TwinEagles (16-18)

McConnell, Kennedy Claim TwinEagles Title

Ian McConnell and Casey Kennedy each claimed their first victory in the older age division winning the 54-hole Florida Junior Tour (FJT) event over Memorial Day weekend at The Club at TwinEagles in Naples presented by Yes! Golf.

Ian McConnell, 15, from Riverview, came back from three strokes down to secure the boys 16-18 age division on the second playoff hole. After 36 holes, McConnell posted a 72-69 to trail the leader by three. “In the first two rounds, I made a lot of putts,” said McConnell. “I only missed one or two putts inside of ten feet.” Coming out strong in the final round with two birdies on the first three holes, McConnell shot a 73 to force a playoff. “I didn’t know where I stood until the 18th hole,” said McConnell. “I just needed to 2-putt for par to go to a playoff.” McConnell as well as Blayne Barber, 17, from Lake City, and Andres Pumariega, 17, of Miami, posted a 2-under par 214 for the three rounds. Playing the 18th hole, McConnell and Barber made par to continue on to the second playoff hole. On the 10th hole, Barber’s 20 foot birdie putt lipped out as McConnell sank an eight foot putt for birdie and the win. “I hit the ball well in the final round,” said McConnell. “I didn’t make any putts until the second playoff hole.” This is McConnell’s best finish in the older age division and adds to his two wins in the 13-15 age division. Barber, the 2006 Boys Junior Champion, shot a 72-71-71 while Pumariega logged a 72-73-69 to share second place.

Casey Kennedy, 15, from Venice, went wire-to -wire to win her first event in the older age division. Kennedy posted consistent rounds of 74-73 to lead by two heading into the final round of play. On the back nine of the second round, Kennedy recorded a 3-under par 33. “The 2-stroke lead was very comforting,” said Kennedy. “I just wanted to play it safe and not do anything too crazy.” Firing a 2-under par 70 in the final round and tying the low round of the division, Kennedy sealed the victory by five strokes recording a 217 total. “I putted much better in the final round,” said Kennedy. “It’s very nice to have a win in this age division.” This victory tops her second and third place finishes this season in the 16-18 age division. In a tie for second place, Meghan Chapman, 17, from Seminole, and Andrea Messer, 16, of Belleair, each logged a 222 total. After each recorded a first round 77, Chapman shot a 72-73 as Messer shot 75-70 in the final two rounds.

The 18-hole "Talon" course at the The Club At TwinEagles facility in Naples, Florida features 7,193 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.  The course rating is 75.5 and it has a slope rating of 141.  Designed by Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA/Jack Nicklaus II, ASGCA, the Talon golf course opened in 1999.

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 must be submitted 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 player 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. Review the Field Determination section in Tournament Policies for further details.

Entry Fee Includes
The entry fee of $145 (for GHIN members) or $165 (for non GHIN members) includes tournament rounds of golf, range balls prior to the tournament rounds and a tee prize.

Schedule of Play
Saturday, May 26        11:45 AM        1st and 10th Tee Start
Sunday, May 27            7:30 AM        1st and 10th Tee Start
Monday, May 28            7:30 AM        1st and 10th Tee Start

Practice Round
Participants can set up a practice round at a special discounted rate of $25 plus tax by calling 239-352-2121. Times are available Monday-Friday after 10:00 AM 5 days in advance. Parents may play for $45 plus tax.

Hotels
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples has a limited block of rooms available at a special tournament rate of $129 per night, plus 10% tax. This special group rate is valid from Thursday, May 24 to Tuesday, May 29. Reservations can only be made by calling the hotel directly and requesting the Florida Junior Tour - TwinEagles rate. Rooms and rates are subject to availability and other restrictions. Please make your reservation as soon as possible by calling (239) 593-2000.

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

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 6,900 yards
• Girls 16-18 will play approximately 6,000 yards

National Rankings
This event is ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard and by the Golfweek/Titleist Saragin ranking system.

AJGA (Performance Based Entrance)
Boys
Champion - 2 Exemptions
Top 5 - 1 Exemption
Top 10 - Performance Star
Girls
Champion - 2 Exemptions
Top 3 - 1 Exemption
Top 5 - 1 Performance Star

Registration
Registration will be available prior to the first round. ALL players are expected to register. 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, typically three days after the closing date. After the completion of the first round all competitors will be repaired by score within their age group for their next round. Final round pairings will be available approximately one hour after the final score has been posted. Pairings will be posted to the FJT website and at the club. It is the players' 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. Review the FJT Hard Card. The Notice to Players (local rules) will be distributed 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 tab.

Spectator Carts
Spectators will be authorized to rent carts, but must follow the published policy. More information is available on the FJT website under the Parents section. Spectator carts will cost $25 plus tax per day.