Kim Fires Record 64 to Win
Stephanie Kim fired a final round 64 to run away with the girls 16-18 age division title as Christopher Biuso edged out the boys 16-18 age division by one stroke to win the Florida Junior Tour (FJT) event at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview presented by Inner Circle of Golf Academy.
In the girls field, Stephanie Kim, 16, of Bayside, NY, captured her first FJT title winning by five strokes. Kim, who resides in Orlando, posted a 1-under par 70 in the first round to trail the two leaders by one stroke. “I was comfortable with my first round score,” said Kim. “I knew if I played well in the final round, I would be ok.” Starting on the 10th hole in the final round, Kim made three consecutive birdies on her first three holes. Despite a two stroke penalty for hitting the wrong ball on 13, Kim totaled eight birdies and 24 putts in the final round to turn in a 7-under par 64 for the win. “I was hitting the ball a lot better in the final round,” said Kim. “I feel like my game is really coming together.” Kim’s final round 64 broke three FJT records in the division including lowest score for 18 and 36 holes as well as lowest final round. “It’s great to break records as well as personal ones,” said Kim. First round co-leader Ginger Howard, 13, of Bradenton, had her best finish in a 16-18 age division event taking second place with rounds of 69-70—139. Howard has two wins in the 13-15 age division. First round co-leader Paula Reto, 17, of Coral Springs, claimed third place shooting a 69-72.
Christopher Biuso, 17, of Temple Terrace, went wire-to-wire to win the boys division by one stroke. Biuso shot a 5-under par 66 in the first round to have a two stroke advantage heading into the final round. Biuso posted a 72 in the final round to hold on to the lead with a 138 total and gain his second FJT victory. Last year, Biuso won a Qualifying Series event. Ian McConnell, 15, of Riverview, and Joseph Byun, 17, of Lake Mary, tied for second place each shooting a 139 total. McConnell posted a 70-69 as Byun recorded a 69-70. Carson Weinand, 16, of Naples, took sole possession of fourth place after a final round 67. Combined with a 74 in the first round, Weinand finished at 141 for the tournament.