River Wilderness G & CC (16-18)

Membrino & Romeo Win Again

The Florida Junior Tour, 16-18 age division, returned to River Wilderness Golf & Country Club in Parrish for the second straight season. Once again, the course was in great condition and proved to be a fun test of golf for the juniors.

A handful of players were able to conquer the challenging windy conditions, Saturday, at River Wilderness Golf & Country Club, in Parrish. In the Girls' Division, Terese Romeo, opened with a two-under par 70, while Megan Pollenz and Courtney Zeng both fired 71 to stand one stroke behind going into Sunday's final round. The Boys' division would see five players break par. Logan Membrino and Patrick Mills both opened with 69 (-3) to share the overnight lead. Zac Smith and Andrew Hammett both fired two-under par 70, while Mark Nauert posted 71 (-1) to round out the top five.

On Sunday, the conditions would again prove to be challenging for the players. In the Girls' Division, starting on hole number 10, Romeo would birdie the 18th hole to go out in 37 (+1) and extend her lead to two strokes over Pollenz and three strokes over Zeng. Romeo would post another birdie on the par five, fourth hole to extend the lead.  Even faltering with a bogey, bogey finish on eight and nine, Romeo, of Tampa, (70-74--144) held on for a one stroke victory over Courtney Zeng, of Orlando (71-74--145). Megan Pollenz, of Tampa, (71-75--146) finished alone in third place.

In the Boys' Division, both Mills and Membrino would go out in even par, while Hammett and Smith both fell back. Membrino would convert for birdie on the par-3, 12th while Mills would make bogey giving Membrino a two stroke lead. Logan Membrino, of Ponte Vedra Beach, (69-72--141) bogeyed the 18th to post even-par 72 on Sunday and earn the win by two strokes.  Kevin Slayden, of Ponte Vedra Beach, (75-68--143) would post the low round of the tournament, with a final round 68, that included five birdies and one bogey to finish in second place.  Donald Gabrelick, of Trinity, (73-71--144) and Patrick Mills, of Tampa, (69-75--144) would finish tied for third place.

The 16-18 Division heads to West Orange Country Club, in Winter Garden February 21-22. Click here to view the field and pairings.

Full Results

Entries Open:  Wednesday, December 17th
Entry Deadline:  Wednesday, December 31st

16-18 Age Division (age calculated on the last day of the tournament)
$95 or $115 entry fee (GHIN vs non-GHIN price)

River Wilderness is back on the Florida Junior Tour schedule in 2015. The club is located just southeast of Tampa near Sarasota/Manatee county line. The Club borders the North shore of the historic Manatee River just off Interstate 75. Although the course is hidden in the wilderness it is still convenient to both Sarasota and Tampa Bay areas. As secluded as it feels it is only a short 10 minute ride from I-75.  The golf course, designed by Ted McAnlis, is situated on 150 acres of pristine landscape and is a part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System which blends the property’s natural beauty with an abundance of wildlife. 

Click here to view the club's website. 

Format

• 36 holes of individual stroke play
• 84 total players (typically 66 boys and 18 girls)
• 16-18 age division (age calculated by the last day of the tournament)

Divisions and Approximate Yardages

• Boys 16-18 Age Division - 6,900 yards (gross only)
• Girls 16-18 Age Division - 6,000 yards (gross only)

How Entries are Accepted

• Players with an unused FJT exemption will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis (if submitted before the entry deadline).
• 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".
• Entries submitted after the entry deadline will be added to the bottom of the alternates list or used to fill any openings in the field.

Click here for more details.

How to Enter

Entries must be submitted through the FSGA website. To enter, each player must have an account on this website (free to setup), and a current FJT Junior Membership ($40). Click "Enter" above in the Tournament Links box.

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 player's parents must have an active GHIN handicap at a club in Florida. The seven digit GHIN number must be included and active when the entry is submitted. Click on the Handicaps tab above in the main menu for more information.

Late Fee:  A late fee of $10 will be applied to entries received after the entry deadline. The entry fee and late fee will only be charged if the player gets accepted into the tournament field.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, February 7th

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Tournament Registration (near pro shop)
11:00 AM - 12:57 PM - Round one tee times off the 1st and 10th tees

Sunday, February 8th

8:00AM - 9:57 AM - Final round tee times off the 1st and 10th tees
Approximately 3:00 PM - Awards presentation

Practice Rounds

Practice rounds are available one week prior to the tournament on a space-available basis. Times times are only available after 12:00 noon the weekend prior.  The price for a practice round is $25.00 + tax. Please call 941-776-2602 to arrange your practice round. The proper place to practice your golf swing is on the driving range, hitting multiple shots on the course, not filling divots, and not repairing ball marks are unacceptable and may cause removal from the tournament without a refund.

AJGA Performance Based Entry (PBE)

Boys

• Winner receives 8 performance stars
• Top five finishers receive 4 performance stars

Girls

• Winner receives 8 performance stars
• Top three finishers receive 4 performance stars

National Rankings

• Ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard and GolfWeek

Other Policies

• Walking - players must walk during tournament rounds
• Spectators & Carts - Spectators are allowed. Spectator carts are available first-come, first-served at $20 + tax per day, per cart Click here
• Caddies - Caddies are not allowed
• Range Finders (Electronic Measuring Devices) - are allowed (see Local Rules link below)
• Championship Pace of Play Policy - Click here
• Local Rules and Conditions of Competition - Click here
• Championship Policies - Click here to read the withdrawal, dress code, and other policies.
• Procedures for Alternates - Click here for information on how alternates may gain entry into this tournament.
• Conditions/ Schedule - The FSGA Championships Committee/on-site Rules Committee reserves the right to alter any of the conditions, provisions and/or schedules.  The
  decision of the Championships Committee/on-site Rules Committee in any matter will be final.

Hotel & Accommodations

Holiday Inn - Lakewood Ranch
6231 Lake Osprey Drive
Sarasota, FL
(941) 782-4400

$124 plus tax per room per night. Ask for Florida State Golf Association Room Block when booking.

Directions

River Wilderness Golf & Country Club
2250 Wilderness Boulevard West
Parrish, FL 34219
941-776-2602

Click for Map