Andrew Colvin won the boys division of the first Florida Junior Tour (FJT) event of the 2004-2005 season while Andrea Messer got the win in the girls division at Orange County National Golf Center in Winter Garden. Presented by Allstate, the event at Orange County featured the top juniors, ages 13-15, in the state.
In a playoff, Andrew Colvin, 14, of Longwood, defeated Ming-Hao Wang, 14, of Bradenton, on the second playoff hole. Wang saved par on the first playoff hole to stay in contention. On the second playoff hole, Colvin secured the title when he made par while Wang made bogey. Both Colvin and Wang shot a two-day total of even par 144. Colvin fired a pair of 72's while Wang shot 75-69. Wang forced the playoff with the low round of the second day and making a double eagle on the second hole. First round leader, Eric Black, 15, of St. Could, finished two back from the Champion shooting 69-77-146. The 2004 Florida State Boys Junior Champion, Wesley Graham, of Port Orange, tied with Black recording a 72-74-146.
The girls division featured Andrea Messer capturing the title by three strokes. Messer, 14, of Belleair, playing in her first FJT event, shot a 72-78-150. Courtney Harter, 15, of Clearwater, jumped from third place after the first round to place second shooting a 76-77-153. Lindy Duncan, 13, from Plantation, placed third with a 75-81-156.
Last season, the FJT offered five events for juniors, male and female, ages 13-18. Since the response was so great, the 2004-2005 FJT season consists of 13 events for the state's junior golfers. Beginning September and running through May, the FJT schedule will play at some of the state's top courses including Orange County National Golf Center and PGA Golf Club. 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. 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, all FJT events will be ranked by the Junior Golf Scoreboard, which helps junior golfers market themselves without having to travel the country. 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
