Harris Captures Girls’ Junior Championship

(Murfreesboro) An incoming freshman at the University of Kentucky, Hermitage's Sarah Harris finished strong in the final round of the 49th annual Tennessee Girls’ Junior Championship at Stones River Country Club to win the title.

 Starting the day with a one-stroke lead over Nashville’s Alexandra Farnsworth, Harris stayed steady throughout her round.  With a birdie on the first and fifth holes and an eagle on the par-5 eighth, Harris turned at two-under.  Keeping the momentum going even after back-to-back bogeys on the twelfth and thirteenth, Harris carded an even par 71 to clinch the title by six strokes.  “I tried to play like I didn’t have the lead—I played to win,” commented Harris.

 In blue Sharpie on her left forearm, Harris had written one word--SMILE.  “People say I never look happy when I play.  I’m hard on myself and get down.  Today, I figured that instead of getting mad at myself, I would laugh it off and move onto the next shot,” said Harris.  Harris had reason to smile as she accepted the trophy.

 Harris recently competed in the Tennessee Women’s Amateur Championship where she was knocked out by the 2011 champion, Kendall Martindale, in the round of 16.  “I was excited to test my game and see that I can play as well as current college players,” said Harris.  Because Harris is not able to compete in the Girls’ Championship next year and defend her title, she has her sights set on the Tennessee Amateur title next year.

 For the 10-14 year olds, Kingsport’s Haverly Harrold claimed the division title.  Posting rounds of 81-77-78, Harrold finished two strokes ahead of Decatur’s Kaitlyn Sneed.  A rising freshman at Dobyns Bennett High School, this was only Harrold’s third time competing in the Tennessee Girls’ Championship.  After tripling the par-4 fourteenth and doubling the par-5 fifteenth, Harrold parred out to post only her second round in the 70’s and win the tournament.  “I knew I could still do it if I parred out,” said Harrold.  Getting up-and-down on both sixteen and seventeen, Harrold two-putted the eighteenth to capture the title.

 The Tennessee Girls’ Junior Amateur Championship is one of fifteen championships conducted annually by the Tennessee Golf Association.  For more information about the TN Girls’ Junior Amateur, including pairings and results, visit www.tngirlsjunior.com.