The Polo Golf Junior Classic got underway on Monday (November 23)at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach, FL. This event marks the first tournament of the AJGA’s 2010 season. The invitation only field consisted of 156 players; made up of 78 boys and 78 girls, ages 12-18, from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.

Emiliano Grillo - 2009 Rolex All-American

IMG Leadbetter Golfer, Emiliano Grillo of, Argentina, took a share the lead after solid first-round play on Monday. He was one of four golfers to shot 5-under-par 67 on the Haig Course at PGA National Resort & Spa. He continued his stellar play on Tuesday and shot a 1-under par 71 on the Champions course and shared medalist honors with Curtis Thompson. This is the second consecutive year that Emiliano claimed co-medalist honors after the stroke play portion.

Emiliano will face Patrick Rodgers of Avon, IN on Wednesday during the first round of Match play.
Also on the boy’s side, IMG golfers, Seiji Liu and Sean Kelly put together two consistent rounds and finished in the top 32 to move on the match play portion. Both Seiji and Sean shot even par rounds of 72-72 over the two days which put them in a tie for 15th place.

Unfortunately, the draw didn’t favor Seiji and Sean as they have to face each other in the round of 32 on Wednesday.

Third year Leadbetter golfer, Doris Chen of Taiwan, stepped out of the gate on Monday ready to play. Doris has 5 birdies and one bogey on the Champions course to finish at 4-under par 68 and went into round 2 with sole possession of the lead in the girls division. On Tuesday Doris shot a 3-over par 75 on the Haig course which put her into a tie for 4th place with fellow IMG’ers Victoria Tanco (72-71)and Tanaporn “Mint” Kongkiatkrai (75-68).

Laetitia Beck also made the match play field after shooting rounds of 74-72.

Match play will start on Wednesday AM.

For complete coverage of the Polo Junior Classic check out www.ajga.org