The team representing Colorado finds itself in the middle of the pack after Tuesday’s opening round of the Girls Junior America’s Cup at Reflection Bay Golf Club in Henderson, Nev., just outside Las Vegas.
With the top three scores counting toward the team total, the Coloradans posted a 9-over-par 225 total, leaving them in 10th place in the 17-team field.
If the squad representing the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado can finish in the top eight, it will be its best showing in the GJAC since 2013, when the Coloradans placed third. Colorado won the GJAC title in 1993.
Southern California grabbed a five-stroke lead on Tuesday with a round of 11-under-par 205. Hawaii (210) and Mexico (214) were the only other teams under par in the event which features squads from the western U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Hailey Schalk of Erie — winner of the 3A state high school title, the AJGA Hale Irwin Colorado Junior by Transamerica and the Colorado Junior PGA — led the way for the Coloradans by shooting a 1-under-par 71. Her one-birdie, 17-par round left her in eighth place individually in the 68-golfer field.
Charlotte Hillary of Englewood, the 2016 JGAC Tour Championship winner, carded a 75, while three-time Girls Junior America’s Cup competitor Jaclyn Murray of Grand Junction and 4A state high school champion Lauren Lehigh of Loveland each recorded a 79. Hillary was 2 under par through 14 holes, but played the last four in 5 over.
Hillary shares 28th place, while Murray and Lehigh are among those tied for 43rd. (The Colorado team is pictured, from left: Murray, Lehigh, Hillary and Schalk.)
Rose Zhang of Southern California fired a 6-under-par 66 to hold the individual lead after round 1.
Both team and individual play will continue through Thursday.
Colorado will host the Girls Junior America’s Cup next year, with Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen doing the honors.
10. Colorado 225
8. Hailey Schalk of Erie 71
28. Charlotte Hillary of Englewood 75
43. Lauren Lehigh of Loveland 79
43. Jaclyn Murray of Grand Junction 79
For complete results, CLICK HERE.
