Kim Posts Career Low 66 at CJGA Nike Golf Junior Championship
- Lew Defends Title -
Uxbridge, Ont. (August 31, 2007) – An incredible final round 66 (-6) from Toronto, Ont. resident Lucas Kim, 13, earned the outstanding young player the Boys 13 & Under and low overall title at the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s Nike Golf Junior Championship on Friday. With the victory, Kim collected his second national championship title in as many weeks and tied the CJGA record for victories in one season with 9. The event ran from August 29 – 31 at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ont.
“It was a solid round today and yesterday,” admitted Kim, who posted rounds of 81-71-66 in earning the division title by 18 shots ahead of Markham, Ontario’s Gajan Sivabalasingham and Burlington, Ontario’s Kristopher Kowalchuk. I putted well and got a few good breaks. I feel proud to win both national championship titles with the CJGA and to tie the wins record.”
The low scores continued in the Boys 14 – 16 Division as Jonathan Kim-Moss overtook second round leader Russell Budd of Toronto after carding a final round 71 (-1) for a three-day total of 220 (+4). “I’m really happy to come out on top of what was a great battle between me and Russell today,” said Kim-Moss. “I definitely took advantage of my opportunities and didn’t really worry about my score.” Budd finished two strokes back of Kim at 222 (+6) while Bryan Lichimo, 16, of North Vancouver, B.C. grabbed third spot at 227 (+12) on the strength of his final round 73.
Despite having a stranglehold on the Girls Division heading into the final round, Rebecca Lee-Bentham never let up and carded a final round 71 (-1) to win the title by an astonishing 15 shots. “I didn’t hit it as good as the last two days but my short game was definitely better,” said Lee-Bentham, who finished at 220 (+4). “I’m excited to try out my new Nike driver and I’d like to thank Nike and the CJGA for holding this event.” Juanita Rico of Calgary, Alta. made a clutch par on the 54th hole of the tournament to secure second place at 235 (+19), one shot ahead of Michelle Lee of Mississauga, Ont.
Tim Lew, 19, of Courtice, Ont. was the only competitor to defend his 2006 Nike Golf Junior Championship title at Wooden Sticks as he made up a five stroke deficit in capturing the Boys 17 – 19 Division by a single stroke ahead of Will Thornburrow, 17, of Toronto. “I fired at everything today, admitted Lew, who posted a final round 71 (-1) for a 225 total (+10). “Any mistake I made I was able to make up for it with a birdie,” he said. “It feels great to win any tournament but it feels even better when it’s a national championship.” Third place in the division went to Sebastian Szirmak of Toronto who carded a final round 72 (E) for a 227 three-day total.
About Nike Golf
Based in Thornhill, Ontario, Nike Golf Canada markets, sells and distributes industry leading Nike Golf golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories throughout Canada. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honouring and respecting the traditions and heritage of the game, and to providing committed golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game. For more information on Nike Golf Canada, visit www.nikegolf.ca. Editors and journalists seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter.
About the CJGA
Registered federally as a not-for-profit association, the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada’s junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partners, HSBC Bank Canada and LEXUS.
For Additional Information:
Rick Betts
Director, Media Relations and Communications
Canadian Junior Golf Association
(O) 1.877.508.1069 Ext. 233
(C) 416.708.1482
(E) rick.betts@cjga.com
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