Ava Bunker
For Ava Bunker, the difference between having an outside shot at a championship and just hoping for a top-five finish was a matter of inches.
The Edinburgh resident and incoming Columbus North freshman was close on a few putts in Wednesday’s second round of the AJGA Circle K Junior Championship Hosted By Otter Creek, but couldn’t get them to drop. As a result, she is tied for eighth place at 5-over-par 149, nine shots out of the lead going into today’s final round.
“Today, I could have definitely had better putting,” Bunker said. “That was definitely a struggle. I was leaving some putts short, and they were just lipping out here and there. But hopefully (today) will be OK. I’m hoping for third place, but top five would be good.”
Bunker, who opened with a 1-over 73 on Tuesday, carded a 76 on Wednesday. She shot 39 on the front nine and 37 on the back.
“The back nine is always better for me, especially on this course,” Bunker said. “I think it’s my favorite, and it’s a lot easier and it’s more open.”
Michelle Woo of Fremont, California, leads the women’s field at 4-under 140. Lindsay McGrath of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, is three shots back a 1-under 143.
Meanwhile, recent North graduate Luke Schneider made a two-shot improvement over his opening round. He followed a 79 with a 77 on Wednesday.
“It still wasn’t a good day,” Schneider said. “I started better today, but made some silly mistakes. I didn’t have any double (bogeys), which is better, but I just didn’t make enough putts, didn’t make enough birdies.”
Luke Schneider
Schneider, who is headed to University of Evansville, shot 38 on the front nine and 39 on the back. He is tied for 42nd at 12-over 156.
“It was set up a little bit easier today, I think, or maybe not easier, but the flags were more accessible,” Schneider said. “My swing felt a little better today. I gave myself better looks. I missed a lot of easy putts.”
Supapon Amornchaichan of Bangkok, Thailand, fired a 6-under 66 Wednesday to take the boys lead at 6-under 138. Leo Wessell of Indianapolis is three shots back at 3-under 141.
Schneider is hoping to knock off a couple more strokes in today’s final round.
“I’m going to try to come out here and shoot under par and see what happens,” Schneider said.
