Junior Pro-Am benefits pros as well as preps

8/3/2004
BY DAVE HACKENBERG
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

The first-ever Pepsi Junior Pro-Am was more than a unique experience for the 44 high school girls who got to play golf yesterday with LPGA pros at Highland Meadows. It was a unique opportunity for the pros, too.

"This is the first chance we've had to play in something like this with young ladies," said pro Laura Myerscough. "We usually have junior clinics at most tour stops, but not a playing experience like this. It was really neat. I know I had a blast."

A team headed by 1990 Farr champ Tina Tombs won the event in a scorecard playoff against pro Clarissa Childs' team. Both teams posted 6-under 31s over the Meadows' back nine.

Tombs' team included Lisa Pongtana and Sara Weyandt of Start High School as well as Clare Huffman and Megan Bader from Lima Central Catholic. Childs' teammates were Bree Kiel and Courtney Napierala from Southview and the Eastwood High duo of Becky Brough and Jillian Renollet.

"I'm sure this experience will help them grow," said Myerscough. "I'm sure most of the girls were nervous. I know my team was a little at the start. They got a taste of what it's like to be inside the ropes with lots of people watching.

"I hope they all had a good time and enjoyed getting to know us a little. They all have dreams, just like we did, and if they work hard and put their minds to it, who knows, maybe some of them might be out here one day."