Leighton Bearchell shot 75 on both Saturday and Sunday to win the 2010 SGI Hillcrest Junior Open, but according to him, his game was far from consistent.
But when it really counted in the last few holes on Sunday, Bearchell finished his tournament in strong, solid fashion.
“I was kind of off-and-on on the first day and I was bad on the front nine in the second day but pulled through on the back,” said Bearchell.
Burstall’s Zack Garthus was tied with Bearchell on the 16th hole Sunday, but Bearchell finished with a birdie on the 17th and a par on the 18th to finish two strokes ahead of Garthus.
“I played okay on the last two, I guess,” said Bearchell.
Bearchell, who usually feels most comfortable when on the green, said he did not have his usual short-game touch on Saturday, but was able to strike the ball well. Between rounds, Bearchell put a lot of emphasis on his putting
“I kind of forgot about the ball striking, just worked on my putting,” said Bearchell. “I hit the ball good on the first day but just couldn’t putt. On the second day, I didn’t strike the ball that well but made a few putts.”
Bearchell did not opt to take any time off as on Monday, he went straight to Regina to participate in the Wascana Junior Classic and is currently tied for first after the first day of the two day event with a +1, 73.
See more in Tuesday's Times-Herald.
