PGA National (16-18)

Arendell, Popson Win First FJT Title

Connor Arendell and Erica Popson each won their first Florida Junior Tour (FJT) title at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens on April 29-30.

Playing in his first 16-18 age division event after recently turning 16, Connor Arendell, of Cape Coral, captured the division shooting a 1-under par 143. Battling strong winds of up to 40 mph, Arendell fired a 71 in the first round for the only under par round of the tournament. Arendell made the turn at even par then had two birdies on the back nine. “It was really windy the first day that I was just hoping to shoot well,” said Arendell. In the final round, Arendell eagled the 10th hole en route to recording an even par for the day. "It feels great to win my first FJT event against such good players,” said Arendell. Blayne Barber, 16, of Lake City, and Matt Cooney, 16, from Tampa, shared second place with a 145 total. Barber and Cooney shot similar scores of 73-72. Two-time Boys Junior Champion of the 13-15 age division, Wesley Graham, 16, of Port Orange, took fourth place posting a pair of 73’s. The boys division of 65 juniors played the Champions course from 6,821 yards.

Erica Popson won her first FJT title in the girls 16-18 age division by three strokes. Playing up an age division, Popson, 15, of Davenport, secured first place with two rounds of 76 including eight birdies in the final round. “The wind was hard to play in,” said Popson. “I am not used to the wind being from the middle of the state.” Popson, who won the 13-15 age division of the Junior Girls’ Championship, had confidence playing in the older age division after winning an event last week in the 16-18 age division. “I played well,” said Popson. “My iron game was good and my putting saved me a lot.” Jaime Brabb, 17, of Maitland, finished second shooting a 77-78—155. Two 11-year-olds, Kyle Roig and Alexis Thompson, tied for third place with a 156 total. The 20 girls played the Champions course from 6,116 yards.

Tournament rounds are scheduled to be held on the Champions Course.

PGA National Golf Club offers the experience of a lifetime. With five tournament-caliber tracks, all ranked by Zagat among "America's Top Golf Courses," there is something for every level of player.

PGA National has played host to many national and international events, including The Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, and from 1982 through 2000, the PGA Seniors Championship.

Click here to visit PGA National's website.

Eligibility
Male or female amateur golfers that are members of the FJT may apply for participation. Entries are subject to rejection at any time, including during the event by the FJT. The reason for rejection may include unbecoming behavior. Please see the Code of Conduct for further details.

Application Procedure
Tournament applications for this event may enter on-line at www.floridajuniortour.org. Players must complete a membership form, read the Tournament Policies and pay the membership fees before the tournament application will be processed. Entries must be received by 4:30 PM EST of the closing date. Telephone and fax requests will not be considered for selection. Players will receive an e-mail that their entry has been received and a second e-mail will be sent when the players is accepted into the field. As a player is not automatically confirmed into the tournament, travel arrangements should not be made until the second confirmation e-mail is received.

Entry Fee Includes
The entry fee of $95 includes Saturday and Sunday tournament rounds of golf, range balls prior to the tournament rounds and a tee prize.

Schedule of Play

Saturday, April 29th            11:30 AM        1st & 10th Tees
Sunday, April 30th               10:30 AM         1st & 10th Tees

Practice Round
Participants can set up a practice round at a special discounted rate of $35 plus tax by calling 561-627-1800. Times are available after 10:00 AM, five days in advance of the tournament. Parents may play for a rate of $45 plus tax.

Walking and Pull Carts
Players must walk and carry their clubs during the competition rounds. Pull carts are permitted

Directions
PGA National Golf Club
400 Avenue of Champions
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
561-627-1800

Click here for directions.

Hotel Information
Hampton Inn - RCA Blvd.
561-625-8800
$129.00 plus tax per night

Rate is on a space available basis and should be made by 3/29/2006.

Tees To Play
Tees are not set until the tournament staff arrives on site. Tournament set up can change, including yardages, to offset inclement weather or other course conditions (i.e. wet course conditions). Typical yardages are below:

• Boys 16-18 will play approximately 6,800 yards
• Girls 16-18 will play approximately 5,800 yards

National Rankings
This event is ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard and Golfweek/Titleist.
Click here to view a comparison of the two rankings.

AJGA (Performance Based Entrance)

• Boys    16-18    Champion                -1 Exemption
• Boys    16-18    Top Five Finishers     -1 Performance Star
• Girls     16-18    Champion                -1 Exemption

Registration
Registration will be available in front of the golf shop beginning at 9:30 AM prior to the first round. ALL players are expected to register. First round pairings, pace of play policy, local rules, hole locations and general tournament information will be distributed at registration.

Tee Times & Pairings
First round pairings and starting times will be available on the FJT website, www.floridajuniortour.org, three days after the closing date. After the completion of the first round all competitors will be regrouped by score within age group for their next round. Final round pairings will be available approximately one hour after the final score has been posted. They will be posted on the FJT website, on the scoreboard, and in the golf shop. It is the player's responsibility to be at his/her respective tee at least 10 minutes prior to teeing off. We recommend that you always see your tee time in black and white and if you still have questions, please contact a FJT official at the host facility.

Rules
USGA Rules of Golf will govern play. Local rules will be distributed at registration on the day of the first round.

Pace of Play
Pace of play will be strictly enforced with anticipated rounds less than 4 hours and 30 minutes. We strongly recommend that all players read and understand the FJT Pace of Play Policy. The Pace of Play policy can be reviewed on the FJT website under the Tournaments section.

Spectator Carts
Spectators will be authorized to rent carts, but must follow the published policy (available on site). More information is available on the FJT website under the Parents section.