Christopher Biuso, 16, of Temple Terrace, secured the boys 16-18 age division shooting a 1-under par 141 for the two rounds. Biuso, who placed second in the Eagle Creek Q-Series event, fired a 1-under par 70 in the first round, the low round of the day. In the final round, he recorded an even par 71 for his first FJT title. With this win, Biuso gains two exemptions into the Tour. Chase Sargent, 16, from Orlando, and David Ziglar, of Windermere, also earned two exemptions with their second place finish. Sargent and Ziglar each posted a tournament total of 146 for a share of second place. In the boys 16-18 age division, the top nine and ties received one exemption into the FJT.
Emily VanEtten won her first FJT title by six strokes in the girls 16-18 age division. VanEtten, 17, from Trinity, shared first place after the first round with Ashley Aguilera when each girl posted an 82. VanEtten pulled in front with a final round score of 78 for a 160 total. Aguilera, 17, from Holiday, shot an 84 in the final round to finish in second place. VanEtten and Aguilera each receive one exemption into the FJT.
In the boys 13-15 age division, Ian McConnell, 14, from Riverview, had his best finish in an FJT event winning with a tournament total of even par. McConnell was in a tie for first place after the first round when he shot an even par 71. With a final round score of 71, McConnell moved ahead into first place to win the division by four strokes. Kollin Woodbury, 14, of Largo, first round co-leader, posted a 75 in the final round to fall to second place. Both McConnell and Woodbury gained two exemptions with their showing at Belleair. In the boys 13-15 age division, finishers 3-7 get one exemption.
Jaime Ritter, 14, of Davie, went wire-to-wire winning the girls 13-15 age division. Ritter posted a pair of 77’s for her first win and an FJT exemption. AJ Newell, 13, of Tampa, also earned an FJT exemption finishing second with scores of 79-78—157.
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 (Jr. Golf Scoreboard). 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 2005-2006 season consists of 15 events for juniors, male and female, ages 13-18. Beginning September and running through June, the FJT schedule will play at some of the state’s top courses including PGA Golf Club and Lake Jovita Golf and Country 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, 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.
