VSGA concludes Suffolk Jr. Open
Published 9:56 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Rustburg 17-year-old Clayton Forren, shot an event-best, final-round, even-par 72 to post a four-stroke victory as the Virginia State Golf Association Suffolk Junior Open concluded on Sunday at Riverfront Golf Club.
Three Suffolk boys finished well behind the leaders in their respective age divisions.
After opening with 76 on a breezy first day at Nansemond River Golf Club, Forren was one of two competitors tied for the top spot entering the final round and concluded the championship with a 4-over 148 aggregate.
Adam Szwed, 16, of Woodbridge placed second after carding 73 (8-over 152). Sixteen-year-olds Zeke Shen of Forest (75) and T.J. Osborne of Virginia Beach (76) finished tied for third at 13-over 157.
In windy final round conditions, Forren relied on sound ball-striking and played the last 11 holes in one-under-par. The senior at Rustburg High School knocked in a 25-footer at the par-4 15th hole and converted an up-and-down from the greenside bunker two holes later to shoot one under on the inward nine. Consistent play keyed the Lynchburg-area golfer to the title.
“I kept it in front of me and hit a lot of greens. Nothing special,” he said. “I hit the ball really well. You have to hit it straight and guess right on the distances in these conditions.”
Forren is bound for Longwood University in the fall on a golf scholarship.
Following are the results from Suffolk golfers who participated in the tournament:
Boys, ages 16-18
(6,490 yards, par 36-36—72)
Griffin Genier, 11th place, 84-83—167; Keith Cooper, 23rd place, 96-89—185;
Boys, ages 12-13
(5,473 yards, par 36-36—72)
Gerry Jones Jr., 4th place, 85-84—169