Sakuragi Wins Playoff to Capture IJGT at Duke University

Durham, NC — Many of the nation’s top junior golfers converged on the city of Durham, North Carolina to take part in a 36-hole International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) event at the Duke University Golf Club.  The course offers an ideal blend of stunning scenery and daunting challenges that are sure to make every round an adventure.  Clear skies and warm weather was the recipe for success as many of our junior golfers posted very impressive total scores.  The final round was a roller coaster ride for all who witnessed the tight races being decided late in the day.

The Girls 15-19 Division had one of the most thrilling finishes of the entire IJGT season. Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy (Hank Haney IJGA) students Momo Sakuragi of Tokyo, Japan and Stephanie Eybers of Haymarket, Virginia was forced into a playoff after 36 holes.  On the first playoff hole, Sakuragi stuck her second shot to 3 feet and tapped in a par putt to win the tournament. Sakuragi carded rounds of 83 and 78 while Stephanie finished with rounds of 79 and 82 for a weekend total of 161. 

Four strokes back heading in to the final round, Sakuragi was aware of the uphill battle she would have to fight.  "I had nothing to lose.  I knew I could play better than my first round score."

Stan Gautier once again proved his dominance against a very worthy field of competitors in the Boys 16-19 Division.  Gautier, who currently trains at Hank Haney IJGA, continued to impress even the harshest of critics.  After an impressive 3-under par first round of 69, Gautier posted a second round of 73 to clinch his second IJGT victory in as many tournaments as he has participated in this year. Hank Haney IJGA students Yifan Liu and Matthew Rushton finished in a tie for third place with a total of 151.

Although the weekend was full of great play and heroic shots, the day belonged to Stan Gautier and his dazzling play on the course.  Stan is no stranger to the winners circle as he has won his share of junior competitions at the highest level.  When asked why he was so excited to win this tournament, Gautier replied "I am very happy. It's very hard to play well every week, especially when your ahead of the competition most of the time."  The driver and irons were very instrumental in his great play, but his mindset may have played an even larger role.  "I just try to play as well as I can and enjoy the moment." 

In the Boys 13-15 Division, Hank Haney IJGA student J.J. Qualkenbush of La Quinta, California was tied with Theo for the lead after the first round and posted another 79 on Sunday to secure a very deserving second place finish.