LIZAMA WINS STEPH CURRY’S PGA WEST TITLE

By Jay Leon Guerrero

Guam golfer Jayden Lizama continues to rack up victories in the US Mainland. The 18-year-old, who announced he will be playing collegiate golf for Gonzaga University, picked up a huge victory at Steph Curry’s Underrated Golf PGA West Championship.

The event took place at the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course in Palm Springs, California, with Lizama playing against a field of 45 boys.

Lizama won in a playoff after shooting 7-under-par with rounds of 68 and 69. After making his final putt, Lizama was able to celebrate with his family. His little sisters celebrated the victory by rushing to him and splashing him with water after the final putt.

“There definitely was a lot of nerves especially heading down the stretch of finishing my round, but when I found out we were going to a playoff I told myself I can do this and that I’ve been here before. During the playoff I just told myself to focus on staying in the moment as much as possible, slow down my breathing, and stick to my routine and trust myself,” Lizama explained.

Jayden started day two of the event on fire, shooting a 32 in the front nine. He struggled in the back nine and finished tied with Daniil Sokolov with an identical 7-under-par scores. Lizama kept calm and eventually won the event via playoff.

His mom Hazel Lizama said: “We couldn’t be more proud of his grit and determination on the course this week. Battling through 100° desert heat, he stayed focused, composed, and trusted his game — and when it mattered most, he delivered”.

“What makes this win even more special is that we got to witness it together, as a family (My husband usually accompanies Jayden to tournaments). Moments like these are what it’s all about,” said Hazel Lizama.

Jayden Lizama added after his victory: “Getting a win like this boosts my confidence heading into my freshman year at college. It gives me some momentum knowing I am playing good consistent golf that is capable of winning”!.

Jayden Lizama attended Franklin High School and finished the season in the top 10 for the State of California as a senior. With a respectable resume, Jayden accepted a scholarship to play golf for Gonzaga University in Washington.

At just 7-years-old, young Jayden played in Augusta, Georgia, surrounded by talent his age. Jayden’s dream is to play in the PGA someday.

With hard-work and strong family support, Jayden is coming closer to that dream.
The Lizama family resides in Elk Grove, California. Dad Jesse Lizama is from Agana Heights, Mom Hazel is from Latte Heights.