IJGA Student-Athlete Gautam Potdukhe takes 1st-place at the Coastal Carolina Junior Open on Hilton Head Island
Chase Phillips of Hilton Head Island Takes Third-Place in his Age Division
What a way to start his experience in the United States for International Junior Golf Academy ( IJGA ) studentathlete Gautam Potdukhe of India with a top-three finish in his inaugural junior tournament and a victorious win in his second .
In his first event , he took third-place at the International Junior Golf Tournament ( IJGT ) event , Global Junior Golf ( GJG ) Qualifier at Whispering Pines , June 29 & 30 at the Country Club of Whispering Pines in North Carolina . His third-place finish in the Boys 15 – 19 Division earned him an invitation to the GJG Hilton Head Invitational event December 6 – 9 on Hilton Head Island , South Carolina .
That was just a warm-up top finish to his next event . Potdukhe took firstplace in his age division at the Coastal Carolina Junior Open tournament at the George Fazio Golf Course on Hilton Head Island , South Carolina , July 7 & 8 .
Potdukhe , 15 , a rising junior at Heritage Academy on Hilton Head Island played in the Will Smith Boys 14 - 15 age division . He fired a 74-82 for a total of 156 during the two-day event in Palmetto Dunes Resort . He clinched the win by finishing birdie-par-par on his last three holes .
“ I was excited to play at home , and more excited to win . It was my second time to play in The States ,” said Gautam Potdukhe . “ My first round , I played well . I was hitting my drives long and straight . My short game was really good . I chipped in for birdie on the third hole . On my second round , I choked on the first six holes . I was nine over ,” said Potdukhe .
What turned his game around happened on the twelfth hole . “ I hit my drive into the fairway and it kicked out into the bush . I re-teed my drive and hit again . From there , I had 90 yards in and then I made a 20-foot putt . That was the changing point in my game . Then I started making pars . I birdied 16 and parred 17 and 18 ,” remarked Potdukhe .
“ Gauntum is a breath of fresh air as a person and as a player . His effervescent personality and sunny disposition shine through when you first meet him . But underneath the charming veneer is a fierce competitor ,” said IJGA Director of Golf Jonathan Yarwood . “ He is the type of player I like ,
he ’ s ready to play and compete rather than just stand on the range . We have spent time looking at the facts of his game , however , using the latest technology like Swing Catalyst 3D Motion Plates , pressure movement sensors , Trackman , physical screening and video . From these facts , we have been able to create a fact-based blueprint which will enable him to be the best player he can be . It is a very individual approach rather than a one-size-fits-all approach .”
“ The findings are implemented gently by me and my team to preserve the artistic and competitive parts of his game ,” said Yarwood . “ He has done well thus far and is committed in the gym , nutritionally and mentally . Gone are the days of home-made players to a large extent . We can not ‘ create a player ’ through everything at our disposal . The main thing they have to bring is a determined attitude , will to win and intelligent work ethic . I have high hopes for this young man . He is a credit to his parents and a great addition to our diverse golf community at IJGA .”
Additionally , IJGA student-athlete Chase Phillips of Hilton Head Island , a rising senior at Heritage Academy , finished third in the Tiger Woods 16 - 18 age division with a 71-76 , two strokes behind the leader . Phillips carded seven birdies during the two-day event and tied Hunter Stracci of Crown Point , IN with the most birdies for the tournaments .
Potdukhe and Phillips have earned an exemption into the 2018 National Championship , December 1 - 2 , for placing in the top three of their respective age divisions . The top 10 finishers receive points towards year-end honors which includes state teams , all HJGT teams and the Hurricane Cup . They have also earned points in the Junior Golf Scoreboard Ranking ( JGS ) and the South Carolina Junior Golf Association Heritage Points .
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