BELLEAIR, Fla. – Clark Mason and Ariana Silva outlasted the competition at Belleair Country Club’s West Course. The two were able to battle through tough conditions and come out on top at the end.
Boys (13-18)
In such a strong field on one of the toughest courses in the state, the field knew they needed to stay focused and patient. Anthony Monteleone took the first round lead with a solid 3-under par, 69. Monteleone battled strong winds on his inward nine posting a 5-under back nine. Three birdies in a row on 5 , 6 and 7, which is arguably the hardest stretch on the course, positioned him to carry a two stroke lead into the final round. Sitting in a tie for second at 1-under par is Nicklaus Downing and Clark Mason. Downing and Mason positioned themselves well after Round 1; they will look to battle the course and elements tomorrow in order to win the title.
Konner Kubica got off to a hot start and would take a share of the lead on the front nine after going out in 3-under par, 32. In the same group, Chase Bauer was set to not be out done and would card his own 3-under par, 32. With a few par 5’s left the two were looking for great opportunities to make some birdies.
Clark Mason would not stay silent for too long. The 2026 Graduate turned after quietly going around the front in 1-under par, 34. Making the turn and going birdie birdie on 10, 11 were enough to move him into first place. Finishing the final round with a bogey free 3-under par, 69 to claim a two stroke victory at his home course. Chase Bauer would finish in solo second place with a solid weekend of 2-under par, 142. Kubica would finish in solo third place after a two round total of even par, 144.
Girls (13-18)
After battling the strong winds all afternoon Ariana Silva stood alone at the top. She started hot going 3-under on the first five holes and fought hard to post the low round of the day in the girls division of 2-over par, 74. Ariana is looking to win her first FJT title of the year tomorrow and will have to hold off some great players. Trying to chase her down is Delray Beach native, Gabriella Albert. Albert posted an up and down round of 3-over par, 75, to open the Sam Parks. Only one shot off of the lead Albert knew she would need a great round Sunday.
Round 2 was a shotgun start Sunday morning with the Girls Division leaders beginning on Hole 13. Ariana Silva and Gabriella Albert played their first 6 holes in 1-under so you knew the rest of the round was going to be exciting as they battled it out. The back nine for Ariana was an up and down time with three birdies and four bogeys. Albert played a steady back nine that unfortunately ended with a double bogey on her final hole which caused her to fall two back. Finishing in solo third place was Madison Malaret that moved up the leaderboard with a Final round 1-over par, 73.
