HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – The Illinois Junior Golf Association’s Players Challenge #2 @ Highland Woods GC concluded Friday after two days of competitive golf. The Boys Division champion, which was decided by a playoff, was Stewart Leigh (2020) of Clarendon Hills, Ill. The Girls Division champion was Daphne Chao (2020) of Columbus, Ohio.
The Players Challenge #2 was played at Highland Woods Golf course in Hoffman Estates, Ill. The field featured 74 golfers. The Boys Division played the par 72 course from 6,773 yards, while the Girls Division played the course from 5,832 yards.
The Illinois Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing playing opportunities for its members ages 8-18, conducting educational clinics and events, and serving as a junior golf informational clearinghouse.
Leigh carded a 2-under-par 142 tournament total, carding consistent rounds of 71-71. Leigh carded a total of seven birdies during the tournament. Losing the playoff was Jackson Bussell (2019) of Lincolnshire, Ill., who carded a 4-under-par 68 during the second round to force the playoff.
Coming in third place was Zachary Tuszynski (2017) of Crystal Lake, Ill., who carded a 1-under-par 143. Tuszynski carded a 4-under-par 68 during the opening round. In fourth was Jacob LeHotay (2019) of North Aurora, Ill., who carded an even-par 144. Rounding out the top 5 was Joshua LaBounty (2020) of Elmhurst, Ill., who finished the event with a 2-over-par 146 tournament total.
Chao carded a 1-under-par 143 tournament total to take home her first IJGA win of the season. She carded six birdies over the course of the two days.
Coming in runner-up was Haeri Lee (2018) of Buffalo Grove, Ill., who finished the event with a 2-over-par 146 tournament total. Lee carded a 3-under-par 69 during the first round. Rounding out the top 3 was Molly Lyne (2020) of Cary, Ill., who finished with a tournament total of 5-over-par 149.
