Las Vegas, Nevada (May 28, 2010)–The list of names who have played in an American Junior Golf Association tournament in Las Vegas over the years is pretty impressive. For the last couple decades, the top junior golf circuit in the world has made a stop in Las Vegas and 2010 will be no different. Some of the best junior golfers in the country, including Las Vegas' own AJ McInerny, will play at Las Vegas; Anthem Country Club June 14-17 in the Las Vegas Junior Open presented by The Pace Maker.–Staff Report.
In 2009, McInerney took the win for the Boys Division at the Las Vegas Junior Open presented by The Pacemaker, posting a three day total 1-under-par 215. After a two-hole sudden death playoff, Sunshine Baraquiel of Chatsworth, Calif., won her second AJGA event of the season, finishing with a three day total of 14-over-par 230. Last year, the 54-hole stroke play event was also held at Anthem Country Club. The tournament field featured 54 boys and 24 girls, ages 12-18, from 11 states, Mexico and Canada. The Boys Division played the par-72 course at 7,360 yards, while the Girls Division played at 6,331 yards. A similar field is expected in 2010. A Junior-Am is open to the public. You can call 702.491.7674 for more Junior-Am info or to signup to play with one of the best junior golfers in the country.
The Las Vegas Golf Region is home to some very big golf events, including this tournament on the AJGA schedule. Other big events are the PGA Tour's Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open played at TPC Summerlin, the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge played at the resort Rio Secco Golf Club, and home tournaments for both the UNLV men and women golf teams. the men's tournament is known as the Masters of College Golf and is played at Southern Highlands Golf Club, a former host course to the PGA Tour. The Las Vegas area is also home to more than 50 golf courses, most open for resort play. Anthem Country Club is a private course.
A look at some of the players of note who have played on the AJGA Tour, with many playing in the Las Vegas event, is as follows: Las Vegas golfer Chris Riley, Stewart Cink, Steve Flesch, Jim Furyk, Sergio Garcia, Charles Howell III, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, Justin Leonard, Davis Love III, Andrew Magee, Phil Mickelson, Joe Ogilvie, David Toms, Mike Weir, Tiger Woods and Scott Verplank. LPGA Tour alumni include Las Vegas golfer Stephanie Louden, Beth Bauer, Brandie Burton, Paula Creamer, Laura Diaz, Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, Julieta Granada, Pat Hurst, Christina Kim, Cristie Kerr, Emilee Klein, Kelli Kuehne, Michelle McGann, Lorena Ochoa, Grace Park, Morgan Pressel and Kelly Robbins.
McInerney began the final round last year on a high note, making birdies on Nos. 1 and 2. He then went on to make a 15-foot putt on No. 3 for par. After making birdie on No. 8, McInerney finished the front nine at 2-under-par. He then birdied Nos. 10 and 15 to end the round with a 4-under-par 68. McInerney was pleased with his overall game over the past three days, especially his putting. “My putting was the biggest obstacle I had to overcome,” said McInerney in article on the tournament's official website. “I worked with The Pacemaker a lot over the weekend, which I think really helped me in the tournament.”
In the Girls Division, Baraquiel took the win after a sudden death playoff with Lindsey Weaver of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Dana Finkelstein of Chandler, Ariz. Baraquiel began the round in fifth, two strokes behind second round leader Tessa The of Los Altos, Calif. After making the turn at 3-over-par for the day, Baraquiel didn't realize she was in contention for the win; she was more focused on getting the low round. “This morning all I really wanted was the Scotty Cameron putter cover,” Baraquiel said. “I knew that the only way to win was to shoot low, so that was my goal throughout the day. It wasn't until I was in the playoff that I realized I even had a chance.” The Pace Maker is a putting-training tool which helps every aspect of the putting game, and is the sponsor of the tournament for the second time. Some of the article information supplied by official press release from AJGA.com.