Four-Ball Championship

Robinson & Voisin Top State Four-Ball Championship

Jeff Robinson and Bret Voisin fired a 63-70—133 to capture the 42nd Florida State Four-Ball Championship this weekend at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach.

Robinson, of Longwood, and Voisin, from Orlando, began the day with a three stroke lead after posting a first round score of 63, 9-under par. In the second round, the duo made birdies on holes 3 and 7 to make the turn at 11-under par for the tournament. After a brief weather delay, they came out to birdie the 17th hole and finished with a bogey on the 18th hole for a 36 on the back nine. Playing in their first State Four-Ball Championship, Robinson said, "We came into the final round knowing we had to shot a certain number." "Yesterday,we made more putts while today the wind was blowing the ball all around," said Voisin.

The teams of Frank Strafaci, of Davie, and Rick Woulfe, from Fort Lauderdale, and Charles Walters, from Bradenton, and Len Lasinsky, of Sarasota, finished one back from the leaders shooting a similar 67-67—134. Strafaci and Woulfe recorded an even par 36 on the front nine and had a 31 on the back nine with an eagle on the 14th hole. John Warsing, from North Miami Beach, and Michael Nealy, of Boca Raton, shot a 67-68—135, two strokes back from the Champions. Defending Champions Ben Gardner and Phil Koch, of Boca Raton, tied with three other teams finishing the event at 5-under par 139.

The Championship featured 48 teams of two playing 36 holes of four-ball stroke play in the two-day event. In four-ball stroke play, two competitors play as partners, each playing his own ball.  The lower score of the partners is the score for the hole. Forty teams qualified through one of the nine qualifying events and the other eight teams earned exempt status. Designed by Tom Fazio and Nick Price, Quail Valley features 18 holes of golf with dramatic changes in elevations.

Designed by Tom Fazio and Nick Price, Quail Valley features eighteen magnificent holes with elevations ranging from 30 to 40 feet. Over two million cubic yards of dirt, four times the average, was excavated from the lakes to achieve the dramatic changes in elevations which is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of Quail Valley. The course is balanced with a variety of shots making it a challenge yet enjoyable.

ELIGIBILITY

Entrants must both be members of the FSGA.

ENTRY FEE

$140 per team. ($130 for online entry.)

Those teams who advance to the Championship, including exempt teams, must pre-register and remit $120 either online at the FSGA website at www.fsga.org or by check to the FSGA office for advance payment of Championship fees. Payment must be received by Monday, July 12, or the team will be withdrawn from the Championship.

EXEMPTIONS

The following are exempt to the championship (Teams must be intact)::

• Top five teams and ties from the 2003 championship
• 2004 Mid-Amateur Four-Ball champions
• 2003 Mid-Senior Four-Ball champions
• 2003 Senior Four-Ball champions
• Champions from the last three State Four-Ball Championships

(An exempt team shall meet all entry requirements and submit a complete entry prior to deadline.)

QUALIFYING FORMAT

18 holes of four-ball stroke play at 9 sites.

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

36 holes four-ball stroke play

CARTS

During qualifying, each team must use a golf cart. Caddies are acceptable, but he/she may not ride in a golf cart or carry the player's clubs. Teams are responsible for cart fees for all practice rounds. Those teams who advance to the Championship, including exempt teams, must pre-register and remit a Championship fee, which includes cart fees, for all competitive rounds.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

Ben Gardner, Boca Raton, and Phil Koch, Boca Raton, shot a 65-68--133 to win by one stroke at The Club at TwinEagles in Naples.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements have been made at the Palm Court Resort Hotel for $89 per night. Call (800) 245-3297 and identify yourself as an FSGA competitor for reservations. Other arrangements have been made at the Vero Beach Hotel and Club for $119 per night. Please call (800) 841-5666 and identify yourself as an FSGA competitor.