Guevara, Tirado each in lead top division at STJGC
BY EDWARD SEVERN
STAFF WRITER
HARLINGEN — Edinburg’s Julian Guevara finished the first day of the Gillman Auto Group’s South Texas Junior Golf Classic in the lead for the boys 15-to 18 age group. Mission’s Carolina Tirado leads the girls 15-18 group.
Guevara shot a 71 on Saturday on the par-72 Harlingen Country Club course, taking a two-stroke lead over high school teammate Ryan Romero. Tirado finished the first round with an 82 and has a two-stroke lead on second place.
“There were a few hiccups here and there,” Guevara said. “I thought I could have made a lot more putts. I will never be disappointed with an under-par round. I hit the ball pretty solid, and I am just excited to try and go beat it (today).”
Romero and Guevara are ready to partner up today. It should be a fun and competitive round of golf, Romero said.
“He is my teammate, I love him, but it is survival of the fittest out there,” Romero said, joking.
Defending champion Esteban Gonzalez (74) is three strokes behind Guevara, Bryan Sandoval is also three strokes behind and Tyler Huff (75) trails by four. Parker Smith (76), Vince Gutierrez (76), Janik Jeffrey (76) and Nicolas Trevino (76) round out the golfers in the hunt.
“Not too proud of my performance,” Gonzalez said. “Nothing really went well for me; I could not make many putts. It is just one of those rounds where nothing goes for you. Hopefully I can make it up (today).”
Tirado holds a two-stroke lead over Samira Salinas (84). Tirado also will face challenges from Lola Cantu (85) and Valeria Franzoni (85). Ivana Silva (90) rounds out the top five of the girls 15-18 division.
The tournament also features competitors as young as 6 years old.
Other leaders in different divisions: Alex DeLeon (38) in 6-8 co-ed linkster, Emma Casas (48) in girls 9-10 linkster, Natalie Morales (59) leads girls 11-12 linkster, Carter Hoskins (31) is up nine strokes in boys 9-10 linkster and Adam Segura (37) holds a two-stroke advantage in boys 11-12 linkster.
Isabella Pace (84) and Baylee Huff (82) both have four-stroke advantages going into the championship round, Pace in 11-12 and Huff in the 13-14 girls divisions.
The higher scorers will begin the championship round at 7:30 a.m. today at Harlingen Country Club.
