A year before the Girls Junior America’s Cup is played in Colorado for the first time since 2000, the Colorado team recorded its best finish in the event in four years.
The squad from the Centennial State tied for sixth Thursday in the 17-team field that features representatives from the western U.S., Canada and Mexico. It’s the first time Colorado has placed in the top eight since finishing third in 2013.
With the top three scores counting toward the team total, the Coloradans posted a 7-over-par 223 total on Thursday at Reflection Bay Golf Club in Henderson, Nev., just outside Las Vegas. That left them with a three-day total of 12-over 660.
Southern California won the title at 35-under 613, with Northern California (641) second, Mexico (648) third, Arizona (652) fourth and Oregon (655) fifth.
Hailey Schalk of Erie led the way for the Colorado contingent by finishing 14th individually out of 68 players. The winner of the 3A state high school title, the AJGA Hale Irwin Colorado Junior by Transamerica and the Colorado Junior PGA, Schalk recorded a 3-over-par 219 total after closing with a 74.
Jaclyn Murray of Grand Junction, competing in her third and final GJAC, ended up in 23rd place at 222. Charlotte Hillary, winner of the 2016 Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Tour Championship, placed 30th at 224. Lauren Lehigh of Loveland, the 4A state high school champion, was 32nd at 225.
(The Colorado team is pictured, from left: Murray, Lehigh, Hillary and Schalk.)
The 2018 Girls Junior America’s Cup will be held in July at Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen.
T6. Colorado 225-212-223–660
14. Hailey Schalk of Erie 71-74-74–219
23. Jaclyn Murray of Grand Junction 79-68-75–222
30. Charlotte Hillary of Englewood 75-72-77–224
32. Lauren Lehigh of Loveland 79-72-74–225
For complete results, CLICK HERE.
