Tamen, Robledo go for third straight South Texas Junior Golf Classic titles

PALM VALLEY — Edinburg’s Jessica Tamen is looking forward to a fun summer.

Unlike most Valley kids, the Edinburg High School senior-to-be will spend her break visiting family in Sweden.

While she’s there, Tamen will take part in some golf tournaments she hope will prepare her for her final year at EHS.

But her first summer tournament stop is at Harlingen Country Club for the South Texas Junior Golf Classic.

Tamen leads the STJGC after round 1 with a 74. Donna’s Kassandra Rivera is second with a 79.

Tamen is going for an unprecedented third-straight South Texas title this year. She won it in 2009 and 2010.

But for Tamen, the goal isn’t always winning tournaments.

"I’m just trying to play good golf and get a good score," Tamen said. "It would be nice (winning a third straight) but I’m out there just trying to shoot a good score."

Her 74 was good enough for the lead.

Tamen played what she called an "up and down" round.

"I either got a birdie or bogey out there today," Tamen said.

Tamen made five birdies on the round, including four in the back where she still ended up shooting 1-over.

Tamen said she hopes this tournament kick starts a good summer tournament season in Europe for her.

Tamen is also fresh off her second straight UIL state golf tournament where she finished in 12th place.

"I’m striking the ball pretty good," she said. "I do need to work on my short game. I’m hoping this will be a good summer."

Tamen tees off at 8:45 a.m. on No. 10.

On the boys’ side, former Harlingen South golfer Roman Robledo also leads the field after shooting a 1-over 73 on the first day.

Robledo, a state tournament qualifier a year ago, is also going for is third straight STJGC title and is well on his way.

Robledo struggled early in his round but settled down and remained atop the leaderboard going into the final day of competition.

Robledo is also looking forward to a long summer of tournament play. In August, Robledo will be taking his talents to Houston where he’ll join the University of Houston men’s golf team in the fall.