Current IJGA student, Ana Paula Valdes of Morelia, Mexico, won the 2014 Golfweek International Invitational with a tournament total of 3-over-par 145. The 36-hole tournament was held at ChampionsGate Golf Club in Davenport, Fla., on the National Course for the Girls Division, while the Boys Division was contested on the International Course. The Golfweek International Invitational is one of the premier junior events in the country every season with past champions currently playing on the PGA and LPGA tours.
Weather conditions were very un-Florida like. The first round of competition featured temperatures in the high 40s with wind gusts of up to 40 mph. This was a sharp contrast from the days leading up to the competition. Scores reflected the weather, but Valdes was the exception. She recorded an even-par 72 on the first day including three birdies in the difficult conditions. The impressive first-round score gave Valdes a two-stroke lead going into the final round.
The weather for the final round did improve with the wind dying down. Valdes got off to a slow start making bogeys on her first two holes. After that, she settled in and got back to playing great golf. On the back nine her fellow competitors closed the gap which made for an exciting finish. Valdes played her last four holes in 1-under-par to hold off her fellow competitors and earn the prestigious title.
This marked the fourth time an IJGA student has won the Golfweek International Invitational. Morgan Hoffmann won in 2006 and Stephanie Meadow won in 2008 and 2009.
