Jennifer Kupcho Wins CJGA Tournament of Champions

It’s Another Major Victory for Westminster Phenom

Chris Duthie

Westminster teenage golf sensation Jennifer Kupcho continued her season for the ages, this time winning the CJGA Tournament of Champions held last weekend at the Omni Interlocken Golf Club in Broomfield. The 17-year-old Jefferson Academy senior dominated the two-day junior event with a score of two-over-par 146, a 12-stroke difference over runner-up Gillian Vance of Lakewood.

Kupcho prevailed despite suffering through rain, wind and bone-chilling temperatures that dipped into the 40s. “It was a struggle having all of the elements,” said Kupcho, who has verbally committed to play for Wake Forest next year. “It was hard to get used to all the different stuff that was going on.”

In recent months, Kupcho has won the prestigious Colorado Women’s Stroke Play and CWGA Match Play tournaments, claimed titlist honors at the CJGA Junior Series Championship, was Class 4A medalist at the Colorado Girls High School Championship, finished second after leading the first round at the HealthONE Colorado Women’s Open, and earned a sixth-place finish in sectional qualifying for the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open.

On the boys’ side of the Tournament of Champions, Valor Christian High School teammates Coby Welch and Jake Staiano took first and second, respectively, with scores of 3-over 147 and 5-over 149. It was another stellar performance for Welch and Staiano who just two weeks ago helped lead their school to a repeat 4A state championship.

“It was rough and usually I don’t play too good when it’s cold and rainy,” said Welch, who overcame the wicked weather and played the final 11 holes in 1-under par. “Today was different. I just stayed patient. I knew the rain would go away eventually. I needed the rain to go away. I didn’t mind the cold too much.”

RELATED LINKS

Kupcho’s Opening Round 66 Leads CO Women’s Open

Valor Christian Repeats as 4A Boys State Champions

Kupcho Dominates at CWGA Match Play

Kupcho Claims 4A State Medalist Honors

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.