PGA National GC (13-15)

Kang, Newell Capture PGA National

Hojin Kang eagled holes 17 and 18 to secure the boys 13-15 age division as AJ Newell drained a 35 foot birdie putt to win the girls 13-15 age division of the Florida Junior Tour (FJT) event at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens on January 6-7.

In the boys 13-15 age division, Hojin Kang, 15, from Longwood, captured his second FJT title of the year winning by one stroke at PGA National. Kang shot an even par 72 in the first round to share the lead with Pete Kellermann. In the final round, Kang came on strong on the last two holes making eagle on 17 and 18 for a final round 74. On the 17th hole, Kang made eagle from 50 feet and holed out on 18 from 110 yards. “I never had two eagles in one round,” said Kang. “I just wanted to par out on the final holes.” This win adds to Kang’s victory at the 54-hole Disney event last November. Next up, Kang will compete in the older 16-18 age division at Belleair Country Club on January 13-15. Kang now “feels confident playing in the older age division.” Matthew Ceravolo, 14, from Palm Beach Gardens, had his best finish in an FJT event taking second place with scores of 76-71. Ceravolo’s 71 on the final day was the only under par round of the tournament. Alex McMahon, 14, from Naples, recorded a pair of 75’s for third place.

AJ Newell, Nicole Agnello and Ginger Howard each posted a first round score of 77 to share the lead in the girls 13-15 age division. Playing in the final group, AJ Newell, 13, from Tampa, was one up on Nicole Agnello after nine holes. After switching leads, Newell and Agnello were even heading to the last hole where Newell drained a 35 foot downhill putt for birdie and the win. “I was pretty happy,” said Newell. “This win has been one of my goals.” Newell finished with a 75 in the final round for a 152 total. “I was striking the ball pretty well,” said Newell. “That saved me.” Nicole Agnello, 15, of Longwood, fell to second place with a par on the final hole. Agnello, who won the first event at Lake Wales, ended with a 76 in the final round to finish one back from Newell. Ginger Howard, 12, from Bradenton, placed third shooting an 81 in the final round. Playing up, Howard has one FJT win at Country Club of Ocala earlier in the season.

The Haig was the first course opened for play at PGA National Resort in 1980. Walter Hagen, the course’s namesake, was known for his suggestion that others should "stop and smell the roses." In tribute, rose bushes bloom at the 150 yard markers on the course.

The course was designed from the ground up to provide quality golf for all types of players. In fact, careful study reveals there are no crossing water hazards, so golfers always have the option of playing around rather than over – or through - a water hazard. The 9th and 18th holes return to the Clubhouse area, facilitating 9-hole play from the 1st and 10th tees

Club website: www.pga-resorts.com

Eligibility
Male or female amateur golfers that are members of the FJT may apply for participation. Entries are subject to rejection at any time, including during the event by the FJT. The reason for rejection may include unbecoming behavior. Please see the Code of Conduct for further details.

Application Procedure
Tournament applications must be submitted on-line at www.floridajuniortour.org. Players must complete a membership form, read the Tournament Policies and pay the membership fees before the tournament application will be processed. Entries must be received by 4:30 PM EST of the closing date. Telephone and fax requests will not be considered for selection. Players will receive an e-mail that their entry has been received and a second e-mail will be sent when the player is accepted into the field. As a player is not automatically confirmed into the tournament, travel arrangements should not be made until the second confirmation e-mail is received. Review the Field Determination section in Tournament Policies for further details.

Entry Fee Includes
The entry fee of $95 (for GHIN members) or $115 (for non GHIN members) includes tournament rounds of golf, range balls prior to the tournament rounds and a tee prize.

Schedule of Play
Saturday, Jan. 6        12:30 PM        Shotgun
Sunday, Jan. 7           7:30 AM        1st and 10th Tees

Hotels
http://www.pointetravel.com/pl/golf_courses/pga-national-golf-club.html

Practice Round
Participants can set up a practice round at a special discounted rate of $45 plus tax by calling 561-627-1804. Times are available after 10:00 AM 5 days before the tournament. Parents may play at $45 plus tax.

Walking and Pull Carts
Players must walk and carry their clubs during the competition rounds. Pull carts are permitted

Tees To Play
Tees are not set until the tournament staff arrives on site. Tournament set up can change, including yardages, to offset inclement weather or other course conditions (i.e. wet course conditions). Typical yardages are below:

• Boys 13-15 will play approximately 6,600 to 6,800 yards
• Girls 13-15 will play approximately 5,700 to 5,900 yards

Junior Golf Scoreboard Ranked
This event is a Junior Golf Scoreboard ranked tournament.

AJGA (Performance Based Entrance)

• Boys    13-15    Champion            -1 Exemption to a Jr. All Stars event
• Girls     13-15    Champion            -1 Exemption to a Jr. All Stars event

Registration
Registration will be available prior to the first round. ALL players are expected to register. General tournament information will be distributed at registration.

Tee Times & Pairings
First round pairings and starting times will be available on the FJT website, www.floridajuniortour.org, typically three days after the closing date. After the completion of the first round all competitors will be repaired by score within their age group for their next round. Final round pairings will be available approximately one hour after the final score has been posted. Pairings will be posted to the FJT website and at the club. It is the players' responsibility to be at his/her respective tee at least 10 minutes prior to teeing off. We recommend that you always see your tee time in black and white and if you still have questions, please contact a FJT Official at the host facility.

Rules
USGA Rules of Golf will govern play. Review the FJT Hard Card. The Notice to Players (local rules) will be distributed on the day of the first round.

Pace of Play
Pace of play will be strictly enforced with anticipated rounds less than 4 hours and 30 minutes. We strongly recommend that all players read and understand the FJT Pace of Play Policy. The Pace of Play policy can be reviewed on the FJT website under the Tournaments tab.

Spectator Carts
Spectators will be authorized to rent carts, but must follow the published policy. More information is available on the FJT website under the Parents section. Spectator carts will cost $21 plus tax per day.