Junior Team Championship

Junior Team Championship  

Kyle Cobb drained a ten foot putt to lead Tallahassee Junior Golf to the Boys 16-18 age division title as the Palm Beach County Junior Golf Association won the Girls 16-18 age division in the 2006 Florida State Junior Team Championship at Walt Disney World Golf Resort. The King and Bear Junior Program captured the Boys 13-15 age division and the Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association took the Girls 13-15 age division by 25 strokes.  

In the Boys 16-18 age division, Tallahassee Junior Golf came from one stroke down after the first round to secure the Championship by one stroke. With a first round 146, the team came out strong in the final round to fire a team total of 143 and finish with a 289. Kyle Cobb won it for the team on the final hole sinking a ten foot putt to post a 1-under par 71 for the day. Kevin Cooper shot even par in the final round to contribute to the team's win. Rick Smith Golf Academy finished second in the division with a 290 total. In the final round, Brandon Pena fired a 67, the low round of the tournament, to put the team in contention.

The Palm Beach County Junior Golf Association had a commanding ten stroke lead after the first round in the Girls 16-18 age division shooting a team total of 156. The team posted a 164 in the final round to win the division with a 320 total. Barbara Malone, Rio Millford and Tara Steakin contributed to the team’s victory. The Junior Golf Association of Broward County took second place three strokes back from the Champions. The team posted a 167-156—323.  

In the Boys 13-15 age division, the King and Bear Junior Program overcame a one stroke deficit to win the division by four strokes. The team recorded a 154-147—301 for the victory. Max McKay led the team with rounds of 72-75. Palm Beach Country Junior Golf Association took second place with a 305 total. Brandon Heinkel shot the low rounds for the team with 72-73.

The Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association added to their ten stroke lead after the first round winning the Girls 13-15 age division by 25 strokes. The team posted a 154-148—302 with Maria Ronderos shooting a pair of 75’s and Kristin Swindell a 79-73. The Junior Golf Association of Broward County placed second in the division with a 327 team total.  

Teams of three, representing 52 junior programs, competed in 36 holes of stroke play with the total of the low two of the three gross scores counting for each round. This event is open to junior programs that provide organized tournaments, instruction or clinics which are open to all junior golfers in the community. There are four divisions: Boys 16-18, Boys 13-15, Girls 16-18 and Girls 13-15. Competitors play on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia Courses. Each member of the winning teams receives three exemptions in the Florida Junior Tour (FJT).

The Junior Team Championship is a great opportunity for junior programs in the state to be represented in a Championship. The junior programs select three players in the different divisions to compete in 36 holes of stroke play. The total 2 of the 3 low scores count for each round.

Both designed by Joe Lee, Disney's Palm and Magnolia plays host to the PGA Tour's FUNAI Classic.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to junior programs that provide organized tournaments, instruction, or clinics that are open to all junior golfers in your community. National or statewide tours are not allowed to participate. Junior programs may select the individuals they send to the Team Championship by any criteria they select.

ENTRY FEE

$150 per team (online entry not available). Print an entry form by clicking on "Enter an Event" on the drop down box under the Championship menu.

EXEMPTIONS

Each member of the winning teams will receive three exemptions to the Florida Junior Tour.

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT

36 holes stroke play. Total of the low 2 of the 3 gross scores each round

DIVISIONS

As of July 16, 2006

• Boys Ages 16-18
• Boys Ages 13-15
• Girls Ages 16-18
• Girls Ages 13-15

COURSES

Palm and Magnolia

CARTS

All players must walk and carry their own clubs. (Pull carts permitted.) Use of a caddie is not authorized. Coaches will be authorized to rent carts, but must follow the published policy (available on site).

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

In the Boys 16-18 Division, Volusia/Flagler Junior Golf Association shot a 144-136--280 to win the title. Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association posted a 155-154--309 to win the Girls 16-18. The Don Law Golf Academy won the Boys 13-15 age division posting 146-144--290 while the St. Lucie Co. Junior Golf Association carded a 154-151--305 for the Girls 13-15 division.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements have been made at the Sheraton Safari Hotel for $109 per night. Call (800) 423-3297 and identify yourself with the Florida State Golf Association.

DEADLINE

Each program can send as many teams as it prefers. Prior to May 31, only two teams per program will be entered into the field (in order of receipt). If the field is not full as of May 31, additional teams will be added on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Junior Programs may, through their Junior Program Coordinator, reserve a spot (with a fully-paid entry) without team member's names prior to the closing date, but must have players verified upon close of entries.