After leading for three consecutive rounds, Nicole Adam of Pinehurst finished strong in the final round Thursday to take home the trophy at the 14th Dogwood State Girls’ Championship at Chapel Hill Country Club. The rising high school junior carded a three-over-par 219 to win her first CGA title.

Adam, who is ranked No. 4 among junior girls golfers in North Carolina, began the tournament with a solid opening round and carded an even-par 72, which tied the tournament-low score. She carried her momentum into the second round and carded a one-over-par 73 and held a three stroke lead over the rest of the field headed into the final round.

“My short game was good, and my putting really saved me,” Adam said. “Mostly, everything was just working this week.”

It seemed Adam would cruise to victory in the final round until Rachel Kuehn of Asheville, N.C. began closing the gap between herself and Adam. The competitors, who were playing in the same group, were even headed into the final hole after Kuehn birdied No. 16.

Adam playing second round of the 14th Dogwood State Girls’ Championship on Wednesday. (all photos courtesy of Carolinas Golf Association)

Adam said she began to feel the nerves on the final tee box, but reminded herself to “just hit the ball.” She was able to remain calm and earn par on the final hole for the win and her first CGA victory.

“It feels great to finally pull it through after a couple of years down here,” Adam said.

Kuehn finished the runner-up and carded an even-par 72 with four birdies in the final round to finish the tournament with a four-over-par 220. Ana Tsiros of Asheville, N.C. finished in third place with an 11-over-par 227, and Sophie Hollandof Cornelius, N.C. finished in fourth with a 13-over-par 229.

Adam is a student at the O’Neal School in Southern Pines.

 

 

 

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