had a PGA Tour exemption and that you’d be playing in your first PGA Tour event?
Answer: Well, I have worked really hard over the last three months or so going into that tournament so I was excited about where my game was. Then to shoot that really low round on the first day gave me confidence. I hit the ball really well that week, and putted really well, too. I felt kind of nervous on the front nine on that third day, but once I made a few ...
Player of the week: Brad Dalke
Brad Dalke won his second AJGA invitational at the HP Boys Championship on Feb. 18. Dalke made a 3-footer for par at the par-4 18th at the Club at Carlton Woods to secure a one-shot victory. He finished with a three-day 5-under 211 total. Dalke is No. 9 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Boys Rankings.
Dalke outlasts Scheffler, Kim on final hole for HP Boys title
Brad Dalke became the youngest golfer to win an AJGA invitational in 2011 when the then-13-year-old captured the Thunderbird Invitational.
Two years later, he has his second one.
Dalke, 15, made a 3 footer for par at the par-4 18th at the Club at Carlton Woods' Fazio Championship course to secure a one-shot victory over Scott Scheffler and Peter Kim. Dalke finished with a three-day total of 5-under 211, besting his last year's 230 in The Woodlands, Texas.
"Thunderbird was my last real junior victory," Dalke said. "It feels good to finally pull one off again."
Dalke and Kim, who will play at Army in the fall, led Scheffler by one heading into the par-5 17th. But Scheffler chipped in for eagle to take a one-shot lead, forcing Dalke to make his 5-foot birdie to stay tied for the lead. Kim made par to drop a shot back.
"When Scott drained that chip for eagle, I knew I had to focus on my 5 footer," Dalke said.
On No. 18, Dalke was the only player to reach the green in two. He played it safe, going with 3-wood after he pulled his driver left the day before, eventually making ...
Kim fires 67 to take 1-shot lead over Scheffler, Dalke at HP Boys
Peter Kim was T-7 after Saturday's opening round of the HP Boys Championship.
But following a 5-under 67 Sunday at the Club at Carlton Woods, Kim holds a one-shot lead at 4-under 140 heading into the final round Monday in The Woodlands, Texas. He leads Brad Dalke and Scott Scheffler, who was the first-round leader after a 68 on Saturday.
Kim, who is searching for his first AJGA victory since the 2011 Lessing's AJGA Classic, made three birdies on the front nine and finished with six for the round.
“Honestly I had no idea (how the round would go) because on the range I wasn't hitting it so great and I wasn't putting well," Kim said. "I was kind of nervous. I birdied (Nos.) 10, 11, and 12, and saved some pars. I just kept going with the flow. I just felt really satisfied with my round today.”
Scheffler's 1-over 73 on Sunday came after he shot 66 in the first round last season before a second-round 77 knocked him out of contention. Dalke's second-round 71 included seven birdies and two double bogeys.
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