Columnist Victoria Sun: Turuc, Edwards make Junior field

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, July 10, 2002 | 10:11 a.m.

Victoria Sun is a Las Vegas Sun sportswriter. She can be reached at victoria@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4078.

The fifth time was a charm for Bishop Gorman golfer Jonathan Taruc.

After falling short in four previous attempts, Taruc qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur by shooting 71 and 67 for a total 4-under-par 138 at the Morgan Run Resort & Club in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Coronado's Matt Edwards also qualified with rounds of 68 and 70.

The Nevadans claimed two of the three spots available from more than 80 competitors.

"I'm pretty excited because it's going to be such a good field," Taruc said. "It's really cool because it's my final year.

"I had a lot of confidence going into the qualifier because I had been playing well. It's a relief to make it because all my other friends across the nation would always ask, 'Have you been there (the Junior Amateur)?' and I'm like 'No, I haven't.' It'll be fun."

Nearing the finish, Taruc knew he had to birdie the last hole, a 165-yard par 3, because there were several golfers at 3-under.

He hit his tee shot about four yards left of the pin, then sank a double-breaker downhill putt for birdie to avoid a playoff.

"I knew I had to make a birdie coming in," he said. "I just told myself to go for it.

"I played the last four holes at 3-under which was a boost."

Previously, Taruc's best result at a U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier was second alternate.

Taruc helped Bishop Gorman to its first state championship while Edwards won the individual state title this past spring.

The Junior Amateur will be played July 23-27 at the Atlanta Athletic Club. The format will be 36 holes of stroke play with the top 64 advancing to match play.

"I'm looking forward to competing against the best kids from across the nation," Taruc said.

Taruc and Edwards will be be seniors this year.

Taruc hopes to play college golf for UNLV, Santa Clara, Tulane, Colorado State or New Mexico.

The format is two best balls of the team for 36 holes. A $660 entry fee ($165 per player) includes prizes and an awards luncheon. Prizes will be awarded to both gross and net teams with at least 1/3 of the field getting paid.

Competitors must be members of the Women's Southern Nevada Golf Association or the Northern Nevada Women's Golf Association. Call 458-4653 for information.