To claim victory at Ledgemont Country Club, Lillian Guleserian had to endure a grueling, marathon day in the sweltering heat. Fortunately, Guleserian, a native of Westwood, Massachusetts, maintained a brisk pace with her group during the 36-hole opening day of the Golfweek New England Junior Open.
“It was tough,” she admitted. “We played fast so it wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
As Guleserian approached the 18th hole in the second round, fatigue began to set in. Despite this, she had already put in the work with opening rounds of 74-73. She began the third and final round at Ledgemont on Wednesday at 3 over, but steadily improved her game.
Her impressive final-round 3-under 69 was the best score in the women’s division, securing her victory with an even-par total and a seven-shot lead.
Scores: Golfweek New England Junior Open
Mekhala Costello of Canton, Massachusetts, finished as the runner-up at 7 over, with Adriana Eaton of Greenville, Rhode Island, close behind at 8 over.
Reflecting on her performance, Guleserian explained, “Yesterday, honestly my driver wasn’t feeling great but I was able to get on in regulation and make some putts and then I came out today, I knew what I needed to work on. Needed to work on some chips and obviously putting and I just started to see more of them fall, definitely on the front nine was pretty good today.”
Guleserian also noted the improvement in her game between this event and her previous participation two years ago, particularly in her short game.
While a typical 54-hole event spans three days, the Golfweek New England Junior Open’s format served as valuable preparation for Guleserian’s upcoming endeavors at Penn State. The high school senior has committed to competing in college golf at the Big Ten school and will sign in the fall. Initially considering playing college golf in the southern U.S., Guleserian ultimately chose Penn State after being impressed by the facilities and coaching staff.
The Golfweek New England Junior Open is part of the United States Challenge Cup circuit, where Guleserian has already clinched a tournament victory and finished second in another event this summer.
“I have been playing a lot this summer, so my game felt pretty good,” she said. “I knew I could put in a few good rounds here.”
Hongtao Gu won the New England Junior Open for the second consecutive year. (Golfweek photo)
Hongtao Gu, a 16-year-old from Zhuhai, China, successfully defended his title on Wednesday with rounds of 69-71-71 at Ledgemont. His 2-under total improved upon his winning score from the previous year and boosted his confidence in his game.
“I’m familiar with this course and everything is good,” he remarked about Ledgemont. “I love this course and I wanted to come again.”
Gu finished seven shots ahead of Savar Bhasin of Millbury, Massachusetts, and John Scully of Winchester, Massachusetts, who tied for second at 5 over.
While New England is a long way from Gu’s hometown near Hong Kong, he will be flying back after competing in a pair of tournaments in California. He has begun contacting college coaches in the U.S. with the hope of playing collegiate golf here.
Although the layout of Ledgemont differs from the courses he is accustomed to back home, Gu appreciated the variety, especially the tee shots.
“I think the courses here are wide open and there are some trees on both sides,” he observed. “It’s a different kind of course, new style for me.”
Heading into the New England Junior Open as the defending champion, Gu identified his irons as needing improvement. Making some adjustments proved to be beneficial as he reflected, “My driver and my putting was also great.”
