June 11, 2023
Cathy Zhang and James Lee won the NCGA's biggest junior prizes.
Zhang, a resident of San Ramon, shot a final round 4-under 68 to come in with a 54-hole total of 10-under 206, defeating runner-up Lily Peng by three shots.
Still just 14, Zhang posted six birdies to go against a double-bogey, her lone hiccup in the final round.
Peng, the defending champion, crept to within three shots thanks to a stellar 6-under 66 that featured six birdies. Abigail Lin finished third at 216 after a final round 71.
Lee, a 16-year-old Burlingame resident, shot a final round 5-under 67 to come in at 12-under 204, good for a five-shot win over Zack Tarter. Lee's 12-under total was just one off the Boys' record 54-hole total of 13-under 203 set by Patrick Nagle in 2002.
Lee would post seven birdies in the final round to go against just one double-bogey. His biggest move came in the first round, when he posted a sizzling 65 that included a front-nine 31.
Tarter had his second straight 71 to finish at 209. Third place was a tie between Cole Kroeker (68) and Christopher Bettencourt (70) at 210. Kroeker earned third place following a card-off (lower round of the day).
June 10, 2023
Burlingame's James Lee took the lead at the annual NCGA Junior Championship, carding a 36-hole score of 7-under 137 Monday at Ruby Hill in Pleasanton.
Lee got hot in the morning first round, putting up a 7-under 65 that featured six birdies, an eagle (par-5 4th hole) and a bogey. He followed up the round with a steady 72.
Lee wasn't the only player getting off to a strong start. Zack Tarter of Hanford is at 6-under par after rounds of 67-71.
Christopher Bettencourt is in third place at 140.
Notable winners include Ken Venturi in 1949, Bobby Clampett in 1976 and Joel Kribel in 1993. Johnny Miller triumphed at The Olympic Club in 1963 and when Todd Miller claimed the title at Orinda in 1996 they became the only father-son champions.
Girls' Championship
Cathy Zhang of San Ramon made a move in Monday's second round, posting a 4-under 68 to get to a 36-hole total of 6-under 138.
Zhang in the afternoon was solid, posting five birdies to go against just one bogey.
Darla May Dela Torre, who is coming off a runner-up finish at the recent California Junior Girls' State Championship, is alone in second place at 141 after rounds of 70-71.
Millie Wang is alone in third place at 142. Defending champion Lily Peng is still in the mix, T-4 at 143.