Lucas Gimenez shatters personal-best score to run away with Golfweek International Junior title

Lucas Gimenez had a weekend in Orlando, Florida that he won’t soon forget. When asked about his victory at the Golfweek International Junior Invitational, he declared it his number one career victory. Gimenez, a 15-year-old golfer from Jacksonville, Florida, dominated the competition from the very beginning. He started with a birdie on the first hole and followed it up with an eagle on the sixth hole, along with six birdies in his next seven holes. His opening round score of 8-under 64 was his best competitive round ever, surpassing his previous best score of 10-under. He finished the weekend at 12-under, winning the tournament by a staggering nine shots.

During his practice round at Celebration Golf Club, a course he had never seen before, Gimenez had a realization. He saw similarities between Celebration and a course near his home in Jacksonville called Marsh Landing Country Club. This gave him confidence going into the tournament, and his performance proved him right. Gimenez continued to impress throughout the weekend, shooting a 68 on Sunday to finish nine shots ahead of the runners-up.

Accuracy off the tee and a strong short game were crucial to Gimenez’s success. He credits his performance around the greens to the work he has been doing with his short-game coach, Mike Shannon. Gimenez recently had his first lesson with Shannon and saw immediate improvements in his game. His exceptional performance at the Golfweek event earned him AJGA Performance Stars, which will be beneficial for his future endeavors in golf.

Gimenez was not only pleased with his performance but also with the diverse group of players he met and competed against at the tournament. He was expecting to see the best junior golfers from Florida, but was pleasantly surprised to encounter players from different cultures and nationalities. The experience of meeting and playing with new opponents was just as rewarding as his victory.

Gimenez’s victory at the Golfweek International Junior Invitational was a remarkable achievement and a testament to his skill and dedication. He delivered a standout performance and solidified his place as a rising star in the world of junior golf.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.