Morning Star Staff
Coquitlam’s Jisoo Keel fired a 2-under 70 in round 3 of the B.C. Women’s Amateur Thursday to take a six-shot lead over Delta’s Mary Parsons going into today’s final round at the Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen.
Keel was at 70-68-69-207 after Thursday, while Parsons was 72-71-70-213. First-round leader and defending champion Michelle Kim of Surrey was third at 69-74-74-217.
The field was cut to the low 35 and ties heading into the final two rounds.
After some time away from the game, Keel is dipping her toes back into the competitive waters.
“I had some frustrating moments today, but I got over it,” said Keel after Wednesday’s 68. “I am just playing golf. I am not worried too much about anything because there is no more school for the summer. I am just golfing for fun.”
Vernon’s Mackenzie Barrie, who plays for the NCAA University of Wyoming Cowgirls, made the cut and was alone in 22nd spot after carding a 77 Thursday. Barrie went 77 and 82 in earlier rounds.
Four years ago, Keel looked to be on the fast-track to a successful pro career. She won the 2012 Canadian Women’s Tour opener as a 16-year-old amateur at Richmond Country Club. That field, comprised mainly of pros, also included a then 14-year-old Brooke Henderson.
Vernon’s Mackenzie Barrie, who plays for the NCAA University of Wyoming Cowgirls, made the cut and was alone in 22nd spot after carding a 77 Thursday. Barrie went 77 and 82 in earlier rounds.
Spallumcheen’s Emery Bardock also survived the cut and was at 82-78-88-248 for a share of 31st place.
Meanwhile, A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam and Sechelt’s Keenan Flemming shared the lead at 205 after Thursday’s third round of the B.C. Junior Boys Championship at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club in Cobble Hill.
Ewart fired a sizzling bogey-free 64 on Wednesday and followed with a 68 Thursday. He opened with a 73. Flemming was at 70-69-66-205. Vernon’s Braeden Cooper (80-77-157) and Parker Wadsworth (81-79-160) both missed the cut.
Vernon duo pockets $600 in Assistant Pro event
Vernon’s Shannon Glenesk and Justin Baillergeon shot 68-63-131 for a share of seventh place and $600 in the G&G Golf Company and Callaway PGA of B.C. Pro-Assistant Tournament Tuesday in Chase.
Matt Palsenbarg and John Shin of Northview Golf Academy eventually captured the title on the second playoff hole, ending the tie at 128 (-16) against Morningstar Golf Club’s Kevin Oates and Darren Griff.
“We hit the ball well and didn’t make many mistakes,” said head professional Palsenbarg. “If we did, we recovered well. The big thing about coming to this place is that we both really like the golf course... So it made it quite enjoyable.”
Spallumcheen’s Myles Johnson and Sieg Schreve carded 70-68-138 for $270.