Bluffton golfer sets record in winning Carolinas Junior Girls title

Bluffton’s Hyo Joon Jang used a record-setting performance to win the 64th annual Carolinas Junior Girls Championship at the Country Club of Asheville.

Jang shot 66 in two of her three rounds to finish with 11-under 202 and win by 13 strokes, the largest in championship history. Her rounds of 66 tied the Country Club of Asheville’s low round for women.

“Because of COVID-19, a lot of my tournaments were canceled. Getting this win in a big tournament is exciting,” Jang said. “It was great competition all week and coming out on top gives me tons of confidence going forward. I’m thankful for the CGA who organized this tournament. I really loved playing in it.”

Jang, who attends the G2 Academy in Bluffton, started her final round with an eagle and birdie on her first two holes. She had four birdies, an eagle and one bogey for her second 66 of the week.

Jang finished her round with a bogey-free back nine, giving her just three bogeys on the week to her 12 birdies.

“I made an eagle on the first hole, and that helped me set the tone for the day,” Jang said. “It was a long day and I was pretty tired, but that start helped me push through.”

Runner-up Alexia Siehl of Fort Mill, S.C. also tied the course record for women with a 66 in the final round. Siehl was able to recover from a second round 76 and surprised herself with her play on Thursday.