Darren Zhou | Marley Pedrique | Carson Brauth | Bella Simoes
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. – Indian Spring Country Club hosted its fourth Florida Junior Tour event for the season. Darren Zhou, Marley Pedrique, Carson Brauth, and Bella Simoes stood above the rest in their respective divisions and came home with the trophy.
Boys (11-12)
In his first FJT event of the year, Darren Zhou kicked off his season in quit a record-breaking fashion in both the 18 and 36 hole scoring records in the 9-12 division. Zhou fired a career low 9-under 63 in the first round, which consisted of nine birdies and nine pars. He followed this up in the final round with another impressive day, shooting a 4-under par, 68.
Putting up a fight was Shayaan Kim, who’s first-round 66 put him only three off the lead. Kim carded seven birdies and only one bogey in his opening round putting him in striking distance for the final round. Kim matched his first round with another 66 to bring him to 12-under par and only one shot from a tie. Throughout the final round, Zhou and Kim battled hard for the win. Zhou clinched his victory with two birdies on his final two holes of the day.
Rounding out the top three was Chase Bauer who carded two great rounds of 69-68—137. Bauer has had an impressive 2022 FJT season, with two victories and three top five finishes.
Boys (9-10)
Carson Brauth blew away his division with impressive rounds of 72-71—143. Brauth’s stellar play earned him his first FJT victory.
Finishing in a tie for second was Crew Satkoski and Reed Abdelnour. Satkoski’s round was highlighted by three birdies. Abdelnour’s first FJT tournament consisted of four birdies enroot to his opening round 72.
Girls (11-12)
Marley Pedrique added to her FJT resume this weekend after winning a two hole playoff. This win is the third for Pedrique for her 2022 season. With an opening round 70, Pedrique found herself one off the lead heading into round two. After a back and forth battle throughout the day, Pedrique, Zhang, and Gram concluded their final hole all tied for the lead. Pedrique was able to close out the playoff with a birdie on the par 5, first hole.
Gram and Zhang both carded an opening round 3-under 69 to take a share of the lead, going into Sunday. Gram, played consistently in the opening round, carding four birdies and one lone bogey. She followed up her consistent play in round two.
Zhang matched Gram’s two-day totals with rounds of 69-74. After the first playoff hole, Zhang holed a clutch putt from five feet to extend the playoff to one more where she would eventually claim a tie for second place.
Girls (9-10)
Bella Simoes broke out into the FJT scene in her first ever FJT tournament with an opening round 67. Simoes held a commanding lead throughout the second round as she carded an impressive eleven birdies over the two days. Once the last putt was holed, Simoes captured her first victory by an incredible five shots.
Clair Yang played well over the two days with rounds of 73-75 to take home a second place finish. Not far behind was Xiyao Zhang with rounds of 75-77 for a third place finish.
