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Kang, Newell Capture PGA National

January 7, 2007

In the boys 13-15 age division, Hojin Kang, 15, from Longwood, captured his second FJT title of the year winning by one stroke at PGA National. Kang shot an even par 72 in the first round to share the lead with Pete Kellermann. In the final round, Kang came on strong on the last two holes making eagle on 17 and 18 for a final round 74. On the 17th hole, Kang made eagle from 50 feet and holed out on 18 from 110 yards. “I never had two eagles in one round,” said Kang. “I just wanted to par out on the final holes.” This win adds to Kang’s victory at the 54-hole Disney event last November. Next up, Kang will compete in the older 16-18 age division at Belleair Country Club on January 13-15. Kang now “feels confident playing in the older age division.” Matthew Ceravolo, 14, from Palm Beach Gardens, had his best finish in an FJT event taking second place with scores of 76-71. Ceravolo’s 71 on the final day was the only under par round of the tournament. Alex McMahon, 14, from Naples, recorded a pair of 75’s for third place.

AJ Newell, Nicole Agnello and Ginger Howard each posted a first round score of 77 to share the lead in the girls 13-15 age division. Playing in the final group, AJ Newell, 13, from Tampa, was one up on Nicole Agnello after nine holes. After switching leads, Newell and Agnello were even heading to the last hole where Newell drained a 35 foot downhill putt for birdie and the win. “I was pretty happy,” said Newell. “This win has been one of my goals.” Newell finished with a 75 in the final round for a 152 total. “I was striking the ball pretty well,” said Newell. “That saved me.” Nicole Agnello, 15, of Longwood, fell to second place with a par on the final hole. Agnello, who won the first event at Lake Wales, ended with a 76 in the final round to finish one back from Newell. Ginger Howard, 12, from Bradenton, placed third shooting an 81 in the final round. Playing up, Howard has one FJT win at Country Club of Ocala earlier in the season.

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 2006-2007 season consists of 24 events for juniors, male and female, ages 13-18. Beginning September and running through May, the FJT schedule will play at some of the state’s top courses including the PGA National and Lake Jovita. 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 or $115. 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.