HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE — Julie Smith sank three birdies on the front nine and three more on the back nine Thursday to card a 6-under-par 65 and win the Huntington Classic at Huntington Country Club.
Smith birdied the fifth, sixth and ninth holes on the front nine and the 12th, 14th and 17th holes on the back nine. Her score was the lowest in the tournament’s history, eclipsing the 66 shot by Maggie Dawson in 2008.
“I’m thrilled to win this prestigious event,” Smith said. “I didn’t know about the record until my caddie told me as we were walking off the 18th green. I couldn’t believe it. Dawson was one of my heroes when I was working my way up the ranks on tour.”
Dawson was on hand for the record-breaking moment as she works for the Huntington company on a part-time basis.
“If anyone had to beat my record, I’m glad it was her,” Dawson said. “She is a great golfer and a class act. I’m thrilled for her.”
