By Fred Stabbert III
COOPERSTOWN — May 15, 2007 — Melanie Kleiner posted a two-day score of 161 to finish second in the 15-18 age category at the New York State Junior PGA Championship May 12-13 at the Otesaga’s Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown.
Kleiner fired an 82-79 over the 6,040-yard, par 72 layout, which sits fast against Lake Otsego and offers some dramatic scenery as well as challenging holes.
Not only did Kleiner finish second in her age group but she also took third overall, behind Harin Lee (76-81-157) of Bayside and Jillian Fraccola (82-79-161) of Manlius.
The daughter of PGA professional Matt Kleiner and his wife, Jill, Melanie is currently playing on the boys’ golf team for Sullivan West and is a sophomore.
“We’re so proud of her,” Matt said.
The tournament featured the top five girls from the four PGA sections of New York — Western, Central, Metropolitan and Northeast.
Nearly 80 players competed on both the boys’ and girls’ side.
Winning top honors on the boys’ side was Jamison Sindelar of Horseheads, who fired a 71-71-142 to win by three strokes.
Sindelar is the son of PGA Tour player Joey Sindelar, who competed many times at the New York State Open at Grossinger’s in Liberty.