Projo Sports Blog

Juliet Vongphoumy admitted the television cameras and the gallery that followed her around the Agawam Hunt club made her a bit nervous. But it did not show in her golf game.

The 14-year-old R.I. Interscholastic League champion from La Salle more than held her own today when she made history as the first female to play in the 103-year-old R.I. Golf Association Amateur Championship.

Playing from the men's tees, Vongphoumy posted an 81, including a birdie on the 175-yard par-3 16th where she came within a foot of a hole-in-one. Her score is better than 16 players and tied with nine more, with about 40 others in the 138-player field still on the course.

``It's nice knowing I made history,'' Vongphoumy said. ``I had my own little audience. It was good.''

The 5-1 ½, 90-pounder, who had her father, Sam, caddying for her, went out in 4-over 39, then began the back side bogey, bogey, double-bogey, double-bogey on 10 through 13. After the 13th hole, she sat briefly with Nick Cioe, one of her playing partners.

``He told me to forget about that hole and go to the next one,'' Vongphoumy said.

``The one thing that impressed me the most about her was her composure,'' said Pat Monti, the other member of the threesome. ``Nothing bothers her. She has talent.''

Does a 14-year-old girl belong in the event, Monti was asked.

``Absolutely,'' he responded. ``She can play. She gets it done. She certainly does.''

Fenner Hill's Jason Hull, playing late in the day, fired a 67 to lead the field. Two-time defending champion Brad Valois, a URI star, and David McAndrew, the top player for Stetson University this past season, are at 69.

 Tags  golf Juliet Vongphoumy RIGA

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