Shah's Historic 63 Sets Pace at 105th W.Y. Dear Junior Championship
BEDMINSTER, N.J. –– Sixteen-year-old Rohnik Shah delivered a historic performance on Tuesday, firing a competitive course-record 9-under par 63 to earn medalist honors in the stroke play round of the 105th W.Y. Dear Junior Championship on the River Course at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club. A total of 16 players with scores of 2-over par 74 or better advanced to the match play portion of the championship, which begins Wednesday.
Competing on the 6,456-yard layout, Shah wasted little time climbing the leaderboard. Starting on the 10th hole, he played his opening nine holes in a blistering 8-under par 28. After birdies on each of his first three holes, Shah added an eagle on the par-5 13th and continued to pour in birdies throughout the round. He reached 10-under par through his first 12 holes before recording his lone bogey of the day on the sixth hole, his 15th hole of the round.
"My irons definitely stood out today and I had a few breaks go my way. The momentum kept coming so I just went with it."
Shah's 63 established a new course record on the River Course from the nearly 6,500 yard yardage and secured the top seed heading into match play.
"Holding the course record means a lot. Definitely something I'm going to carry with me throughout the rest of the season."
Despite challenging conditions throughout the day, Shah remained focused and continued to capitalize on his opportunities.
"My irons were great but I really persevered through the weather. I want to keep that mentality headed into match play."
Reflecting on his remarkable start, Shah said the round seemed to unfold almost effortlessly.
"My first nine holes just went so quick. I was just keeping my head down and going with the flow. My irons were spectacular and I just tried to enjoy it as much as I could while it was happening."
Rounding out the top three seeds are Eric Kim and Rayhao Feng who each carded rounds of 3-under 69.
The Round of 16 will begin Wednesday morning at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club.
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