Zhang and Dean Claim NYS PGA Junior Titles at Leatherstocking
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Williamsville’s Lily Zhang claimed the 2022 New York State Girls PGA Junior Championship title at Leatherstocking Golf Course earlier this month. Kellen Dean, of Saratoga Springs, took home the boys title.
Related: Final Results
Zhang was two strokes back after the first round, as Yvette O’Brien, of Greenwich, CT, jumped out to a lead with a 5-over 77. Zhang took the lead after the second round on the back of an even-par 72.
The boys title was decided by just one stroke as Dean was able to edge out Kevin “Trey” Smith on the final day.
Smith led the field after the first round with a 1-under 71, but a second round 4-over 76 left him one back of Dean who shot a 72 and 74 respectively.
Zhang, who placed second in the girls event last year, posted a 7-over 151 through her two rounds to win by two strokes. O’Brien finished with a 9-over 153.
Rounding out the girls top-5 were Samantha Von Rohr of Loundonville, Hayden Knapp of Gansevoort, and Chloe Ji of New York City.
Behind Dean and Smith was a four-way tie for third which included Brayden Dock of Queensbury, Jackson Saroney of Fayetteville, Owen Corby of Pittsford, and Angad Manaise of Stamford, CT.
Fred Wilkes
NYSGA Communications Intern
