Chaz Aurilia and Breyana Matthews come out on top of a competitive field at the Thunderbird Invitational - PING Junior Masters 

Players: Breyana Matthews, Madeleine Laux, Kailani Deedon, Grace Summerhays. Thunderbirds: Harry Cavanaugh, Ben Irwin, Mike Bianco, Ken Vegers, George Thimsen, MJ Modilo, Chance Cozby and Mike Pyleman
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Chaz Aurilia of Phoenix fired a final-round 8-under-par 64, the low round of the tournament by three strokes, to win the Thunderbird Invitational - PING Junior Masters by five strokes. Aurilia, who finished at 9-under-par 135 (71-64) for the tournament, scorched the par 5s at Papago Golf Course both days with birdies on three of the four in the first round followed by back-to-back eagles and two birdies in the second round to go 9-under par for the eight holes. Fresh off a win in February at the Raven Invitational - FBGA - PING Jr Masters, Gunnar Broin of Chanhassen, Minnesota, shot 4-under-par 140 (69-71) to take solo-second place. Ben Lorenz (71-70) and Preston Summerhays (69-72) both shot 3-under-par 141 to finish tied for third place.  

In the Girls division, Breyana Matthews of Scottsdale, held a share of the lead with Madeleine Laux of Goodyear after the first round at even-par 72. Matthews then followed with a 1-over-par 73 to edge out Grace Summerhays who turned in a pair of 73s to finish one stroke off the pace at 2-over-par 146. Kailani Deedon of Mesa came in third place at 5-over-par 149 (76-73). 

“Chaz’s play was simply outstanding. Congratulations to him,” said Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA. “Breyana started out the season hot with a win in only her second start. As always, thank you to The Thunderbirds for 25 years of sponsorship of this event, not to mention all of the other support. And, a big thank you to PING, as well. Their support of the Junior Masters Series has really allowed these special events to gain popularity among Arizona’s best junior golfers.

“Our goal is to provide a competitive place for aspiring players to play,” said George Getz, Chairman of the Board of the JGAA. “This tournament series will allow kids to earn national-level points and will serve as a launching pad into nationally chartered events.”

For more information JGAA, visit www.jgaa.org or call 602.944.6168.