Sunday, August 26, 2007
Joel Dahlenburg came back from eight strokes down to win the boys 16-18 age division of the Florida Junior Tour (FJT) Qualifying Series event as Amy West captured the girls division title at Hunters Green Country Club in Tampa on August 25-26.
Joel Dahlenburg survived a three-way playoff to emerge as the boys 16-18 age division Champion. Dahlenburg, 17, of St. Augustine, posted an 82 in the first round to trail the leader by eight strokes. In the final round, Dahlenburg came out strong and fired a 74 to jump into a tie for first place. In a playoff with Joey Newell and Lee Bowman, Dahlenburg made par on the first playoff hole to capture his first FJT victory. Bowman, 16, of Daytona Beach, was the first round leader after posting a 74 and shot an 82 in the final round to finish at 156. Newell, 16, from Bradenton, shot a pair of 78’s to share second place with Bowman.
Playing in her first FJT event, Amy West, 17, of Valrico, ran away with the girls 16-18 age division title. West posted an 81 in the first round to share the first round lead and then shot a 78 in the final round to win the title by six strokes. First round co-leader Heather Wengyn, 16, of Valrico, fell to second place with a final round 84. Combined with her 81 in the first round, Wengyn carded a 165 total. Christina Amoriello, 17, Coral Springs, and Tyler Etcheberry, 17, Wesley Chapel, tied for third place with a tournament total of 167.
Since entries into FJT events have exceeded capacity, the FJT instituted the Qualifying Series to accommodate for more players. The Qualifying Series gives newer members and non-exempt players a chance to earn FJT exemptions while competing in a high quality, national ranked event. The events are open to all current FJT members who do not hold a current FJT exemption as of the first day of the Series tournament.
Conducted by the Florida State Golf Association, the Florida Junior Tour (FJT) is a junior golf tour offering highly competitive and affordable competitions for juniors in Florida. The 2006-2007 season consists of 23 events for juniors, male and female, ages 13-18. Beginning September and running through August, the FJT schedule will play at some of the state’s top courses including Hunters Green and Lake Jovita. The FJT’s focus is on quality, affordability and integrity. Tournaments consist of 36 holes conducted over 2 days, typically weekends, with an entry fee of $95 or $115. Scholarship entry is available to junior golfers unable to afford the entry fee.
Working closely with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), FJT top competitors will receive exemptions and performance points towards AJGA events. The FJT is the only Florida tour to participate in the AJGA’s Performance Based Process. In addition, FJT events will be ranked by Golfweek/Titleist and Junior Golf Scoreboard. The FJT will maintain a points list to assist in determining Junior Player-of-the-Year and invitations to other tournaments.
To view complete pairings, tee times, and results, please see www.floridajuniortour.org.
The FJT is conducted by the Florida State Golf Association which conducts 25 State Championships and more than 40 qualifying tournaments for USGA National Championships. The FSGA also maintains the USGA Handicap System, performs course ratings throughout Florida and assists in junior programs and scholarships.
