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MADISON TWP. — A double bogey on the first hole wasn't the way Michael Roberts wanted to start the final round of the Middletown Junior City Golf Championships.

But it would serve as motivation for the incoming Middletown High School senior to defend his overall title in the event.

Roberts trailed leader Brooks Curry by three strokes as play opened Tuesday, July 22, at Weatherwax Golf Course, but a little more than four hours later, Roberts had recovered from that deficit to win the title by one shot over Curry.

"After that first hole, I just told myself to stay with it, be aggressive and make birdies," said Roberts, who finished his round with five birdies.

Roberts added a 1-over-par 73 Tuesday to his first-round 75 to win the tournament with a 148 total. Curry was second at 149, and Joey Richmond was third at 150.

The crucial turning point for Roberts and Curry came on holes 13 and 14. Trailing by two shots to Curry as they headed into the par-5 13th hole (No. 4 Valley View), Roberts was on the green in two and made the birdie putt as Curry parred the hole.

That cut Curry's lead to one, and on the 14th tee, Curry drove his tee shot too far left into the thick heather, forcing him to take an unplayable and hit another tee shot. By the time he two-putted for a double bogey on the par-4 hole, Roberts had taken a lead he would not lose.

"That hole cost me the tournament," Curry said of the No. 5 Valley View hole. "I know I could have played better. I just didn't take advantage of some other opportunities, but Michael is a good golfer and he was able to get it done."

Kristie Feltner was the overall girls champion by adding an 83 to her first-round 80 for a 163 total.

Allie Lawwill was second overall with a 173, and Abbie Birchwell finished third with a 176.

"I did so bad on the back nine that I didn't think I could do it," Feltner said. "That's what makes me nervous, but I just tried to forget about the doubles and focus on my game. It really feels good to win this."

Birchwell also was second in the girls 16-18 division.

Lawwill won first place in the girls 15-and-under division, followed by Abigail Wellens (226) and Rosemaria DiChristoforo (230).

Conor O'Hea won the boys 15-16 age division with a 156, ahead of Jimmy Parks (165) in second place.

Curry won the 13-14 boys division title with his 149. Tyler Males was second (176).

Josh Gilkison won the boys 12-and-under age division with a two-day 91 (18 holes), finishing just ahead of Tucker McGee (94) and Seth Sipple (94).

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852

or sweaver@coxohio.com.