INTERNATIONAL NEWS
PHIL MICKELSON AND LI HAOTONG
INSPIRE JUNIOR GOLFERS IN MACAO
CGA/PKBGT JIMMY ANDERSON
GIRLS’ INVITATIONAL
C
indy Song of Waxhaw, NC started the day fi ve shots off the
lead in the Jimmy Anderson Girls’ Invitational, but quickly
took control of the tournament by shooting fi ve under par 30
on the front nine. Her front nine included fi ve birdies with four in a
row on holes fi ve through eight. “I played really well today, but it
could have been better” stated Song. “It was my career round, so it
was fun today” added Song. The back nine was not as easy for Song.
Song did stumble making bogeys on eleven and twelve, but bounced
right back with an eagle 3 on the par fi ve thirteenth and followed the
eagle with a birdie on fourteen. Another bogey on sixteen moved
Song to six under, but she fi nished off the round with a tap in birdie on
the eighteenth to cap off her round of seven under par 65. In winning
the tournament, Song set the record for the lowest single round (65)
and the tournament scoring record (137). First round leader Maria
Atwood of Holly Springs, NC and Katherine Schuster of Kill Devil
Hills, NC fi nished tied for second at three under par 141.
AJGA HONORS JUNIOR ALL - STAR
INVITATIONAL
T
he American Junior Golf Association has awarded the Junior
All-Star Invitational at Reynolds Lake Oconee with the 2018
Volunteer Award.
Each year, the AJGA presents awards to the tournaments with the
best individual hospitality, Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament,
charitable giving and volunteer base. Awards are also given to the
events with engaged media and social media participation. Finally,
the AJGA recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional,
superintendent and golf course executive, as well as the most game-
changing event, best new event, best Junior Golf Hub Preview Series
tournament, best AJGA Junior All-Star Series tournament, best
Invitational and overall tournament of the year. Tournament awards
for the 2018 season will be presented on-site at the 2019 tournaments.
T
he stars took part in a morning Pro-Am Tournament at Macao
Golf and Country Club, followed by a junior golf clinic with 30
young golfers from the Macao Junior Golf Club Association,
the Zhang Lianwei Sports Development Foundation and Macao
Special Olympics.
Boasting two European Tour victories at the age of 24, Li made a huge
impression at the golf clinic, demonstrating his putting acumen and
participating in a lively skills challenge.
“We had a lot of fun coaching some promising young golfers today. It
was an inspiring afternoon for us all and I hope they’ll walk away with
a few helpful pointers. The young athletes here seem very dedicated
to improving their skills. It is so exciting to see that golf is loved and
played by so many young people here in Macao,” said Li.
ANNIKA SORENSTAM CONTINUES HER JOURNEY
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
A
nnika partnered with the Southern Nevada Junior Golf
Association to invite girls in the state ages 6-12 to write a
letter to her explaining why they love golf and why other
girls should learn how to play. She invited authors of the 40 most
compelling notes to attend a “Share My Passion” clinic, where
Annika served as the headline golf coach.
“This is very special. It warms my heart because it’s about what I
have achieved both on and off the course,” said Annika, who also
became a PGA Member in 2013. “It’s a huge honor just looking
at the names, it’s a small group and an elite group.” Annika would
conduct clinics at the academy, to coach and inspire others.
“Getting this honor is very rewarding to all of us who take pride in our
volunteer assignments for the AJGA,” Volunteer Chair Charles Finch
said. “The award validates our spirit and energy and it helps that golf
operations gets to see how much we love having tournaments as we
can really excel.”
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