Gracyn Burgess wins the Vicki DiSantis Girls' Championship
2017 champion Gracyn Burgess (L) with Vicki DiSantis (R)
(Carolinas Golf Association Photo)
CHARLOTTE, NC (May 14, 2017) - Two years ago, Gracyn Burgess held the first round lead at the Vicki DiSantis Girls' Championship at Pine Island Country Club. While she could not hold on for the win that year as a freshman, Gracyn has grown up a lot since. Now the top-ranked girl in South Carolina, the Lexington native captured her first CGA title at the 2016 Twin States Girls'.
Showing the calmness of a seasoned veteran Sunday at Pine Island CC, the 17-year-old Burgess fired a final round 67 to erase a five shot deficit and win the 12 Vicki DiSantis Girls’. "Focusing on my own game and not on others were doing was key to my success." A five-foot par putt on the final hole that caught the edge of the cup before it dropped sealed the one stroke victory in front of a large crowd of spectators.
Burgess made seven birdies to overtake first round leader Rachel Kuehn of Asheville, N.C. None was bigger than a 15-foot birdie on No. 17, "I was pumped going into the final hole after making that putt," said the high school junior who has committed to play for Clemson University. "That was a huge birdie for me."
Kuehn had a chance to force a playoff, but was unable to convert par on the final hole. Looking back on a day when her lead slipped away, the high school sophomore showed a lot of poise. "I learned to take every shot as it comes and not worry about the finish."
On the way to the course Sunday morning, Burgess had promised her mother the trophy as a Mother's Day gift. Gracyn was able to deliver on that promise, "She does everything for me," said Burgess as she left the club. "It means a lot to win for her today." Tomorrow Gracyn will be back competing for her high school boys' team in the state tournament.