A windy final day didn't keep Maitland's Samantha Marks from her first AJGA victory. (Photo courtesy AJGA)
Maitland’s Samantha Marks notched her first victory on the American Junior Golf Association circuit, building a four-shot lead over the first two days and hanging on to win an event at Plymouth (Mass.) Country Club.
Though high winds on the final day produced a closing 79, Marks had enough cushion that she didn’t face a serious challenge.
“I don’t know how I shot 79, to be quite honest with you,” Marks told an AJGA liaison. “The course was playing tough today. I won and I am happy. I am extremely happy about that.”
Victory in the Deutsche Bank Partners for Charity Junior Shootout came after nearly four years of playing AJGA events. Marks had recorded four top-10 placements in the previous year, including a runner-up finish at The Greenbrier in West Virginia.
With the win, Marks will move into the top 50 of the Polo Junior Rankings for the first time.
“I can’t wait for the bag [given to AJGA winners]. That’s my favorite part,” said Marks, a Circle Christian senior-to-be who has given a verbal commitment to play collegiately at North Carolina. “I’m really excited. I know I didn’t play my best, but I deserve it.”
