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AJGA BUICK JUNIOR OPEN
Boyne Highlands Resort, Heather Course
Harbor Springs, Michigan
July 8-11, 2002
ROMANO MOVES UP FROM SECOND TO CAPTURE
HIS FIRST AJGA TITLE
Creamer wins Girls Division in back-to-back fashion
HARBOR SPRINGS, Mich. -- Ricky Romano of Murrieta,
Calif., fired a 2-under-par 69 Thursday in the AJGA Buick
Junior Open to capture his first AJGA title. Defending Girls
champion Paula Creamer of Pleasanton, Calif., claimed her
third AJGA crown of the season after shooting her second consecutive
round of 68.
Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the Buick
Junior Open featured 99 players, both boys and girls, representing
17 states and Canada with 27 participants hailing from Michigan.
Competing in his first AJGA tournament, the 17-year-old Romano
carded six birdies and three bogeys on the day. Feeling nervous
prior to the final round, Romano contacted a close friend
and a former AJGA player seeking advice.
"I did not come in today trying to win," Romano
said. "A good friend of mine told me to just come in
and play the game and not think about anyone else."
Romano had always wanted to play in AJGA tournaments and finally
got his opportunity. Winning the tournament has been rewarding
for the California native.
"This has been a great experience," Romano continued.
"The AJGA and the Boyne Highlands staff put together
a wonderful tournament. It feels great having won today."
Tyler Dunn of Godfrey, Ill., moved up the scoreboard with
a round of 70 for a 216 total to finish in second place. Mike
Fiedler of Faribault, Minn., and Pat Patterson of Sea Island,
Ga., tied for third at 218, while Bronson Burgoon of The Woodlands,
Texas rounded out the top five boys at 219.
In the Girls Division, Creamer led from the start birdying
four of the first six holes and ended the day firing a 68.
The 15-year-old finished with six birdies and three bogeys
on the day to capture her second back-to-back AJGA title.
"It felt great to be out here," Creamer said. "I
felt some pressure today but I was determined to win."
Creamer left immediately after her final round as the California
native was bound for the British Junior Championship in Scotland.
"I've been waiting weeks for this tournament," Creamer
said. "It is an honor to represent the U.S. It's going
to be a lot of fun."
Dayna Burleigh of Horsham, Pa., carded a 72-71-75-218 total
to finish in second place, while Jennifer Tangtiphaiboontana
of Long Beach, Calif., rounded out the top three girls with
a 77-67-82-226 total.
For more information on the AJGA and its championships, please
contact our national headquarters at (877) 373-2542.
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