Benjamin Hong of Brea made three birdies down the stretch to win the Golfweek West Coast Junior Invitational by one stroke over James Mackie of Phoenix and Tucker Clark of Paradise Valley, Ariz., at Mesa Country Club in Mesa, Ariz.
The 15-year-old Hong, who won the 2017 Southern California PGA Junior Section Championship and two other events last year, posted a score of 71-67—138, 6-under-par, while Mackie and Clark both finished at 69-70— 139.
“This tournament is kind of my (national) breakthrough,” said Hong, who collected birdies on the 13th, 15th and 17th holes in the final round. “I’ve been playing well in high school matches, but this is a different level. This tournament is going to help my ranking and my recruiting.
“During the practice round I was just thinking about playing my game. Then, after the first round I was only two shots behind and thought, ‘I can win this.’ … I thought I needed to shoot about 5- or 6-under (in the final round), so I needed to be aggressive. I like to be just a shot behind so I can play aggressively.
“After this tournament I feel like my swing is getting better and my game is more consistent.”
Brooks Li of Irvine was fourth at 70-70—140, followed by Evan Chien, also of Irvine, at 69-72—141, and Alexander Gibalevich of Studio City at 73-70— 143, while Cade Anderson of Scottsdale, Ariz., totaled 72-72—144 to tie for seventh with Haram Shin of Los Angeles, who wound up at 75-59— 144.
Scott Schlader of Phoenix was ninth at 73-72—145, while Anawin Pikulthong of Gilbert, Ariz., shot 74-72—146 to tie for 10th with Bryce Kvick of Carmichael, who came in at 72-74—146.
For complete results, visit https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/3893902386074227838.
