Lora Assad finished Gate Junior as the best of the SA girls

Lora Assad played a third consecutive round of 77 at the Gate American Junior Masters to finish best of the SA girls tied seventh on +15 (231). Austrian Marina Stutz increased her lead with a fine one under 71 in the final round to win the event on +2, 218 (74, 73, 71).

The boys’ championship was won by USA’s Cody Proveaux on -5 211 (68, 74, 69) with SA’s Haydn Porteus in eighth position on +1 217 (74, 74, 69).

Erica Lefson, who accompanied the players, reported that Lora Assad played solid golf and could have scored far better had she more command of the greens. She is hitting her shots onto the pin and it was a pleasure to watch.

“The other player who has performed well is Cara Gorlei – on her first overseas trip. She is WGSA’s up-and-coming star – I have never seen someone hit the ball so solid. She also struggled with the greens. She finished tied 13th on +19, 235 (78, 79, 78).

“I watched Izel Pieters play a few holes and she played steady golf but also dropped when missing greens. She was tied 16th, +21 on 237 (77, 81, 79).

“Lara Weinstein was out of sorts today and, with a disappointing final round of 83, she fell back to tie with Cara Gorlei on +19. Her scores were 78, 73, 83 (235). She did not feel she was striking the ball well – and yet when I watched her she played solid golf. Her downfall was her last two holes. On the eighth (her 17th) she hit her drive into the bunker. Could only chip out and hit three on green and then three-putted. And on her last hole – par three ninth – she hit into the water and had to take three off the tee. Hit the ball over the green and again a three putt. She was not happy, but next week is another tournament – The Junior Orange Bowl – and she has time to get some confidence back.”

Final score board

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