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GolfweekTV: Rain won’t go away at Girls’ Junior•
Wednesday notes: Kim-fest breaks out at Girls’ Junior•
Complete U.S. Juniors coverage • Blog Jr.
By RAY McCARTHY
Assistant Editor
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The rain-plagued 60th U.S. Girls’ Junior was dealt another blow Thursday morning when play was called for the day because of steady downpours and unplayable course conditions at the Hartford Golf Club.
The original plan Thursday was to complete the second and third rounds of match play, but because of the suspension, everything will be pushed back a day. The second and third rounds will be held Friday, the quarterfinals and semifinals Saturday, and the 36-hole final Sunday.
According to the USGA, in the event there are any more delays, the tournament will take as long as necessary to get in six rounds of match play. The event will not be shortened.
“It’s a national championship, and we’ll get it in no matter how long it takes,” said Gary Reynolds, head pro at Hartford Golf Club.
Because rain is predicted throughout the day, the grounds crew won’t attempt to dry out the course.
“We could run around with squeegies and bunker pumps, but the best thing to do is let it take its course,” said Jonathan Burke, Hartford Golf Club superintendent. “It would defeat the purpose.”
Play was delayed for a total of 5 hours and 12 minutes Wednesday and was eventually halted due to darkness with one match remaining on the course.
Rachel Rohanna and Julie Yang were all square through 17 holes when they left the course Wednesday, and the two arrived Thursday morning intending to complete their match.
Despite play being called, Rohanna and Yang chose to play, and Yang eventually won in 22 holes.
The rest of the field was left to a day of hanging out in West Hartford, Conn.
“I’ll go shopping I guess,” said Cyna Marie Rodriguez.
Rodriguez upset
Golfweek’s No. 2 junior Tiffany Lua yesterday, 2 and 1, but Rodriguez isn’t looking forward to three consecutive days of 36 holes if she makes it to the finals.
“Eighteen burns me out,” she said. “Eighteen’s enough for me.”
The last time a U.S. Junior Championship finished on a Sunday was the 2002 U.S. Boys’ Junior, which was marred by delays throughout the week.
Posted: 7/24/2008
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