Sara Bay CC (13-15)

Perna Impresses with a 64; Zeng Wins Again

The FJT returned to the famed Sara Bay Country Club in Sarasota for another 13-15 age division event. The course was again in perfect condition and the weather couldn't have been better.

In the girls division, Courtney Zeng, of Orlando, took a one stroke lead with a 76 (+4). Hiu  Lam Vanessa Yan, of Bradenton, Kaely Krayeski, of Wellington, and Alyssa Lamoureux, of Seminole, all shot a 77 to trail Zeng by one.

In the final round the girls started on the back nine and Zeng got off to a steady start. She made seven pars and two bogies on the back nine to make the turn at 38 and increase her lead. Playing in the group ahead, Courtney's younger sister Kelsey started the day only two strokes back and shot a 39 on the back to trail her sister by three strokes with nine holes to go.

On the inward half, it was essentially a three girl race between the Zengs and Krayeski. Krayeski needed to make a few birdies on her final nine, but couldn't get any putts to drop. She finished with eight pars and a bogey for another 77 and a 154 total. Kelsey Zeng also needed to make some birdies, but only managed one on her final hole for a 76 which tied Krayeski at 154. Courtney Zeng reached her final hole, a short par 5 over a creek, and needed a par to win. She calmly made her second birdie of the day to post consecutive 76's for a two shot victory. Courtney has played in three FJT events this year and has posted two wins and a second place finish. She turns 16 this week and will move up to the older age division for the rest of the year.

In the boys division, Jeremy Perna, of Sarasota, shocked the field by shooting a first round 64 (-8) to take a six shot lead into the final round (birdies on 3, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 17 & 18). His bogey-free 64 ties the third lowest score ever shot in the 13-15 age division on the FJT (Records).

In the final round Perna had a roller-coaster front nine with a bogey on #2, birdies on #3 and #4, bogey on #5, birdie on #6 and a double bogey on #7 to make the turn at 37. As the leaders where making the turn news started to spread that Andy Zhang, of Reunion, was making a move. Zhang birdied both par 5's on the front nine to make the turn at 34 (he shot 72 in the first round). On the final nine, Perna continued to struggle by making bogies on holes #10 and #15, and a double bogey on #14 while Zhang, a couple groups ahead, was holding steady a few shots under par for the day.

Sara Bay's 17th and 18th holes are both reachable par 5's that can make for exciting finishes. On #17, Zhang just missed a birdie and knew he needed a birdie or better on the last. He hit a great drive on #18 and had a long iron into the green which he hit on the right side of the green leaving him a lengthy eagle putt. As Zhang lined up his eagle putt Perna drained a six foot birdie putt on the 17th hole. Zhang missed his eagle and tapped in for par posting rounds of 72-69--141 (-3). As Perna waited in the 18th fairway we was not sure how he stood, "I wasn't sure," Perna said, "I was struggling today and just wanted to make another birdie so I went for it in two". Perna's second shot landed on the front of green leaving him with three putts to claim his first victory. He three-putted for par and a one-stroke victory. Perna posted rounds of 65-76--140 (-4).

Robert Eisch, of Tampa, played consistent all weekend to finish in third place. Eisch birdied the his final two holes to post rounds of 71-72--143 .

Results

Photos

Entries Open:  Wednesday, August 7th
Entry Deadline: Wednesday, August 21st

Founded in 1926, Sara Bay Country Club is one of Florida's most distinguished and prestigious country clubs. Our facilities are for the exclusive use of our members and their guests.

Designed by legendary architect Donald Ross, he considered Sara Bay among his personal favorites, and it is widely recognized as one of Florida's finest classic courses. The course is designed on a choice piece of land that includes undulating terrain, native trees, and a meandering creek.

Click here to visit the club's website

Age Division

This tournament is for the 13-15 age division. Ages are calculated by the last day of the event.

Entry Fee

The entry fee of $95 (for GHIN handicap members) or $115 (non-GHIN handicap members) includes tournament rounds, range balls prior to tournament rounds, crystal trophies for the top three finishers, and a tee gift.

To receive the GHIN handicap price, the player, or one of the players' parents must have an active GHIN handicap at a club in Florida. The seven digit GHIN number must be submitted with the entry.

Late Fee:  A late fee of $10 will applied to all entries received after the entry deadline. The entry fee and late fee will only be charged if the player gets accepted into the tournament field. (effective 1/1/13)

Schedule of Play

• Saturday, September 28th:  12:00 PM - 1:57 PM off the 1st and 10th tees
• Sunday, September 29th:  8:00 AM - 9:57 AM off the 1st and 10th tees

Where to Stay

The FSGA has a room block setup for players at the Marriott Spring Hill Suites Sarasota/Bradenton. Click the following for information. Hotel Information

Practice Round

Players can set-up a practice round at a special discounted rate of $25 if walking, or $38 with a cart (must have valid driver license), plus tax which includes a cart by calling 941-355-6544. Practice rounds are available one week prior to the tournament and after 12:00 PM the weekend before. Times are available on a space available basis.

During practice rounds, players are not allowed to play multiple shots off tees or into greens. The playing of multiple shots or slow play may result in the player's removal from the course without a refund.

Walking and Pull/Push Carts

Players must walk and carry their clubs during the competition rounds (pull/push carts are permitted). Caddies are not permitted.

Tees To Play

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

• Boys 13-15 will play approximately 6,700 yards
• Girls 13-15 will play approximately 5,800 yards

National Rankings

This event is ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard.

AJGA - PBE (Performance Based Entrance)

Boys

• Winner receives 2 performance stars

Girls

• Winner receives 2 performance stars

Spectator Carts

Spectators will be authorized to rent carts, but must follow the Spectator policies. Spectator carts will cost $20 a day, plus tax. Spectator carts may be limited, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility

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

Application Procedure

• Tournament applications must be submitted through the website with valid payment. Telephone and fax requests will not be accepted.
• Applicants must have a current FSGA/FJT membership.
• Entries must be received by of the closing date. Late entries are allowed and will be accepted into the tournament field only on a space available basis.
• Players should read the Tournament Policies and Pace of Play policy.
• Players will receive an e-mail that their entry has been received and a second e-mail will be sent if 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 Tournament Policies for further details.

Field Determination Summary

• Players with an unused FJT exemption will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Players without an FJT exemption - all other entries are held until the entry closing date.  Shortly after the closing date, a computer-generated, random draw is performed to determine which entries are accepted, and the order of the alternates.   All players are notified of their status after the random draw is conducted,
• An alternates list will be posted to the FJT website under "Tee Times & Player Information".

Click here for further details.

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 tee times and pairings will be available on the website approximately five weeks prior to the tournament. 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 available on the website, at the club, and will be sent via text message. It is the player's responsibility to be at his/her respective starting tee at least 10 minutes prior to teeing off. We recommend that you always see your tee time in black and white (in print), and if you still have questions, please contact an FSGA Official at the host facility.

Rules

USGA Rules of Golf will govern play. Review the FSGA Hard Card and Pace of Play Policy. The Notice to Players (local rules and hole locations) will be distributed on the starting tee.

Range Finders - Electronic distance measuring devices are allowed. (effective December 1st, 2012)

Music - Phones and other devices that play music should not be used at the tournament site.  Listening to music during a competitive round will generally result in disqualification under the Rules of Golf.  This is true for all types of competitions - not just FJT (new Rule in 2012).

Pace of Play

The FJT uses a checkpoint pace of play policy that provides no verbal warnings throughout the round. Each group is responsible for playing under the allotted time or finishing each checkpoint hole within 15 minutes of the group ahead of them.

Pace of play will be strictly enforced with anticipated rounds to be less than 4 hours and 45 minutes. We strongly recommend that all players and parents read and understand the Pace of Play Policy.