HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. - Ian Lentz and Honorine Nobuta Ferry battled through 54 holes of stroke play at Mission Inn's El Campeon course to win the Next 100 Junior Invitational. Lentz entered Sunday tied for the Boys Division lead, while Nobuta Ferry was in solo first in the Girls Division. Both brought home the titles.
Boys
Lentz, of Gainesville, shot 73-76 (+5) on Saturday to take a share of the lead with two others heading into Sunday. In the final round, he separated from the pack, firing a 1-under par 71 to secure his victory.
In second place was Qi (Steven) Liu, a Lake Mary resident, who posted 77-75-71 (+7). Andrew Siffert, of Tampa, took third place with rounds of 71-82-75 (+12).
Girls
Nobuta Ferry, who hails from Palm Desert, California, was the youngest player in the entire field at 11-years-old. On Saturday, she shot 75-78 (+9) to get out to a 3-shot lead heading into the final round. On Sunday, she held her lead, shooting a 3-over par 75 en route to a 5-stroke victory.
Lindsay McGrath, of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, took second place with rounds of 77-79-77 (+17). In third place was Youyang (Leah) Li, carded rounds of 73-85-76 (+18).
$325 entry fee
No membership is required
The Next 100 Junior Invitational was established in 2019 as a way to help junior golfers find their college golf home. This event is strictly for juniors who are not in their senior year of high school, who have yet to verbally commit to a college or university, and are outside of the top 100 ranking overall on the Junior Golf Scoreboard. Along with 54-holes of individual stroke play competition, there will be an accompanying College Coaches Panel. The concept of this tournament has been enthusiastically received by college coaches who will be able to attend between semesters at their college/university and who will come to evaluate talented players not already committed. As a result, this Invitational is a great way get out of the cold and come down to sunny Florida to showcase your game on a national level.
Tournament rounds are being played on the El Campeon Course at Mission Inn Resort & Club. Mission Inn has played host to the Florida State High School Championships, the NAIA National Championships, The Florida Senior Open and many other prestigious championships. Built in 1917 by George O'Neil, this parkland design will prove to be a challenge with it's rolling fairways and undulating greens. A sound strategy is needed to successfully maneuver around this Central Florida track expected to draw the attendance of several men’s and women’s college coaches.
Over 20 college programs were in attendance in 2020.
