BELLEAIR, Fla. – The Florida Junior Tour returned to Belleair Country Club, for another edition for the FJT Sam Parks. Being the oldest club in the state of Florida, and also containing some of the more stunning views in the Tampa / Clearwater area, the newly renovated West Course is always a highlight on the FJT schedule. The weather cooperated just enough, allowing us to crown two well deserving champions at this historic event.
Boys (13-18)
Due to the softer conditions, and the great putting surfaces, plenty of birdies were to be had out on the course. Leading the way after Saturday's round was our 2023 champion Jack VanderSchuur. VanderSchuur's opening round was highlighted by eight birdies, and just one bogey, en route to a smooth 65 (-7) and a comfortable two shot lead. Our 2024 Champion, Clark Mason, picked up right where he left off last year, and also carded a near blemish free round with six birdies and just one bogey. Rounding out the Top 3 heading into Sunday was Chase Bauer & Maurice Hoben, who both came in with 68 (-4).
Despite holding the overnight lead, it was clear that VanderSchuur was not going to take his foot off the gas, and had his eyes set on another victory at Belleair. Starting on Hole 1 in the Shotgun Start, he had a steady opening nine which contained seven pars and two birdies. After making the turn to the back nine, that is when the sparks really started to fly. With an eagle on the Par 5 - 10th Hole, followed by four straight birdies on Holes 13, 14, 15, & 16, VanderSchuur was able to card a closing nine of 31, resulting in a final round of 64 (-8). Finishing at -15 for the event and seven shots clear of the field, this became a new scoring record for this prestigous event.
Despite fininshing a ways back, Hugo Stenstrom also had a fantasic event as he carded rounds of 69-67 (-8), to capture solo second. Chase Bauer was able to secure a solo Top 3 finish as well with a closing round of 71 (-1), finishing the weeked at five-under.
Girls (13-18)
Leading the way after Saturday's round was Tampa native, Olivia Hasselbach. Her opening round of 70 (-2) was the only under-par score in the Girls Division in the opening round, which was enough to give her a two shot lead heading into Sunday. Within striking distance, and hoping to make a move in the final round were Madison Malaret (E) & Dannika Hines (+1). The three would be paired in the final group together, making for an exciting finish down the stretch.
Starting the day on Hole 9, made a statement early by birdieing the opening hole, cutting the lead down to one shot. A bogey on 12 by Hines coupled by a birdie on 14 by Hasselbach, opened the lead back up to three shots, but not for long. A huge four shot swing occured on 15 when Hasselbach had a costly triple bogey, and Hines made a pivotal birdie. The two would be tied coming off the 16th green after a nice bounce back birdie by Hasselbach, but then Hines caught fire. With birdies on 17, 18, 5, 6, & 8, to close out her day, Dannika Hines was able to capture a three shot victory, and her second FJT title this season. Hines finished the weeked at five-under with her closing round of 66 (-6).
Olivia Hasselbach finished the event at two-under with a closing round of 72 (E), and Madison Malaret was able to hold onto a Top 3 finish with a closing round of 74 (+2).
With the fall season back in swing, the Florida Junior Tour heads to Sandridge GC & Sugar Mill CC next weekend.
