AJGA Members Shine in Amateur Events

BRASELTON, Ga. – AJGA juniors are keeping their games sharp during the off-season by playing in amateur events across the globe. In Argentina, Team USA defended its title at the Copa de las Americas, while a pair of juniors battled for the crown at the frigid Harder Hall Invitational in Sebring, Fla.

Copa de las Americas

Jessica Korda

Two AJGA members helped lead their countries to victories at the biennial Copa de las Americas, which concluded Saturday, Jan. 9, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Jessica Korda of Bradenton, Fla., helped Team USA defend its team title, while Emiliano Grillo of Resistencia, Argentina, captured the men's individual championship by six shots.

In the women's competition, Korda teamed with Jennifer Song and posted a 10-shot victory over Team Colombia, which included AJGA member Luz Alejandra Cangrejo of Bogota, and women's co-medalist Juliana Murcia. Two-time Rolex Junior Player of the Year Victoria Tanco of Buenos Aires, Argentina, finished third individually and led Argentina to a third-place finish.

On the men's side, Grillo and teammate Tomas Cocha entered the fourth round tied with the American team of Peter Uihlein and Nathan Smith. Grillo and Cocha combined to shoot 3-under-par in the final round, which allowed them to pull away from the American tandem.

Overall, the Americans won the team competition, as the men's and women's teams combined to shoot 10-over-par, which was 12 shots ahead of Argentina.

For a complete recap, visit Golfweek.

Kyle Roig

Harder Hall Invitational

Kyle Roig of Pembroke Pines, Fla., defeated Alexis Thompson of Coral Springs, Fla., with a birdie on the first playoff hole at the 55th Harder Hall Invitational.

Thompson, who bogeyed No. 18 and was the first to post an even-par total, watched Roig get up-and-down for par and force the playoff. Roig's 18-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole sealed the victory just before darkness set.

Ani Gulugian of Irvine, Calif., finished tied for seventh with a 72-hole score of 6-over-par.

For a complete recap, visit Golfweek.