Oregon junior golfer pulls away to win stroke play event

Monica Vaughn, 16, of Reedsport Ore. defied conventional wisdom by shooting 2-under par on the final nine holes to shoot even par for the day and finish the championship at 1-under 71-72–143 to capture the 21st Oregon Women’s Stroke Play Championship title by a commanding 6-strokes.

The typical story line at Emerald Valley is to score well on the front, then hold on tight on the incoming nine where bogies can be plentiful if you don’t play smart on the always challenging 5,938-yard par 72 layout. Vaughn started the day with a narrow 1-stroke lead over Caitlin McCleary of The Dalles, Ore. and 3-strokes ahead of Amy Beth Simanton of Lake Oswego, Ore., both experienced collegiate players.