Ritz-Carlton GC (16-18 & 13-15)

Gates Wins Inaugural FJT Event in Playoff

The inaugural Florida Junior Tour (FJT) kicked off this weekend at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando and finished with a playoff in the boys 16-18 age division.

After 36 holes, Robert Gates, Seath Lauer and Cameron Knight were tied with a two-day total 146 in the boys 16-18 age division. On the first playoff hole, the par five 18th, Gates, of Gainesville, emerged as the Champion after he made par, Knight made bogey and Lauer double bogeyed the hole. Gates, who will attend Texas A&M University in the fall, hit his tee shot into the fairway bunker. He then recovered and eventually two-putted from 15 feet for par. Gates led after the first day shooting a three-under par 69 and then recorded a 77 in the final round to finish two-over par for the tournament. Afterwards Gates said, “I just tried to have fun and hit the best shot possible.”

In the girls 16-18 age division, Mandy Friction, 17, of Merritt Island, shot a 87-81—168 to win the division by three strokes over Natalia Godoy, of Weston.

Three juniors were tied at 174 to finish six strokes back from Friction. Oliver Farr, of Ocoee, placed first in the boys 13-15 age division, recording the low round of the final day, 69. Farr shot a 74 in the first round to finish with a 143. Michael Sedacca, of Orlando, shot a two-over par 146 to place second and two players tied at 147 for third.

In the girls 13-15 age division, Vicky Hurst, of Melbourne, shot a 74-74—148 to win the division by five strokes over Alina Lee, of Bradenton. Lee, 13, who won the 2003 FWSGA Junior Championship, shot an 81 on the first day and with her even par round of 72 had a two-day total of 153.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, located at the headwaters of the Everglades, was designed by Greg Norman to preserve the indigenous flora of the region. While your senses are entranced by panoramic vistas, your skills will be challenged by the intimate layout of this golf course and become a favorite of local tour players. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club closely replicates the firm and fast course conditions of a PGA Tour event. Managed by the Ritz-Carlton, this par-72 Orlando golf course offers a variety of experiences and shot options.

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 4:30pm EST of the closing date. Telephone or fax request will not be considered for selection.

When Are You Accepted Into The Event?

Players will receive an e-mail that their entry has been received (this does not mean that you are in the field).  A second e-mail will be sent when the player is accepted into the field. Exempt players and those with outstanding playing credentials may gain entry very quickly.  Most players will not be confirmed into the event until the final week when entries close.

Travel Arrangements

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

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Cookout
The cookout will begin approximately 5:30 PM for players, parents and guest of the Florida Junior Tour. The menu will consist of hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, and variety of salads, chips, cookies and soft drinks. Parents will be asked to pay a nominal fee.

Guests invited include host professionals of future Florida Junior Tour events, USGA representative and the AJGA Vice President for Player Services, Beth Reuter. Beth will be available to answer your question concerning the AJGA.

Practice Round
Participants can set up a practice round at a special discounted rate of $20 plus tax by calling 407-393-4900. Times are available March 7-9 & 11-12 after 1 PM. Unrestricted walking is allowed.

Rate: $20 per junior event participant, $45 per accompanying parent/guardian of the of the junior event participant.
Cart Fee: $20 per cart additional if requested (driver must have a valid Drivers License)

Walking and Pull Carts
All players must walk and carry their clubs during the competition rounds. Pull carts will be permitted.

Directions
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is located off John Young Parkway south of Sand Lake Road. See www.fsga.org, club directory, for a map and directions to the course.

Hotel Information
Arrangements have been made at: You must identify yourself as an FJT competitor for reservations.

The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes (On-Property Option-within walking distance)
Available: March 12-14, 2004
Rate: $149 plus tax per room
Reservations: (800)-576-5750
Rate Available until February 29, 2004

Fairfield In by Marriott Village at Lake Buena Vista (approximately 15 minutes from the course)
Available: March 12-14, 2004
Rate: $72 plus tax per room
Reservations: (877)-682-8552
Rate Available until February 12, 2004

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. course conditions wet). Typical yardages are below.:

• Boys 16 – 18 6700 – 6900 Yards
• Boys 13 – 15 6300 – 6500 Yards
• Girls 16 – 18 6100 – 6300 Yards
• Girls 13 – 15 5700 – 5900 Yards

Junior Golf Scoreboard Ranked
This event is a Junior Golf Scoreboard ranked tournament.

AJGA (Performance Based Entrance)

• Boys 16-18     Champion              - 1 Exemption
• Boys 16-18     Top Five Finishers  - One Performance Star
• Girls 16-18      Champion              - 1 Exemption
• Boys 13-15     Champion              - 1 Exemption to a Jr. All Stars event
• Girls 13-15      Champion              - 1 Exemption to a Jr. All Star event

Registration
Registration will be available in front of the pro-shop beginning at 9:30 AM prior to the first round. ALL players are expected 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 Florida Junior Tour website 3 days after the closing date and on Thursday, March 11th, at the Pro Shop. 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 one hour after the final score has been posted. They will be posted to the FJT web site, on the scoreboard, and in the pro shop. 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 an FJT official at the host facility.

Rules
USGA Rules of Golf will govern play. Local rules will be distributed at registration on Saturday.

Pace of Play
Pace of play will be strictly enforced with anticipated rounds less than 4 hours and 30 minutes. We strongly recommended that you become knowledge of the FJT Pace of Play Policy. Pace of Play Policy can be reviewed on the FJT web site under Tournaments section.

Spectators Carts
Spectators will be authorized to rent carts for $20, but must follow the published policy (available on site). More information is available on the FJT web site under Parents.