February 2023 Ohio Golf Journal

Gianna Clemente Wins the Sally January was a very good month for the country’s top-ranked junior golfer, Gianna Clemente. She won one of the premier women’s amateur golf tournaments, the Southern Atlantic Women’s Championship (The Sally) held at Oceanside Country Club in Ormond Beach, Florida. The field always includes the best women amateur golfers in the country and former winners include, Lexi Thompson, Jessica Korda, Brooke Henderson, plus for three consecutive LPGA Tour events, the CP Women’s Open, the Dana Open and the Queen City Open. She said of the experience teeing up with the pros, “It’s super inspirational,” Clemente said. “I think I’ve obviously watched all of them on TV, and it’s super special to just be out here like watching, but let alone to play is such an amazing experience.” Gianna is a Sophomore in High School and splits her time between Estero, Florida and Warren, Ohio. Ohio Golf News Hall of Famers, Patty Berg and Babe Zaharias. Gianna went into the final round with a two-shot lead. After three bogeys to begin the final round, she settled down and carded a 75 for the win. Patrick Clemente, her father and caddie said, “She grinded all day. She didn’t play her best, but she hung tough.” After her win at the Sally, she finished three-under par in the Annika Invitational AJGA event held at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, good enough for a T-22. She also received an invitation to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April. Last summer, Gianna became the youngest golfer to ever Monday qualify Ohio Golf Journal

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