IMG Academies G & CC (16-18)

Wong and Stone Win Near Home

The Florida Junior Tour visited the IMG Academies Golf & Country Club in Bradenton for the first time in its eight year history and two local players came out on top in this 16-18 age division tournament.

Qiwen Wong, who is a student at IMG and playing in his first FJT event, shot a 71 (-1) in the first round which left him tied for the lead with Luis Gagne. In the final round Wong pulled away from Gagne by making birdies on 3, 4, 7 and 9th holes and turning with a 33 on the front nine. On the back nine he cruised in with an even par 36 for a 69 on the day (-3). His four under par total of 142 was good enough for a two shot victory.

Paul Saad, of Bradenton, shot 73-69 to finish alone in second place just two strokes behind Wong. Jordan Miller, or Bradenton, and Stefano Butti, of Palm City, tied for third place with tournament totals of 147.

Eleven year old, Latanna Stone, of Valrico, has won several times in the younger age division which allows her to compete in the 16-18 age division who play longer and tougher golf courses. In the first round Stone shot a two under par 70 which turned out to be the lowest round of the tournament. She took a three shot lead into the final round and held the lead with a 75 on Sunday. Stone made birdies on the 3rd and 13th holes in route to her first victory playing in the 16-18 age division.

Emmy Martin, of Odessa, shot a 71 in the final round which launched her into second place, two shots back of Stone and for her best FJT finish to date. Lucy Robson and Kristine Odaiyar finished tied for third place with tournament totals of 152

Entries Open - Wednesday, September 26th at 8:30 AM
Entries Close - Wednesday, October 10th at 4:30 PM

Nestled within a bay front showcase of natural wonders, IMG Academies Golf & Country Club is a place of inspiration where Sarasota golf enthusiasts and nature peacefully coexist; where single family homes, villas and condominiums are carefully sprinkled among the pines and caressed by Gulf breezes. IMG Academies Golf & Country Club is an unhurried place where golf is played and good times are shared without disturbing the natural beauty of this extraordinary setting. It is perhaps the best-kept secret in southwest Florida.

Click here to visit the club's website.

Entry Fee

The entry fee of $95 (for GHIN handicap members) or $115 (non-GHIN handicap members) includes tournament rounds, range balls prior to tournament rounds, crystal trophies for the top three finishers, and a tee gift.

To receive the GHIN handicap price, the player, or one of the players' parents must have an active GHIN handicap at a club in Florida. The seven digit GHIN number must be submitted with the entry.

Schedule of Play

• Saturday, November 17th:  10:30 AM - 12:27 PM off the 1st and 10th tees
• Sunday, November 18th:  8:00 AM - 9:57 AM off the 1st and 10th tees

Practice Round

Players can set-up a practice round at a special discounted rate of $30 plus tax which includes a cart by calling 941-758-1464. Practice rounds are available one week prior to the tournament and after 12:00 PM the weekend before. Times are available on a space available basis. Parents may play for $35 plus tax.

During practice rounds, players are not allowed to play multiple shots off tees or into greens. The playing of multiple shots or slow play may result in the player's removal from the course without a refund.

Walking and Pull/Push Carts

Players must walk and carry their clubs during the competition rounds (pull/push carts are permitted). Caddies are not permitted.

Tees To Play

Tees are not selected until the tournament staff arrives on site. Tournament set-up may change, including yardages, to offset inclement weather or other course conditions (i.e. wet course conditions). Typical yardages are below:

• Boys 16-18 will play approximately 6,900 yards
• Girls 16-18 will play approximately 6,000 yards

National Rankings

This event is ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard and GolfWeek.

AJGA - PBE (Performance Based Entrance)

Boys

• Champion - 4 Performance Stars
• Top 5 - 1 Performance Star

Girls

• Champion - 4 Performance Stars
• Top 3 - 1 Performance Star

Spectator Carts

Spectators will be authorized to rent carts, but must follow the Spectator policies. Spectator carts will cost $20 a day, plus tax. Spectator carts may be limited, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility

Male or female amateur golfers that are members of the FJT may apply for entry. Entries are subject to rejection at any time, including during the event. The reason for rejection may include unbecoming behavior. Please see the Code of Conduct for further details.

Application Procedure

• Tournament applications must be submitted through the website with valid payment. Telephone and fax requests will not be accepted.
• Applicants must have a current FSGA/FJT membership.
• Entries must be received by 4:30:00 PM EST of the closing date.
• Players should read the Tournament Policies and Pace of Play policy.
• Players will receive an e-mail that their entry has been received and a second e-mail will be sent if the player is accepted into the field. As a player is not automatically confirmed into the tournament, travel arrangements should not be made until the second confirmation e-mail is received. Review Tournament Policies for further details.

Field Determination Summary

• Players with an unused FJT exemption will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Players without an FJT exemption - all other entries are held until the entry closing date.  Shortly after the closing date, a computer-generated, random draw is performed to determine which entries are accepted, and the order of the alternates.   All players are notified of their status after the random draw is conducted,
• An alternates list will be posted to the FJT website under "Tee Times & Player Information".

Click here for further details.

Registration

Registration will be available prior to the first round. ALL players are expected to register. General tournament information will be distributed at registration.

Tee Times & Pairings

First round tee times and pairings will be available on the website. After the completion of the first round, all competitors will be repaired by score, within their age group, for their next round. Final round pairings will be available approximately one-hour after the final score has been posted. Pairings will be available on the website, at the club, and will be sent via text message. It is the player's responsibility to be at his/her respective starting tee at least 10 minutes prior to teeing off. We recommend that you always see your tee time in black and white (in print), and if you still have questions, please contact an FSGA Official at the host facility.

Rules

USGA Rules of Golf will govern play. Review the FSGA Hard Card and Pace of Play Policy. The Notice to Players (local rules and hole locations) will be distributed on the starting tee.

Range Finders - Electronic distance measuring devices are NOT allowed.

Music - Phones and other devices that play music should not be used at the tournament site.  Listening to music during a competitive round will generally result in disqualification under the Rules of Golf.  This is true for all types of competitions - not just FJT.

Pace of Play

The FJT uses a checkpoint pace of play policy that provides no verbal warnings throughout the round. Each group is responsible for playing under the allotted time or finishing each checkpoint hole within 15 minutes of the group ahead of them.

Pace of play will be strictly enforced with anticipated rounds to be less than 4 hours and 45 minutes. We strongly recommend that all players and parents read and understand the Pace of Play Policy.