The junior golf career of Jackson Solem of Longmont is winding down, but he put the final touches on one more accomplishment on Friday by winning the state Big I Junior Classic for the third consecutive year.
The future University of Denver golfer and 2015 4A state high school champion shot rounds of 72-70 Thursday and Friday, respectively, at Boomerang and Highland Hills in Greeley. His 1-under-par 142 total was good for a two-stroke victory. He made three birdies and two bogeys Friday at Highland Hills.
Connor Burke of Greeley (69-75–144) took second place and Cole Krantz of Windsor, a University of Colorado signee, claimed third (73-72–145).
In the girls competition, another 4A state champion, 2017 winner Lauren Lehigh of Loveland, earned the title. Her 3-under-par 69 on Friday was the best round of the tournament by five shots — either at Highland Hills (Thursday for the girls) or Boomerang (Friday). She made an eagle, two birdies and a bogey on the final day to finish at 1-over-par 145.
Claiming the runner-up spot was Julia Baroth of Denver (76-74–150), while Amelia Lee of Castle Rock (76-75–151) was third.
The top three boys (Solem, Burke and Krantz) and top two girls (Lehigh and Baroth) qualified for the Big I National Championship, set for Aug. 7-10 in Madison, Miss.
For results from the state Big I Junior Classic, click on the following: BOYS, GIRLS
