Rio Pinar CC (16-18)

Feng Wins Again; Gagne Beats Tough Field

Most of the top junior golfers in Florida headed to a familiar spot, Rio Pinar Country Club in Orlando, for a 16-18 age division Florida Junior Tour event. Over 150 juniors tried to gain entry into the 84 player field which turned out to be the strongest field of the year so far.

In the first round, three players held a share of the lead at two-under par 70, however, there were numerous players within a few strokes and capable of catching them. Matt Young, of Tallahassee, had a roller-coaster first round with nines of 40-30 to stand atop the leaderboard with Luis Gagne, of Orlando and Jackson Stroup, of Naples.

In the final round, Gagne got off to a great start and fired a 32 (-4) on the front nine to take the lead into the final nine holes. On the back nine, Gagne stumbled slightly, but no one was able to take advantage of the opening. Gagne's final round of 32-39--71 put him one shot ahead of Jackson Stroup (70-72--142) and secured his first victory in the 16-18 age division. Robin Wang, of Lake Mary, finished alone in third place with rounds of 71-72--143.

In the girls division, Yueer Feng, of Orlando, took a one-shot lead after the first round with two-under par 70 which lead Anna Newell, of Tampa (71). In the final round, Feng started off a little slow and made three bogeys on her first nine holes and made the turn with a 39.

Feng and Newell were tied heading into the final nine holes and Emmy Martin, of Tampa, was only one stroke back. Feng then caught fire and made birdies on holes 5, 6, and 8 to pull ahead and win by two stokes over Newell and Martin who tied for second at 145 (+1). This is Feng's second consecutive FJT victory.

 

Results

Photos

Pace of Play - Four penalties earned in the final round. There were no penalties in the first round.

Entries Open:  Wednesday, January 23rd
Entry Deadline:  Wednesday, February 6th

Rio Pinar Country Club - Home of the University of Central Florida Men's and Women's Golf Teams

Rio Pinar is located in Orlando approximately 7 miles north of the Orlando International Airport. The club has been a fixture of Orlando golf for over 60 years. Rio Pinar hosted of the PGA Tour's Citrus Open and the LPGA Tour's Lady Citrus Open back when the game great's dominated professional golf.

Rio Pinar is a par 72 layout stretching out to 6,900 yards and is perfect for hosting events where players must walk. The course is fairly flat, but the tight tree lined fairways always pose a challenge to players of all levels.

Click here to visit the club's website.

Age Division

This tournament is for the 16-18 age division. Ages are calculated by the last day of the event.

Entry Fee

The entry fee of $95 (for GHIN handicap members) or $115 (non-GHIN handicap members) includes tournament rounds, range balls prior to tournament rounds, crystal trophies for the top three finishers, and a tee gift.

To receive the GHIN handicap price, the player, or one of the players' parents must have an active GHIN handicap at a club in Florida. The seven digit GHIN number must be submitted with the entry.

Late Fee:  A late fee of $10 will be applied to all entries received after the entry deadline. The entry fee, and late fee, will only be charged if the player gets accepted into the tournament field. (effective 1/1/13)

Schedule of Play

• Saturday, March 16th:  12:00 PM - 1:57 PM off the 1st and 10th tees
• Sunday, March 17th:  8:00 AM - 9:57 AM off the 1st and 10th tees

Where to Stay

There are many hotels located around the Orlando International Airport which is a 10-20 minute drive depending on traffic. There are also several hotels located northeast of the club near University of Central Florida which is about a 15 minute drive from the club.

Click on "Hotels" in the Tournament Link box to the right or use the internet to search for deals. Please note any cancellation policies prior to making reservations.

Practice Round

Players can set-up a practice round at a special discounted rate of $30 plus tax which includes a cart by calling 407-277-5520. Practice rounds are available one week prior to the tournament and after 12:00 PM the weekend before. Times are available on a space available basis. Walking is not permitted.

During practice rounds, players are not allowed to play multiple shots off tees or into greens. The playing of multiple shots or slow play may result in the player's removal from the course without a refund.

Walking and Pull/Push Carts

Players must walk and carry their clubs during the competition rounds (pull/push carts are permitted). Caddies are not permitted.

Tees To Play

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

• Boys 16-18 will play approximately 6,900 yards
• Girls 16-18 will play approximately 6,000 yards

National Rankings

This event is ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard and GolfWeek.

AJGA - PBE (Performance Based Entrance)

Boys

• Winner receives 4 performance stars
• Top five finishers receives 1 performance star

Girls

• Winner receives 4 performance star
• Top three finishers receive 1 performance star

Spectator Carts

Spectators will be authorized to rent carts, but must follow the Spectator policies. Spectator carts will cost $20 a day, plus tax. Spectator carts may be limited, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility

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

Application Procedure

• Tournament applications must be submitted through the website with valid payment. Telephone and fax requests will not be accepted.
• Applicants must have a current FSGA/FJT membership.
• Entries must be received by the closing date.  Late entries are allowed and will be accepted into the tournament field only on a space available basis.
• Players should read the Tournament Policies and Pace of Play policy.
• Players will receive an e-mail that their entry has been received and a second e-mail will be sent if 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 Tournament Policies for further details.

Field Determination Summary

• Players with an unused FJT exemption will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Players without an FJT exemption - all other entries are held until the entry closing date.  Shortly after the closing date, a computer-generated, random draw is performed to determine which entries are accepted, and the order of the alternates.   All players are notified of their status after the random draw is conducted,
• An alternates list will be posted to the FJT website under "Tee Times & Player Information".

Click here for further details.

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 tee times and pairings will be available on the website approximately five weeks prior to the tournament. 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 available on the website, at the club, and will be sent via text message. It is the player's responsibility to be at his/her respective starting tee at least 10 minutes prior to teeing off. We recommend that you always see your tee time in black and white (in print), and if you still have questions, please contact an FSGA Official at the host facility.

Rules

USGA Rules of Golf will govern play. Review the FSGA Hard Card and Pace of Play Policy. The Notice to Players (local rules and hole locations) will be distributed on the starting tee.

Range Finders - Electronic distance measuring devices are allowed. (effective December 1st, 2012)

Music - Phones and other devices that play music should not be used at the tournament site.  Listening to music during a competitive round will generally result in disqualification under the Rules of Golf.  This is true for all types of competitions - not just FJT (new Rule in 2012).

Pace of Play

The FJT uses a checkpoint pace of play policy that provides no verbal warnings throughout the round. Each group is responsible for playing under the allotted time or finishing each checkpoint hole within 15 minutes of the group ahead of them.

Pace of play will be strictly enforced with anticipated rounds to be less than 4 hours and 45 minutes. We strongly recommend that all players and parents read and understand the Pace of Play Policy.