Locals struggle in first round of PGA Junior Series Event

GENOA -- Douglas High's Trent Hennessy-York figured he'd have a slight advantage going into the PGA Junior Series at The Golf Club at Genoa Lakes. He's worked in the course's pro shop the past two years, so it's basically his home course.

But Hennessy-York's first-round scorecard told a different story.

The junior to-be shot an 11-over 83 in the first round on Tuesday, 15 shots behind leader Daniel Mitchell of Oklahoma City in the Boys 16-17 division. Hennessy-York triple bogeyed the first hole and his only birdie of the day came after sinking an eight-foot putt on No. 17.

"I was just really nervous on the first tee, a little bit of jitters I guess," said Hennessy-York, whose best tournament score ever at Genoa Lakes is a 78. "I knew it'd be tough because there are players from practically all over the country. I didn't putt the ball that well and didn't hit the ball that well. I thought I'd shoot lower but there's always tomorrow."

Brody Hamman of Fallon also competed in the Boys 16-17 division but didn't report a score. Four players are tied for second at 1-under. The final round of the 36-hole tournament ends today at the par-72 course.

The best golf of the day was in the Boys 13-15 division, where eight players shot under par, including first-round leader Daniel Lim, who fired a 5-under 67. Erik Flores and Bryan Vencill are both one shot back of Lim at 4-under. Fernley's Matthew Leestma, who shot an even par 72, is tied for ninth.

Kevin Goles and Jonathan Cockerill, both of Carson, hold the last two places on the leader board, respectively. Goles shot an 89 and Cockerill a 91.

"I hit the ball pretty well and gave myself a lot of birdie chances," said Lim, who posted his lowest tournament round ever on Tuesday. "I putted pretty well but if I putt better tomorrow, perhaps I could go lower."

In the Girls 13-15 division, Cristina Corpus holds a six-shot lead after an opening round 74. Reno's Ellyse Siu is in last place after shooting a 100, but is only three shots back of Brandi Thomas, who shot a 97.

In the Girls 16-17 division, it looks like Sara Brown of Tucson, Ariz., will finally get her first win in the PGA Junior Series. After finishing in second in the first three events this summer, Brown shot a 1-under 71 to take a one shot lead over Alexis Edwards going into today's final round. Las Vegas' Justina Yu is four shots back at 3-over.

"I hit every fairway and green on the front side," Brown said. "I'll take that."

The PGA Junior Series, which got its start seven years ago in Scottsdale, Ariz., is making its fourth stop of an 11-event tour at The Golf Club at Genoa Lakes. This is the first time an PGA Junior Series event has been held in Nevada. Players from all over the country compete, with the more dedicated golfers playing in all or most of the events each summer.

"I'll probably play a couple of more tournaments this summer," said Hennessy-York, who was turned on to the PGA Junior Series by Galena's Bryson Young. "I'll try to play in every one next summer to try and get that college scholarship."

For now, though, breaking 80 today is his first goal.

"Yeah, that would be nice."