Around the Green

Petruzzelli Wins Texas Cup Invitational

GLADEWATER – Dallas’ Andrew Petruzzelli fired a scorching 6-under 66 in Wednesday’s final round to win the Texas Cup Invitational. The TCU signee began the day three shots back of the lead and ended it three shots ahead of the field by carding the low round of the tournament. This is Petruzzelli’s second consecutive LJT victory after he won the Spring Preview at The Golf Club at Texas A&M back in February.

The class of 2023 senior saw his lead grow to as many as four shots on the back nine as he poured in birdies at Tempest Golf Club. The first time major champion went out in 4-under 32 and came in with a 2-under 34.

“I just tried to stay really patient,” Petruzzelli said. “I was three back heading into to today and knew I had to make some birdies. I focused on hitting good shots and making some putts and luckily that happened for me.”

Petruzzelli’s final round included six birdies and an eagle on the par-5 sixth hole. As he approaches the end of his junior golf career, today’s victory won’t soon be forgotten.

“It means a lot. I hadn’t won much lately until these last couple LJT events. It just feels good that good golf is coming at the right time,” he said.

Finishing runner-up was Frisco’s Luke Colton who made a valiant effort in the final round by shooting a 5-under 67. He finished at 4-under for the championship and two shots ahead of a trio of players tied that for third.

Dallas’ Brooks Harper, 36-hole leader Grayson Sebastian, and Selma’s Shiv Parmar finished at 2-under overall and rounded out the top five in the major championship.

Ryan Shellberg joined the group under par for the week by finishing 1-under overall and in sixth place. Defending champion Connor Henry of Fort Worth put forth a great effort in his title defense but came up just short as he placed tied-ninth for the tournament.

The par-4 third hole which had played the hardest in the first two rounds saw ample improvement in the final round as it played tenth hardest. The par-4 14th hole played hardest as it played to 4.54 scoring average.

The Texas Cup Invitational was the first of two boys-only majors on the LJT schedule. The Veritex Bank Byron Nelson Junior Championship is the second one and will be played on June 6-8 at Lakewood Country Club in Dallas.

The Legends Junior Tour would like to thank Tempest Golf Club for being a wonderful host and providing a spectacular experience to all our staff and players.

For more information on the Texas Cup Invitational, click here.