Exposito Wins the 15th Texas Girls’ Invitational
BULLARD – Veronika Exposito of The Woodlands wins The 15th Texas Girls Invitational. Exposito started the day with a two-shot lead over the rest of the field. The University of Louisville commit gets her first-ever win on the LJT and takes home the first major of the LJT season.
The 2024 grad grew her lead to 3 shots at one point throughout the round but still had the field chasing her, especially through the back nine. She never let that bother her though as she tapped in for par on the 18th green to claim the Nez Muhleman Trophy. “It’s so awesome to have my name on that trophy. I was so glad I could push through and get the win,” shared Exposito.
“It was a fight all day long. Congrats to Claire, she fought hard and was great competition today. It was a blast,” Exposito shared. “You never know what can happen, especially on the last hole like it did today. It’s about being present.” Exposito made par on three of the four toughest holes of the final round. She had one bogey on the front nine that helped maintain the lead going into the back nine. With this victory, the senior will get exemptions into the Bluebonnet Championship, the 98th Texas Junior Amateur and the George Hannon Junior Invitational
Finishing runner-up was Austin’s Claire Wan after a total of 14-over par for the tournament. Wan went hole for the hole with Exposito all day. On the 17th hole, Wan hit her approach shot from 130 yards to six feet and would make par on the hole and give her a chance to win going into the final hole.
Dresden Bounds of San Antonio finished third at 15-over par. Bounds had three birdies in four holes on the front nine to finish strong on the final day. In a three-way tie for fourth were Flower Mounds’ Emile Chile, Jersey Villages Daniela Palmeros, and Coppell’s Alicia Bellendir. Chile had an incredible final 36 holes that moved her position from 43rd to 4th in the final 2 rounds.
Conditions lightened up on the course for the final day. After a frost delay that pushed tee times back an hour, temperatures remained in the 40’s. Afternoon temperatures reached the low 60s with wind ranging from 5-10 mph and gusts reaching 15 mph.
The Par 4 10th hole played the hardest again today. The wind switched to a Southwest direction which challenged the players tee shot and approach shot.
The Texas Girls’ Invitational was the first of two majors for the girls this season. The 98th Texas Junior Am is scheduled for July 29-31, 2024.
Legend Junior Tour would like to thank Eagles Bluff Country Club for being a wonderful host and providing a wonderful experience for the players, staff, and volunteers.
For more information on the Texas Girls’ Invitational, click here.