Two players who fared very well in the state high school golf tournaments in the past year started off the Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Tour season with a bang on Sunday.
Walker Franklin of Broomfield, who finished second individually in the Class 3A state tourney last fall, scored a seven-stroke victory in the boys division of the JGAC Spring Tour event at the Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs.
And Amy Chitkoksoong of Aurora, the reigning 5A state high school individual champion, posted a one-shot win in the girls division in Colorado Springs. (Franklin and Chitkoksoong are pictured.)
Franklin, son of Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and University of Colorado women’s assistant coach Brent Franklin and 1986 CWGA Stroke Play champion Kristine (Hoos) Franklin, ran away with the title in the 62-player boys event by carding rounds of 72-71. That left the 16-year-old with a 1-over-par 143 total. He made seven birdies over the course of two days.
Tying for second place at 150 on Sunday were former 4A state champion Luke Trujillo of Colorado Springs, Jake Welch of Highlands Ranch and John McGinley of Casper, Wyo., all of whom went 74-76.
Meanwhile, Chitkoksoong recorded rounds of 80-76 for a 14-over-par 156 total to earn the girls title. The 17-year-old fended off Brittlynn Jade O’Dell of Grand Junction, who posted a tournament-best 73 on Sunday to check in at 157. After shooting an 84 on Saturday, O’Dell played her first 12 holes in 1 under on Sunday. But a bogey on her final hole dropped her out of a tie for the lead.
Maxine Choi of Colordo Springs (84-77) and Kaylee Chen of Denver (80-81) tied for third place out of a field of 23 girls.
For scores from the Country Club of Colorado event, click on the following: BOYS, GIRLS.
(April 29 Update: Chitkoksoong also won the second JGAC Tour event of the year, which concluded April 29 at Walking Stick Golf Course in Pueblo. With a 5-over-par 149 total, she posted a two-stroke victory. In the boys division, Trujillo turned the tables from the Country Club of Colorado tournament, winning while Franklin finished second. Trujillo posted a winning total of 2-under-par 142, which gave him a one-shot edge on Franklin. For scores from Walking Stick, click on the following: BOYS, GIRLS)
