Cundiff wins opener

Cary-Grove’s Jarrett Kinney hits out of a sand trap Wednesday during the MCJGA Chapel Hill Open at Chapel Hill in Johnsburg. Kinney shot an 81, finishing in a tie for second in the senior boys division. (Hollyn Johnson - hjohnson@nwherald.com)

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McHENRY – When Tyler Cundiff finished his round Wednesday in the season-opening McHenry County Junior Golf Association Chapel Hill Open, he didn’t think his score would have a chance of winning.

However, a 9-over-par 79 was enough for Cundiff to capture his first MCJGA title in the senior boys division by two shots over Jarrett Kinney and Mason Wicks. Cundiff, a Woodstock resident and Woodstock High School senior, said it was a difficult day with the warm, windy conditions.

“It was really tough; it was hot and the fairways and the grounds were really dry,” Cundiff said. “My tee shots were all over the place, but I was able to make a couple of pars.”

Cundiff said it was a great feeling to win an MCJGA tournament.

“It feels pretty good,” Cundiff said. “With that kind of score, I didn’t think I would win, but I’ll take it.”

In the junior boys division, Cary’s Daniel DePrey shot a 78 for a six-shot victory over Brandon DiBlasi, and Paul Schlimm Jr. was one shot behind DiBlasi for third place.

In the senior girls division, McHenry’s Kaylee Ross shot a 14-over 49 to win by three strokes over Ann Bandolik in the nine-hole event. Delainey Peterson was one shot back.

Ross said her play around the green was the biggest factor in her win.

“I think I did a good job,” Ross said. “My short game helped me out today. I think my putting was big, I made a pretty long putt on the second hole from the fringe. Overall, my chipping and my putting were the key.”

Like Cundiff, Ross said the weather conditions made for a difficult day.

“It takes a toll on you, carrying your bag around with the wind in your face,” Ross said.

Larisa Luloff shot a 51 to win the junior girls division by five shots over Brianna DiGrazia.

The next MCJGA summer sevent is Wednesday at the Golf Club of Illlinois in Algonquin.