For those planning to come out and watch the U.S. Girls' Junior today, bring plenty of sun block, drink lots of water and wear a hat. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s and with the stifling humidity, the Heat Index will reach triple digits. Yesterday, the players made it through the first round OK, but a couple of caddies had to be treated by medical staff for heat-related issues.
On the course, the matches should be outstanding. Here are a couple to keep an eye on:
Victoria Tanco vs. Ariya Jutanugarn. Jutanugarn, a 15-year-old from Thailand, was the medalist at last month's U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links and reached the quarterfinalis of the 2009 Girls' Junior, beating defending champion Alexis Thompson in the round of 16. Tanco, 16, of Argentina, is a three-time U.S. Women's Open qualifier and a past American Junior Golf Association Player of the Year.
Mariah Stackhouse vs. Kristen Park. Park won the 2007 Girls' Junior and recently claimed the AJGA Tournament of Champions in Arkansas. Stackhouse was a member of Georgia's winning USGA Women's State Team Championship squad last fall and competed in the LPGA Tour's MoJo event earlier this year.
Ginger Howard vs. Kendall Martindale. Howard won the Big I event at CCNC two years ago. Martindale played for Tennessee at last year's USGA Women's State Team Championship. She is headed to Vanderbilt.