THOMAS CAPTURES FIRST AJGA TITLE IN TIGHT BOYS DIVISION
Park cruises to 12-stroke victory at Green Valley Country Club

GREENVILLE, S.C.-Warren Thomas of Columbia, S.C., shot a final round 4-under-par 68 on Thursday and a 2-under-par 214 for the tournament to take the Boys Division of the Dunlop Carolina Junior Championship. In-Bee Park of Eustis, Fla., coasted to her first victory of the season, shooting 9-under-par 207 to win the Girls Division by 12 strokes over second-place Sukjin Wuesthoff of Toms River, N.J.

Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association at Green Valley Country Club, the Dunlop Carolina Junior Championship boasted a total of 99 juniors, 75 boys and 24 girls ages 13-18, from 13 states and the Bahamas competing in a 54-hole stroke play event.

Thomas edged out Eddie Brock, Jr. of Wilmington, N.C., and defending champion J.D. Bass of Fairview, N.C., for his first career AJGA win. Brock finished the tournament at 1-under-par 215 and Bass notched an even-par 216 in the three-day event.

"Right now, I am shocked," said the 17-year-old. "I hit some solid iron shots and I was close all day with my putter. After yesterday's round, I worked for two hours on my putting stroke. The work paid off well for me."

Bass, a Polo Golf honorable mention All-American, was in contention all day until an unfortunate approach shot on No. 15.
"I air-mailed my approach shot to No. 15 and bogeyed the hole," he said. "Up until that shot, I was hitting the ball well all day."

Rounding out the top five in the Boys Division at 1-over-par 217 were Chris Anderson of Lake Mary, Fla., Nicholas Smith of Ocala, Fla., and Matthew Swan of Montgomery, Ala.

Park, the reigning Polo Golf Girls Junior Player of the Year, captured her sixth career AJGA tournament crown and her first this season. Park completed the tournament with one eagle, 11 birdies, two bogeys and only one double bogey during the three days.

"I didn't feel any pressure today," the 14-year-old said about playing with such a large lead. "I just tried to shoot even par today. The course was tough and the greens were fast, but I am happy with my performance."

Completing the top three in the Girls Division was Wuesthoff in second at 3-over-par 219 and Julieta Granada of Bradenton, Fla., in third at 5-over-par 221.

For more information regarding the Dunlop Carolina Junior Championship or other AJGA events, please contact our national headquarters at (770) 868-4200.