Bridgestone Golf Tournament of Champions - Final Round Results

HIGA WINS WITH IMPRESSIVE PLAY

Restrepo Dominates to Claim Title

ORLANDO, FL – Grand Cypress Resort played host to the 54 hole International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) event this past weekend in Orlando, FL.  This year’s Bridgestone Golf Tournament of Champions saw a truly international field, with contestants coming from the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Tour Circuit of events for this prestigious event.  Pristine course conditions and welcoming weather gave players excellent opportunities to post quality scores in hopes of becoming the champion of their respective age division.

In the Boys 15-19 Division, Kazuki Higa of Okinawa, Japan played phenomenal golf all three rounds to become this weeks champion by a mere two strokes.  Higa’s carded rounds of 74, 68, and 73 for a tournament total of 1-under-par 215.  Higa was able to hit his driver consistently throughout the weekend, which played a major part in his victory. Highlighting Higa’s win was his impressive second round of 4-under-par 68 which put him in position to make a move on Monday.  Entering the final round, Higa found himself two-strokes out of the lead in which he methodically carded 13 pars and two birdies en route to his victory among the 95 talented players in his division.  Finishing in second place was Charlie Durman of Margaretting, United Kingdom.  Durman played consistently all weekend, shooting rounds of 73, 72, and 72 for a 1-over-par total of 217. Rounding out the top three was Theo Humphrey of Greenwich, CT and Andrew Rudy of San Diego, CA. Both contestants shot 3-over-par totals of 219.

We caught up with Higa after the round to discuss his thoughts on the victory.  “I played really well this weekend.  Of the two courses my favorite was the New Course.  It allowed for more shot making” said Higa, who will head back to Japan later this week with additional hardware for his trophy case.

The Boys U-14 Division came down to the final few holes as Anthony Perrino of Mooresville, NC took the crown with a 4-under-par, 212. Perrino came out of the gates with a vengeance and credited an eagle on No. 14 of the New Course to his strong start and opening round of 72.  Continuing his stellar play, Perrino carded a second day performance of 68 on the East/North Course which included an impressive bogey-free back nine of 32, giving him the lead entering the final-round.  Consistent play by Perrino would prove to be a recipe for success as he posted a Monday round of even-par 72 to take home the title.  Manu Gandas of Gurgaon, India, claimed second place honors.  In a back and forth battle between fellow competitor Perrino, Gandas posted rounds of 70, 71, and 73 to finish with a tournament total of 214, only two-strokes out of the lead.  Matt Holuta of Indiana, PA snuck up the leader board on Monday to take home third place honors.  Holuta fired rounds of 76, 74, and 68 for a total score of 218 to round out the division. 

When asked about his play during the weekend, Perrino said the best part of his game was his approach shots.  “My iron game was really good, on the North/East I hit most of my shots within 10 feet and putted really well.”  Perrino went on to add that he enjoyed playing the New Course but his play was suited for the East/North.  This marks his second victory of the season on the IJGT.

In the Girls 15-19 Division, Laura Restrepo of Panama City, Panama walked away the champion.  Restrepo played lights out this week, producing two sub-70 rounds of 69 and 68 en-route to a 5-under-par total of 211.  Restrepo’s ability to strike the ball well with her irons and consistent putting paved the way for her impressive victory, which included a 17 birdies in 54 holes. In second place was JungHwa Hyun of Deagu, Korea. Hyun had a stellar first round of 67 with six birdies and only one bogey.  Hyun would go on to shoot a 1-over-par total of 217 for the entire weekend.  Coming in third place was Stephanie Lau of Fullerton, CA.  Lau’s game improved as the weekend moved on, carding rounds of 78, 72, and 68 for a three day total of 2-over-par 218.

After the round Restrepo said “the greens were good and the fairways were wide. This allowed me to go low throughout the weekend.”  This victory caps off a great season for Restrepo who looks to continue her winning ways next year during her senior season.

In the Girls U-14 Division, Aya Ishikawa of Saitama-Si, Japan had a steady weekend to claim the victory.  Ishikawa shot rounds of 71, 77, and 72 for a 4-over-par total of 220.  During Ishikawa’s first round she carded a stunning 7 birdies, putting her in position to dominate the division and take home the title.  Pinyada Kuvanan of Bangkok, Thailand finished in second place for the weekend, carding rounds of 74, 75, and 72 for a 5-over-par total of 221.  In third place was Saya Aono of Hokuto City, Japan.  Hokuto finished the weekend with a 9-over-par total of 236.

Ishikawa shared some of her thoughts after the round with us.  “The best part of my game this weekend was from inside 100 yards.  I was striking the ball real well which allowed me to fire at some pins” said Ishikawa.  Ishikawa will look to continue this momentum on the Hank Haney IJGT Asian Circuit.

About the IJGT

The IJGT provides exceptional junior golfers with the opportunity to develop and showcase their competitive skills while setting high standards to preserve the traditions and integrity of the game.  As a tour that operates primarily throughout the academic year, the IJGT hosts approximately 60 tournaments annually. In addition, the IJGT hosts three international events.   Each event provides multi-day competition for junior golfers of all skill levels ages 9-19.  Players representing 45 states and 43 countries around the world regularly compete in events at venues such as TPC Sawgrass, Pinehurst, Bethpage State Park, and Harbour Town Golf Links. Official partners of the IJGT include Bridgestone Golf, Quagmire Golf, BMW of North America, The First Tee, Golf Digest/Golf World, and Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy.

To obtain more information about the IJGT, please visit www.IJGT.com  or call (800) 792-9143.

ORLANDO, FL— Final round results of the IJGT at Grand Cypress Resort conducted by the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) on the East/North and New Courses on Sunday, May 30, 2011.  Boys 15-19 Division – Blue Tees: (East / North – 6865 yards, Par 72, 74 / 136); (New Course: 6750 yards, Par 72, 71.3/122) Boys U-14 Divisions – White Tees: (East / North Course: 6255 yards, Par 72, 70.7/131); (New Course: 6302 yards, Par 72, 69.6/116), Girls 15-19 Division – Red Tees (East / North Course: 5904 yards, Par 72, 75.2/135); (New Course: 5881 yards, Par 72, 73/120); Girls U-14 Division – Red Tees (East / North Course: 5904 yards, Par 72, 75.2/135); (New Course: 5881 yards, Par 72, 73/120)

Weather

Saturday:  Sunny with temperatures in the mid-90’s

Sunday: Sunny with temperatures in the mid-90’s

Monday: Sunny with temperatures in the mid-90’s

International Junior Golf Tour Tournament of Champions at Grand Cypress

Orlando, FL

Boys 15-19 Division

Round 1: East / North Course

Round 2: New Course

Round 3: East / North Course

Boys U-14, Girls 15-19, and Girls U-14 Divisions

Round 1: New Course

Round 2: East / North Course

Round 3: New Course

May 28-30, 2011

Boys 15-19 Division – (Blue Tees) East / North Course: 6865 yards, Par 72

Boys 15-19 Division - (Blue Tees) New Course: 6720 yards, Par 72

1. Kazuki Higa, Okinawa, Japan *74-68-73--215

2. Charlie Durman, Margaretting, United Kingdom *73-72-72--217

3. Theo Humphrey, Greenwich, CT *73-71-75--219

3. Andrew Rudy, San Diego, CA *70-70-79--219

5. Joshua Martin, Pinehurst, NC *74-72-74--220

5. Shosei Inokawa, Atamishi, Japan *75-66-79--220

7. James Blackwell, North Tonawanda, NY *74-74-74--222

7. Charles Valluzzo, Mt Pleasant, SC *73-74-75--222

7. Michael D'Angelo, Redondo Beach, CA *76-71-75--222

7. Ben Dietrich, Conover, NC *74-70-78--222

11. Matt Plummer, Mechanicsburg, PA *80-72-71--223

11. Christopher Fuga, Phoenixville, PA *75-74-74--223

11. Kyle Deisher, Montgomery, PA *72-74-77--223

14. Blake Barens, Villa Park, CA *79-74-71--224

14. Tyler Barker, West Linn, OR *78-73-73--224

14. Matt Moucharafieh, Beirut, Lebanon *77-74-73--224

14. Somnuek Nanfa, Hilton Head Island, SC *76-72-76--224

14. Ankur Chadha, Gurgaon, India *72-74-78--224

14. Josh Fisher, Las Vegas, NV *70-75-79--224

14. Ryan Harris, Carlisle, MA *76-70-78--224

21. Sean Elliott, Westfield, NJ *81-72-72--225

22. Michael Howe, Temecula, CA *76-78-72--226

22. Poom Pattaropong, Bangkok, Thailand *77-76-73--226

24. Andrew Bieber, Shaker Heights, OH *79-72-76--227

24. Austin Doebler, Brentwood, TN *76-76-75--227

24. John Yu, Fresh Meadows, NY *78-73-76--227

24. Raimondo Franchi, Milano, Italy *77-74-76--227

24. Mickey Werenski, South Hadley, MA *79-71-77--227

29. William Betts, Leechburg, PA *79-73-76--228

29. Jonathan Ortiz, Winter Garden, FL *72-79-77--228

29. Clarke Stresing, Newberry, FL *78-73-77--228

29. Zachary Boe, Bluffton, SC *80-74-74--228

33. Kenny Sames, Roaring Brook Twsp, PA *77-75-77--229

33. Tom Nettles, McMurray, PA *76-75-78--229

35. Renato Bordes, Xalapa, Mexico *74-74-82--230

36. William Gordon, Davidson, NC *76-71-84--231

37. Marcus Mercado-Kiel, Santa Ana, CA *76-78-78--232

37. Saravit Kerdsinchai, Nonthaburi, Thailand *74-79-79--232

37. Alex Patricio, Ruffsdale, PA *76-77-79--232

37. Michael DiTursi, Rye, NY *75-73-84--232

37. Michael Hong, Fullerton, CA *78-80-74--232

42. Patrick Skakel, Solihull, United Kingdom *74-80-79--233

42. Trent McPherson, Venetia, PA *81-77-75--233

42. Rito Armenta, San Juan Capistrano, CA *82-74-77--233

45. Tyler Satorius, Annandale, VA *79-75-80--234

46. Michael Chua, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia *78-76-81--235

46. Alberto Esponda, Jalisco, Mexico *75-78-82--235

46. Jacob Reilly, Hershey, PA *78-75-82--235

46. Jae Sung Hur, Seoul, SouthKorea *80-71-84--235

46. Brett Gottsegen, Livingston, NJ *82-74-79--235

46. Tarundeep Chadha, Chandigarh, India *80-75-80--235

52. Kevin O'Brien, Wexford, PA *80-73-83--236

52. Michael Chanaud, Gambrills, MD *85-76-75--236

52. Jake Leavitt, Woodstock, MD *73-83-80--236

52. Robert Hoeppner, Harleysville, PA *79-77-80--236

56. Nico Evangelista, Quezon City, Philippines *84-75-78--237

56. Alexandru Mihai, Bucharest, Romania *80-79-78--237

56. Eric Sawchak, Waldorf, MD *78-79-80--237

56. Kenny Finlay, Caracas, Venezuela *81-74-82--237

60. Matthew Kraus, Essex Fells, NJ *77-77-84--238

60. Michael Rojas, Cliffside Park, NJ *77-76-85--238

60. Noah Edmondson, Davidson, NC *83-78-77--238

60. Kyle Martin, Ambler, PA *86-74-78--238

60. Hank Kovalcik, Yardley, PA *80-79-79--238

60. Alex Lagowitz, Livingston, NJ *78-80-80--238

60. Roe Moore, Nashville, TN *80-76-82--238

67. Kyle Blatchford, Valencia, CA *84-77-78--239

67. Arjun Singh, Delhi, India *76-82-81--239

69. Lucas Schlossberg, Buenos Aires, Argentina *79-79-82--240

69. Andrew Burgess, Rancho Santa Fe, CA *82-74-84--240

69. Nate Berman, Harrison, NY *81-75-84--240

72. Stephen Piela, Wallington, NJ *83-74-84--241

73. Michael Lee, Roslyn Harbor, NY *76-78-88--242

73. Michael Richards, Cobourg, Canada *82-83-77--242

73. Evan Sommer, South Park, PA *80-83-79--242

73. Raleigh Chapin, Doylestown, PA *78-82-82--242

77. Alex Daubert, Hanover, PA *77-80-86--243

78. Matthew DePalma, San Clemente, CA *85-79-80--244

78. Andrew Barth, Bethesda, MD *83-78-83--244

78. Troy Berglund, Pittsburgh, PA *84-78-82--244

81. Michael Linville, Leesburg, VA *79-79-88--246

82. Andres Corcuera, Zapopan, Mexico *86-79-82--247

82. John Conley, Leesburg, VA *83-79-85--247

82. Jack Fosselman, Landenberg, PA *84-77-86--247

85. Blake Hadden, Augusta, GA *94-71-84--249

86. Zachary Melnick, Blue Bell, PA *82-80-88--250

86. Malu Rosenthal, Lahaina, HI *83-79-88--250

88. Dean Franzese, Plainview, NY *88-85-79--252

89. Pat Battaglia, Plymouth Meeting, PA *79-85-90--254

90. Matthew Moore, Pittsburgh, PA *83-85-88--256

91. Cole Pocock, Tustin, CA *80-89-88--257

92. Andrea Bacchi, Milan, Italy *94-85-82--261

93. Harry Nikel, South Salem, NY *94-85-92--271

94. Warren Hill, Charleston, SC *93-87-92--272

95. Jake Matthews, Pittsfield, MA *95-91-98--284

Boys U-14 Division – (White Tees) New Course: 6302 yards, Par 72

Boys U-14 Division – (White Tees) East / North Course: 6265 yards, Par 72

1. Anthony Perrino, Mooresville, NC *72-68-72--212

2. Manu Gandas, Gurgaon, India *70-71-73--214

3. Matt Holuta, Indiana, PA *76-74-68--218

4. Luke Miller, Venetia, PA *73-75-72--220

4. Derrick Villarreal, Hartland, WI *71-76-73--220

6. Michael Pfeifer, Pforzheim, Germany *73-75-73--221

6. Willis Huynh, Syosset, NY *75-74-72--221

8. Tian Yi Cen, Bradenton, FL *73-74-76--223

9. Curren Mody, Monmouth Junction, NJ *76-76-72--224

10. Zachary Hoskins, Orlando, FL *75-79-72--226

11. Reilly Erhardt, Newtown, PA *73-76-78--227

12. Jake Gurock, West Windsor, NJ *73-79-76--228

12. Jj Qualkenbush, La Quinta, CA *75-76-77--228

14. Ben Warner, Weston, MA *73-77-79--229

15. Salil Ghamande, Evans, GA *84-73-73--230

16. Hartej Gill, Monroe Township, NJ *76-81-74--231

17. Brock Kovach, Wyomissing, PA *79-74-79--232

18. Albano Valentino, San Juan, Argentina *74-85-74--233

18. Yimthongsuk Thoppia, Hilton Head Island, SC *74-82-77--233

20. Luis Fer Varela, Panama,  *78-80-77--235

21. Quin Murphy, Covington, GA *85-80-71--236

21. Patrick McDonnell, Pittsburgh, PA *74-88-74--236

23. Alex Zakrzeski, Potomac, MD *77-84-76--237

24. Daniel Oh, Hangangro, SouthKorea *78-83-78--239

24. Kyle Cunningham, Sayville, NY *77-84-78--239

26. Jonny Slater, Old Tappan, NJ *79-83-79--241

27. Paul Gunness-Bendetti, Calabasas, CA *77-84-81--242

28. Brad Skenderian, Coto de Caza, CA *85-81-84--250

29. Chandler Morris, Waterbury, CT *90-80-83--253

30. Peter Chang, Johnson City, TN *89-83-82--254

31. Wataru Koguchi, Fukuoka, Japan *86-86-89--261

31. Justin Nguyen, Mclean, VA *91-83-87--261

33. Ryan Rybicki, Remsen, NY *87-89-93--269

34. Daniel Core, Newmarket, Canada *92-89-97--278

35. Mikee Ordona, Upland, CA *101-109-98--308

Girls 15-19 Division – (Red Tees) New Course: 5904 yards, Par 72

Girls 15-19 Division – (Red Tees) East / North Course: 5881 yards, Par 72

1. Laura Restrepo, Panama City, Panama *69-74-68--211

2. JungHwa Hyun, Daegu, Korea *67-78-72--217

3. Stephanie Lau, Fullerton, CA *78-72-68--218

3. Yang Yue Hill, Palm Desert, CA *71-73-74--218

5. Gurbani Singh, New Delhi, India *71-75-73--219

5. Ana Ruiz, Chihuahua, Mexico *74-71-74--219

7. Marissa Uradomo, Kula, HI *71-78-72--221

7. Mehar Atwal, New Delhi, India *75-73-73--221

7. Namika Kogo, Yokohama, Japan *76-70-75--221

10. Jackie Rogowicz, Yardley, PA *77-75-71--223

11. Ayaka Nakayama, Kanagawa, Japan *72-78-74--224

11. Sammi Lee, Winter Park, FL *74-77-73--224

13. Pailin Ruttanasupagid, Bangkok, Thailand *72-80-73--225

13. Taylor Totland, Tinton Falls, NJ *74-75-76--225

15. Gauri Monga, New Delhi, India *73-79-75--227

15. Nicole Autrique Lopez, Atizapan Zaragoza, Mexico *75-74-78--227

17. Moyu Sasaki, San Pedro,  *79-76-73--228

17. August Kim, Searingtown, NY *72-79-77--228

17. Marie Santacroce, Mattituck, NY *73-78-77--228

17. Nancy Vergara, Caracas, Venezuela *77-73-78--228

21. Minami Levonowich, Hilton Head Island, SC *76-80-73--229

22. Momo Sakuragi, Tokyo, Japan *75-78-77--230

23. Alice Barbieri, Windermere, FL *76-75-81--232

24. Scotland Preston, Mountainside, NJ *78-81-76--235

24. Isabella DiLisio, Hatfield, PA *76-78-81--235

26. Christina Paulsen, Ridgewood, NJ *81-82-76--239

26. Yuri Otsuka, Chiba, Japan *77-82-80--239

28. Noelle Maertz, Clark, NJ *81-83-76--240

29. Clementina Rodriguez, Caracas, Venezuela *77-82-82--241

30. Avery French, Laguna Niguel, CA *78-86-78--242

31. Emily Stephens, Rancho Santa Fe, CA *81-87-84--252

31. Jess Madsen, Slingerlands, NY *81-89-82--252

31. Carley Stenger, Woodbine, MD *84-84-84--252

34. Anne Troy, Stamford, CT *86-81-87--254

35. Claire Serruto, Short Hills, NJ *82-91-82--255

36. Caroline Dula, Salisbury, NC *82-89-88--259

36. Vickie Long, Northampton, PA *85-82-92--259

38. Danielle Dalessandro, Moosic, PA *88-89-94--271

39. Sarah Adamowski, Amsterdam, NY *86-97-89--272

40. Nicole Flores, Brambleton, VA *87-98-92--277

Girls U-14 Division – (Red Tees) New Course: 5904 yards, Par 72

Girls U-14 Division – (Red Tees) East / North Course: 5881 yards, Par 72

1. Aya Ishikawa, Saitama-Si, Japan *71-77-72--220

2. Pinyada Kuvanan, Bangkok, Thailand *74-75-72--221

3. Saya Aono, Hokuto City, Japan *74-76-75--225

4. Astha Madan, Gurgaon, India *73-83-80--236

5. Momoe Maruyama, Nagoya, Japan *81-82-77--240

6. Gianna Tomeo, Bradenton, FL *76-79-86--241

7. Seher Atwal, New Delhi, India *79-85-81--245

8. Sabrina Hoskins, Orlando, FL *84-86-88--258

8. Bria` Sanders, Cordova, TN *86-86-86--258

10. Susana Vik, Greenwich, CT *87-92-99--278

11. Veronica Vetesnik, Winnipeg, Canada *92-99-94--285

12. Megan McLean, Lebanon, NJ *97-110-85--292