Prange Takes Positive Step With Second

Overshadowed by rookie sensation Vicky Hurst’s win at the Duramed Futures Tour’s Jalapeno Golf Classic on Sunday, was the second-place finish by Ashley Prange.

Prange, 26, a former four-time All-ACC selection at North Carolina, posted solid rounds of 68-68-65–201 to finish at 15 under. Only Hurst, 17, was slightly more impressive with a winning 18-under 198.

For Prange, who spent most of 2007 on the LPGA Tour, but failed to keep her card, the finish was her best since winning twice on the Duramed Futures Tour in 2006.
The result was also a positive step, especially Sunday’s 7-under 65. At one point, Prange made six birdies in an eight-hole stretch and closed to within a stroke after making birdie at No. 13.

"I got focused and in the zone and made the most of each individual shot and didn’t let one shot affect another,” Prange said. “The flatstick was my best friend. I’ve been working my tail off to get to this point.

“I put up a good fight, played the whole round and I didn’t let the way (Hurst) was playing beat me down.”

AJGA: Michael McGowan of Southern Pines finished third at the American Junior Golf Association’s Cliff Championship on Sunday in Salem, S.C.

McGowan finished at 1-under 143 at The Cliffs at KeoweeFalls, seven shots back of medalist Patrick Winther of Denmark. Other local finishers included Michael Cromie (Cary, T-22, 3-over 147), Will Almand (Cary, T-22, 3-over 147), Ben Kohles (Cary, T-26, 5-over 149), Mark McMillen Jr. (Smithfield, T-35, 8-over 152) and Andrew Knox (Cary, T-39, 10-over 154). In the Girls Division, Raleigh’s Courtney McKimfinished T-18 at 11-over 155.