A year ago, no Colorado residents qualified for the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
This year, two Coloradans made the 156-player field, plus a Nebraskan who is a member of the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado. But taking the next step — advancing to the 64-person match-play bracket — proved too high of a hurdle this week.
Jaclyn Murray (left) of Grand Junction, competing in the event for the second time, was the top Colorado finisher, placing 89th. The 18-year-old, headed for the University of Colorado, went 77-79 for a 14-over-par 156 total. She made one birdie for the second straight day.
And Charlotte Hillary of Cherry Hills Village, who like Murray will represent Colorado next week in the Girls Junior America’s Cup, ended up in 128th place. The 15-year-old carded rounds of 81-80 for a 19-over-par 161 total. She likewise had one birdie on Tuesday.
JGAC member Shelby Poynter of Scottsbluff, Neb., recorded rounds of 92-82 for a 32-over-par 174 total that left her in 149th place.
Fourteen-year-old Lucy Li of Redwood Shores, Calif., earned medalist honors at 5-under 137 after rounds of 71-66. The golfers at 152 played off for the final spot in match play.
Here are scores for the Coloradans — and the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado members — competing in the U.S. Girls’ Junior this week:
Failed to Advance to Match Play
89. Jaclyn Murray, Grand Junction 77-79–156
128. Charlotte Hillary, Cherry Hills Village 81-80–161
149. Shelby Poynter, JGAC member from Scottsbluff, Neb. 92-82–174
For complete results, CLICK HERE.