GGGA student Jesus Montenegro found himself in the lead, but it was a battle to the very last shot.
Montenegro of Mar del Plata, Argentina, brought home the trophy after shooting a 1-over par 141 at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club – North Course.
Montenegro played competitively throughout the final round on Sunday, placing himself at the top of the field while going neck-and-neck with Nico Gagliardi, who finished right behind Montenegro on the final hole. Montenegro’s win was well deserved after the battle for the trophy right until the end where his par at the very end secured the win.
“I’m most proud of No. 18 because I was a little nervous and felt pressure to play well, but it worked out for me,” the 2015 graduate said. “This win will give me a lot of confidence. Now I can keep learning and keep improving my game.”
Montenegro wasn’t the only GGGA student in the mix for medalist honors though.
Michelle Ledermann of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, finished in second at 9-over-par 149 in the Girls division. Ledermann recently placed second in the FCWT at Feather Sound. Johnny Hsu of Taiwan, took third at 4-over-par 144 and Adam Friedman of Westport, Connecticut, trailed right behind Hsu tied for fourth at 5-over-par 145.
The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) GGGA Preseason Junior at Innisbrook was played amongst a competitive field of 78 junior golfers going for a medalist honors. The two-day tournament was met with perfect Florida weather and the golf course proved to be a great challenge for all juniors. A favorite among PGA TOUR professionals, Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, FL is home to the Valspar Championship and features four golf courses. The North Course was the host for the second-straight year to an AJGA Preseason event and is a lengthy challenge for even the longest hitters at just 6,300 yards. The North Course known for its daunting par 3’s, tight tree-lined fairways and well-bunkered greens. Eleven holes at the North Course present water hazards, making club selection a critical decision when trying to break par.
