Parent-Child Championship

Gard Pair Wins Parent-Child

Case and Mark Gard posted a tournament total of 10-under par 134 to win the Florida State Parent-Child Championship at the Walt Disney World Golf Resort in Orlando on July 25-26. This annual State Championship attracted more than 150 teams competing in a Regular and Junior Division.

In the Regular Division, the father and son pair of Mark and Case Gard, of Lakeland, edged out the field by two strokes to win the Championship. In the first round, the Gard duo fired a four under par 68 to trail by four strokes heading into the final round. The pair recorded a six under par 66 in the final round to secure their first ever Parent-Child Championship. John and Gary Pettit, of Tampa finished in second place after posting a tournament total of eight under par 136. First round leaders, Craig and Michael Brown, of Lynn Haven, finished in third place after a carding a final round one over par 73. The duo finished with a tournament total of seven under par 137 for the tournament.

The Regular division will play Disney's Palm and Magnolia courses. Both designed by Joe Lee, Disney's Palm and Magnolia annually play host to a PGA Tour event.

ELIGIBILITY: At least one entrant of each team must be a member of the FSGA or FWSGA. There is no maximum age limit for parent or child. Professionals can play but are not eligible for trophies or prizes in the regular division but are fully eligible in the junior division. Grandparents may also play with grandchildren.

AGE: Child must be age 13 or older as of July 25, 2009. A child 6-12 years of age can move up to regular division, but a child age 13 or older may not move down.

ENTRY FEE: $280 for Regular Division ($300 - members who do not have an active FSGA/GHIN Handicap). (Only two-person teams are permitted).

ENTRIES CLOSE: 6/24/2009

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT: The format of play for the Regular Division is Modified Alternate Shot. Both players hit tee shots. Both players then hit the second shot with the other’s ball. After the second shot the team chooses which ball it will use to complete the hole hitting alternate shots. Scoring will be gross within flights.

FLIGHTS: Regular Division - the field will be divided between the Palm and Magnolia courses based upon handicaps of the teams. Teams will be flighted after the first round by first round scores. In the event the Championship is reduced to 18 holes (weather), the Committee reserves the right to declare a champion from the course with the lowest team handicaps. There will be no gender-based divisions, but four sets of tees will be utilized:

YARDAGES:

TEE TIMES: The Regular Division will have an 8:00 AM shotgun start BOTH DAYS at the PALM & MAGNOLIA Courses. Teams will be grouped by combined handicap for day one groupings.

COURSE: Regular Division will play on Palm and Magnolia.

CARTS: Carts are included for all competitive rounds. Players are responsible for practice round fees.

PRACTICE ROUND: Practice rounds on the Palm & Magnolia Courses at the discounted rate of $45 per player are available Tuesday, July 21 through Friday, July 26 after 10:00 AM only. Before 10:00, the regular resort rate applies. Players make call (407) 938-3873 to reserve a tee time—Monday – Friday 8:00am—5pm

CONDITIONS; SCHEDULES – 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.

CHAMPIONSHIP PACE OF PLAY: Click here to read the Championship Pace of Play Policy.

HARD CARD; LOCAL RULES AND CONDITIONS OF COMPETITIONS: Click here to read the Hard Card and additional Conditions of Competitions.

CHAMPIONSHIP POLICIES: Click here to read the withdrawal, dress code, caddie and spectator and other policies.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Please click on the hotel icon for hotels in the Orlando area.

DRIVING RANGE/CART SET UP: This year we will be using both driving ranges to help with congestion on the range. The golf carts for the Palm course will be set up next to the Palm driving range and players will use the Palm range. Players will be asked to check in at the registration table behind the golf shop and they will be shuttled over to the Palm course. There will be a beverage cart there for drinks and food.

REGISTRATION TABLE: There will be a registration table set up in the back of the pro shop. All contestants are requested to check in.

PAYMENT: The courses accept Cash and Visa/MasterCard for method of payment.

THEME PARK TICKETS: In past years, Disney has provided the FSGA a one day - complimentary ticket for admission to any Disney theme park for each competitor. The ticket is valid for July 24-26, 2009 only. You may pick your ticket up at the Magnolia Golf Shop on Friday from 9 AM to closing or at registration on Saturday morning. This tee gift is not a guarantee. The FSGA will know more and will post the information when we get closer to the Championship.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS: John and Joseph Latowski, of Port St. Lucie, shot a 63-71-134 to win the overall on Disney's Magnolia and Palm Courses.