Constant rain, cloudy skies, and cold temperatures made for rough conditions Saturday at River Wilderness Golf and Country Club in Parrish. The juniors proved to be mentally and physically tough by posting impressive scores! In the Boys Division there was a tight race at the top heading into Sunday’s round. Matthew Bruton, of Bradenton led after a phenomenal one under-par first round of 71. Following close, one stroke behind, were Eric Berggren and Alexander Vogelsong, tied for second place. With a round one score of 73, Jayson Iten and Dylan Sanchez tied for third place.
Megan Furtney, of South Elgin, Illinois carded the lowest round of day one to take the early lead in the Girls Division. Furtney played hard en route to a two under-par 70, finishing two strokes ahead of Caroline Hwang, of Orlando. Hwang finished round one in second place with a 72. Longwood resident, Mimi Chen rounded out the top three on Saturday’s leaderboard with a three over-par, 75.
Although the sun shinned on the players in round two, the wind howled and the temperatures did not reach above 60 degrees. The juniors faced another day of difficult conditions that tested their patience and skills. Eric Berggren, of Windermere came back from tied from second with a round two 76, tournament total 148, to win his first FJT event this year! Bruton fell from first place to finish tied for sixth after struggling in the tough conditions. Vogelsong, of Palm City and Iten, of Naples tied for second place, two strokes out of first, with a tournament total 150.
In the Girls’ Division, Caroline Hwang fought through the wind to post a second round 80, tournament total 152, and claim first place. Furtney finished one stroke behind in second place after a disappointing round two score of 83. Chen remained in third place for the tournament with a second round 79, 154 tournament total. This was Hwang’s first FSGA event and walking away with a victory is a great way to start her Florida Junior Tour career!
The 13-15 year old juniors head to Amelia Island Plantation in two weeks, February 20-21, for the next FJT event. Hopefully Amelia Island will bring warmer temperatures and more enjoyable golfing conditions! Click here for the 2016 Schedule!
