SMCHS Grad Sukriti Harjai wins second stop on junior tour

Aug 09, 2018 by Bernd Franke, Niagara Falls Review

Sukriti Harjai's short game wasn't always her strong suit when the Niagara District Junior Golf Tour resumed with a stop at Sawmill.

Usually, the putter is the go-to club in the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club member's bag.

With a few exceptions, Wednesday was no exception. While Harjai did make some three putts to finish regulation with a 5-over-par 77, she one-parred the second playoff hole for the victory.

"Unfortunately, I did make some 3-putts on the course, but my putter did save me a lot, especially in the playoff."

A second playoff didn't seem necessary after Megan Miron hit the fairway and Harjai ended up in the rough with their first shots in the playoff.

However, Harjai stayed in contention by sinking an 11-foot putt.

"Good thing I made it," a relieved Harjai said with a smile.

In the second playoff hole, the scene was set for another nail-bitter when their balls landed two feet apart on the green.

"I made another great put, and she missed hers," said the Saint Michael Catholic High School graduate from Niagara Falls.

This was the third playoff of her career, but her first victory.

Harjai, who in September will begin majoring in commerce at University of Victoria, makes a point of not letting the pressure of the moment affect her game.

"I try to calm myself down if I get nervous," Harjai said. "It's important to stay confident and relaxed out there."

At no time after finishing regulation 5-over-par did Harjai feel she was on her way to her second victory on this summer's tour.

"I thought the score was going to go much lower," she said. "I didn't play as well as I thought.

"My irons were really good today, but I could have made a lot more putts today."

She was in Tsawwassen, B.C., last week competing in the Canadian Junior Girls Championships. She suffered a bit of a letdown in the final round after three days of playing "really well."

"I came 19th overall, which was a pretty big accomplishment," she said. "I'm happy with that."

Harjai agreed with the suggestion the momentum from nationals carried into the tour stop at Sawmill.

"I think so, it definitely boosted my confidence," she said. "I know I'm capable of playing well so it helped knowing that I can play well."

Harjai's first win on this year's tour came at Lookout Point.