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CJ Lee Shoots 66 at Jeremy Ranch to Clinch UGA Invitational Victory
CJ Lee (Men's Division), Jeff Powars (Senior Division), Kiselya Plewe (Women's Division)
By Megan Terry
The UGA Invitational, formerly known as the UGA Tournament of Champions, at Jeremy Ranch Golf and Country Club was dominated by CJ Lee. Lee carded six-under-par 66 to win the Men’s Division by two strokes over Brandon Kida.
“I played pretty solid during the beginning of my round, but I didn’t listen to my caddy [Nik Parcell] when I should have,” admitted Lee. “It’s helpful to have a caddy like Nik who is knowledgeable and trustworthy. He knows the greens a lot better than I do.”
The BYU athlete went bogey free on the front nine to shoot 33 (-3) with birdies on Nos. 3, 6, and 9 before finding his rhythm. Lee got hot on the back and made five birdies to card another 33, despite a double on No. 11.
“The eleventh hole was definitely my moment of adversity, but I was able to make a comeback on No. 12. I made a 20-foot birdie putt and knew I was still in it. My goal today was to shoot 66, and with Nik’s help, I was fortunately able to do it.”
Jeff Powars topped the Senior Division with a bogey-free round of 66 (-6). Powars carded 32 on the front with birdies on holes 1, 3, 7, and 9. He started the back strong with birdies on 10 and 12 and remained consistent throughout the rest of his round to shoot 34 on the back and secure his victory by three shots over runner-up Patrick Murphy.
“I played about as perfect as I could play,” stated Powars. “My game was on, and I was consistent all day. Every club felt good today. It also helped to have a comfortable, fun pairing.”
Up-and-coming Weber State athlete Kiselya Plewe was victorious in the Women’s Division at even par. She made one bogey on The Jeremy’s front nine to card one-over 37. The back nine was a little more of a challenge for Plewe; she birdied 10 and 13, made bogey on 15, 17, and 18, and got a few strokes back with an eagle on the par-5 No. 16.
“I played consistently on the front, but the back nine was more of a rollercoaster,” explained Plewe. “My putting was really solid today, and I had a few great up and downs. This is one of my last tournaments before my first college season, so this win feels great. I’m really excited.”
CLICK HERE to view overall results.