Capistrano Valley Graduate Runge Wins Tournament

Steve Runge, a Capistrano Valley High graduate now living in Florida, holed out from a greenside bunker on the first playoff hole to defeat former Ohio State roommate Chris Smith and win the Buy.com Tour’s Richmond (Va.) Open last weekend.

Runge and Smith finished regulation play at Stonehenge Golf and Country Club tied at 8-under-par 272.

It is the first victory on the tour for Runge, who won $72,000. He shot 4-under 66 in Sunday’s final round. Runge made a birdie on the final hole in regulation and Smith bogeyed to drop into a tie.

The timing was perfect for Runge, whose wife Kathy is expecting the birth of their first child Friday. He began the week at No. 90 on the money list and ended it at No. 11.

WOMEN IN GOLF DAY

Coyote Hills and Rancho San Joaquin golf courses are holding “Women in Golf Day 2000” events Saturday. Coyote Hills’ event is from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes free golf instruction, a silent auction and a free barbecue luncheon.

After the event, participants can pay $75 for a shotgun-start tournament with $10 going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Reservations are required. Call (714) 672-6800, Ext. 3.

The Rancho San Joaquin event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes continental breakfast, golf instruction, chipping and putting contests and a free barbecue luncheon. Call (949) 768-4732 for reservations and more information.

JUNIORS

Daniel Im of La Mirada shot 65-73--138 for a three-shot victory over Eric Chang of Chino Hills in the Anaheim City Junior Championship May 13-14 at Dad Miller and Anaheim Hills golf courses.

Sunny Oh of Wilmington defeated Irene Cho of La Habra in a playoff to win the girls’ title. The two tied at 145 in regulation.

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Staff writer Martin Beck contributed to this report.

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Tee Times

A look at upcoming tournaments in the region or major events involving top regional players.

* 17: U.S. Open local qualifying, Aliso Viejo GC. Entries close April 26.

* 18: Golden West College Golf Tournament, Los Alamitos Naval Station Golf Course. Cost is $100. Benefits Golden West College athletics. Information: (714) 895-8333.

* 18: U.S. Open local qualifying, Red Hill CC, Rancho Cucamonga. Entries close April 26.

* 22: U.S. Open local qualifying, Fairbanks Ranch CC, Rancho Santa Fe; Industry Hills GC; Victoria CC, Riverside. Entries close April 26.

* 22: Con Tiempo Classic, Marbella CC. Cost is $195. Benefits Orange County Performing arts Center. Information: (949) 661-2881.