text size

Local Players Fare Well in AJGA Harvey Penick Junior

Updated: Thursday, August 2 2012, 09:28 PM CDT

Matt Gilchrest of Southlake, Texas takes home his second straight AJGA victory, winning the Harvey Penick Junior by two strokes at 2-under-par 214. In the Girls Division, Patricia Wong of Walnut, Calif., held on to her round two lead, winning by six strokes at 3-over-par 219.

Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the Harvey Penick Junior was a 54-hole stroke play event held at Austin Country Club. The tournament field consisted of 72 boys and 24 girls, ages 12-18, from 7 states, including 78 from Texas. The Boys Division played the course at 6,871 yards while the Girls Division played it at 6,047.

Gilchrest credits his win to his mental preparedness and understanding of the greens.

“I tried to stick to my game plan and have good speed on the greens,” said Gilchrest. “Golf is a sport where you don't win too much so you have to take your victories and let them last.”

Daniel Martinez of Austin, Texas took second place at 2-over-par 218, while his brother, William, tied for third with Nick Thornton of Boerne, Texas, at 4-over-par 220. Coming in at fifth was Fernando Cruz Valle of The Woodlands, Texas and Jacob Joiner of Albany, Ga. at 6-over-par 222.

In the Girls Division, Wong's short game helped her take home the victory, sinking five birdies throughout her consistent round.

“This is my second AJGA win in a row,” said Wong. “This is really special. It gives me a big boost of confidence.”

Taking home second place was Lindsey McCurdy of Kyle, Texas, at 9-over-par 225, while Hansol Koo of Honolulu, Hawaii, at 10-over-par 226.

By Adam Winkler.Local Players Fare Well in AJGA Harvey Penick Junior