History was made during the fourth installment of the Southern California Junior Amateur Championship, as Briana Chacon became the first two-time winner of the tournament. Chacon led from start to finish, extending what was a one-stroke lead after the first round and turning it into a three-stroke triumph.
Chacon overcame windy conditions in the first day of play at Morongo GC at Tukwet Canyon and put herself in control of her own destiny for the second round.
Chacon finished six-under outlasting a late push from Amari Avery and Leigh Chien, who both finished at three-under. Avery rattled off seven birdies on the front nine to challenge Chacon, while Chien snuck up with machine-like consistency. But Chacon fought them off throughout the tournament with her steady play under pressure. Chacon was the only player to finish under par in both rounds after following up her day one score of 71 with a 67 to seal the championship. Despite the push from her competitors, Chacon stayed focused and finished the round bogey-free.
“Today I felt really calm out there and I hit a lot of greens, which was a big plus,” Chacon said. “I got a few putts to drop in and that’s what really separated me from the field.”
The high school senior said she is looking forward to seeing what comes next for her on the golf course. With her victory, Chacon earned an exemption into next summer’s SCGA Women’s Amateur Championship.
