CEBU’s junior golfer WeiWei Gao has clinched a slot in the 69th U.S Junior Amateur Championships after scoring 139 in the two-day qualifier at the Longbow Golf Club in Arizona, USA last June 21 to 22.
The 16-year-old ace junior golfer of Alta Vista Golf and Country Club (AVGCC) hit two-under 70 on the first round and carded three-under 69 on the final day.
The top four players in the qualifiers secured slots for the 69th U.S Junior Amateur Championships slated on July 18 to 23 at the Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee, USA.
“There were only four qualifiers out of 84 players. I felt really good because people all over Arizona played in this qualifier. And I’m one of the top players that qualified,” Gao told Sun.Star Cebu.
It’s the first time for Gao to qualify to the US Junior Amateur Championships and he is excited to play in one of the biggest junior golf tournaments in the US.
“I expect to play well in the U.S Junior Amateur Championships, and just play my game. Most importantly is to pray to God,” said Gao, who recently received an invitation from the United States Golf Association (USGA).
Before the U.S Junior Amateur Championships, Gao will be playing in the IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, California on July 9 to 15, together with three other Filipino players: Luis Castro, Ryan Monsalve and Ira Alido.
The four Filipino golfers, who were chosen in a qualifier in Manila last April, will represent the country in the 15 to 17 division.
“I’m playing in the IMG Academy Junior World Golf Championships. It would get me ready for the U.S Junior Amateur,” said Gao.