TRACY SHOOTS BACK-TO-BACK 69s AT NATIONWIDE INSURANCE JUNIOR
PRESENTED BY THE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
Meier climbs into lead at Tartan Fields Golf Club
DUBLIN, Ohio -Ethan Tracy, 18, of Hilliard, Ohio, fired a second-round 3-under-par 69 to head into the final round of the Nationwide Insurance Junior presented by the Memorial Tournament with a seven stroke lead over the field at 6-under-par 138. Amy Meir, 17, of Rochester Hills, Mich., shot a second round even-par 72 to go into the final round with a three-stroke lead in the Girls Division at 4-over-par 148.
Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the Nationwide Insurance Junior presented by the Memorial Tournament features 99 players from 21 states and Canada. The field consists of 75 boys and 24 girls, ages 12-18. The Boys Division is playing the par-72 Tartan Fields Golf Club at 6,972 yards, while the Girls Division is playing the course at 6,063 yards.
Tracy's overall play has been consistent for the tournament; he made five birdies in each round. However, each round of 69 has played out very differently for him.
“I am pleased with how I am playing. I am playing solid and hitting the ball well,” Tracy said.
“But it's been kind of different [today]. I got it going on the front yesterday and I got it going on the back today.”
Although Tracy has captured major victories this summer, a win near his hometown at Tartan Fields Golf Club holds a special place in the heart of the Ohio native.
“This would mean a lot. I have played in this at least three times, so it would be amazing to win.”
Rounding out the top five in the Boys Division are Gene Yang of East Brunswick, N.J. and John Beringer of Loveland, Ohio, tied in second at 1-over-par 145. Cameron Wilson of Rowayton, Conn., is in fourth at 2-over-par 146. Daniel Stringfellow of Roselle, Ill., and Zachary Bates of Chagrin Falls, Ohio are tied for fifth at 2-over-par 147.
In the Girls Division, Meier focused on playing close to par.
“I was really consistent today and I avoided a big number,” Meier said.
Avoiding a big number included carding birdies on Nos. 10 and 12. Meier hopes to maintain her consistent play going into the final round without putting too much pressure on herself.
“I didn't expect anything this week. I just went out to play,” Meier said. “I think if I stay consistent I will be fine.”
Susana Benavides of Bradenton, Fla., is in second at 7-over-par 151 and Megan Pak, also of Bradenton, is in third at 8-over-par 152.
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The largest Association of its kind, the AJGA has a junior membership (boys and girls ages 12-18) of approximately 5,000 junior golfers from 49 states and 30 foreign countries.
Titleist, the AJGA's National Sponsor, has been the catalyst and driving force behind the Association's success since 1989. Rolex Watch USA, which is in its third decade of AJGA support, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004. In 2007, after 12 years of support, Polo Ralph Lauren became the AJGA's second Premier Partner.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. More than 160 former AJGA juniors currently play on the PGA and LPGA Tours and have compiled more than 300 wins. AJGA alumni include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink, Davis Love III, Cristie Kerr, Pat Hurst, Paula Creamer, Brittany Lincicome, Morgan Pressel and Julieta Granada.
The final round of the Nationwide Insurance Junior presented by the Memorial Tournament is Thursday, July 10 with tee times running off the first tee from 7 a.m. — 12:20 p.m. at Tartan Fields Golf Club. For more information about the Nationwide Insurance Junior presented by the Memorial Tournament, please contact Tournament Headquarters at (614) 792-0900 ext. 222.
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