Hernando, Fla. - Nolan DeForest and Elena Zreik bring home trophies at the FJT Skyview Open (13-15) in grueling winds. DeForest was the only player under par, while Zreik went wire-to-wire.
Skyview at Terra Vista is unlike most Florida golf courses. With multiple large elevation changes and small greens, players were tested with conditions unlike what they are used to. Day one brought perfect scoring conditions, while day two consisted of heavy winds.
Boys (13-15)
Day one was led by Brooks Hansen who opened up with a first round two-under par. Hansen’s four bogeys and two bogeys gave him a one-shot lead over Nolan DeForest, who fired the only other round under par for the day. However, with four players within four shots, and high winds expected for the final round, it was anybody’s tournament.
Sunday morning came, and the forecast was very accurate. Wind speeds gusting up to 25 MPH would bring many players trouble, with only two total scores under par, both being in the boy’s division. Nolan DeForest got off to a slow start, with nine pars and a bogey on 10, he fell to a tie for the lead at even par. Everything changed on 12, where he rattled off three birdies and a hole-out eagle on 17 from 70 yards.
Finishing in second place was Taeyoung Lim, who fired the only other round under par on the challenging day with a one-under 71.
Girls (13-15)
The girl’s division proved to be just as difficult as the boys, with only one score under par throughout both days. Elena Zreik grabbed the lead on day one with a one-under 71, and never looked back. Her final round was highlighted by a first nine 34, where she was able to cruise to a three-shot victory. Zreik, a newcomer to the Florida Junior Tour, grabbed her first victory in only her second start. Look for the Windermere native to build momentum heading into the new year.
In second place from Valdosta Georgia, Catherine Odom fired rounds of 73-76. Although a back nine charge got her closer to the lead, it was not enough to catch the red-hot Zreik.
