(July 1, 2024) – With Annie Dai looking to defend her title the 3rd Connecticut Girls’ Junior heads to Watertown Golf Club from July 8-10.
“We are looking forward to hosting the Connecticut Girls’ Junior this year and getting a chance to watch some of the young talent in the state.” Watertown GC head professional Peter Seaman said.
Annie Dai along with 2022 champion Yvette O’Brien, 2023 Connecticut Women’s Amateur winner Arabella Lopez, and Howard University commit Laniah Moffett highlight a strong field that will compete across 54 holes.
For Dai, the winner last year at Fairview Farm Golf Course this will be the second time she has attempted to defend a title and she is looking forward to the challenge, “defending a title is challenging for me with the extra pressure I put on myself. A chance to defend a title doesn’t come around too often, and with my junior golf career nearly coming to an end I’m determined to have fun and make the most of the experience.”
Dai, who is committed to Amherst College to continue her career, had a memorable start to her 2024 season when she got a chance to compete in her first USGA event alongside TCU commit Yvette O’Brien.
“The highlight of 2024 so far has been the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball,” said Dai. “Yvette and I have known each other since we were kids, so it was a fun experience.”
The two longtime friends will both now seek to become the first player to win the Connecticut Girls’ Junior twice. Play at the 5,800-yard par-72 Watertown Golf Club will begin on Monday, July 8 at 12:50 p.m. with the second and final rounds to follow on Tuesday and Wednesday.
About the Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut Girls’ Junior is one of 20 championships conducted by the Connecticut State Golf Association. The CSGA functions as an extension of the USGA and provides stewardship for amateur golf in Connecticut. Founded in 1899, it is the country’s oldest state golf association and conducts over 60 Championships, Qualifiers, and One Day Tournaments throughout the year.
