Jackson/Phung Claim 2023 NYS Boys' & Girls' 14U Amateur Titles at Lake Placid Club
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – Connor Jackson of East Aurora CC came from behind in the final round to win the 66th NYS Boys’ 14U Junior Amateur Championship.
The junior from Williamsville shot an even par on Thursday in wet, rainy conditions to win by three strokes over the first-round leader.
Related: Championship Central / Final Results / Photos
He recorded five birdies on Lake Placid Club’s Mountain Course during the final round, including one on the home hole to put an exclamation point on his victory. He had a two-day total of 3-over 145.
"This is a great tournament, I love this course... This one was definitely special, I knew after my practice round that I could do something here," he mentioned.
Tied for runner-up honors was first-round leader Ethan Domajnko of Cobblestone Creek CC, and Jeff Fumarola of Ballston Spa CC. The duo finished at 6-over 148.
"I knew that I had to shoot even par or better to win today," said Jackson. "He was holding his lead for a while, I wasn't able to get within two. Then we got to hole thirteen, and I would say that is the hardest hole on the course," he mentioned about playing with Domajnko. "He put one O.B., I took that opportunity, made par, that got me the lead. I spent the last five holes just grinding, keeping that lead."
Dan Young of Bellevue CC finished the championship at 149. Colin McAskin of Wykagyl CC rounded out the top five at 9-over 151.
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In the inaugural NYS Girls’ 14U Junior Amateur, first-round leader Alexandra Phung of Met PGA Junior GC cruised to victory and won the title by a whopping twenty-two strokes.
Although she was competing against a small field, Phung showed why she’s able to call herself a three-time Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalist. At age 12, she maintained her composure down the stretch on the tough Mountain Course. Her final nine consisted of seven pars and two birdies to finish at 1-under for the round and championship (71-70—141).
"I am deeply honored, and I am really thankful for everybody that has helped me and supported me through the process," she mentioned about the victory.
Finishing as the runner-up was Katlynn Smith of Rip Van Winkle CC, who was the only other player in the field to post a round in the 70s during the championship. She finished at 163, ten strokes ahead of the third-place player.