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Highlands Today

Women's Amateur Ready To Tee It Up

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: December 7, 2007

AVON PARK — With a field featuring some of the top women golfers in the area, the Highlands County Women's Amateur tees off on Saturday.

The once popular tournament, which was last held in 1989, is a two-day, 36-hole stroke-play event and is being held at Highlands Ridge North.

A field of 18 women, which includes Sun 'N Lake club champion Nela Hodge and Highlands Ridge club champion Sheila Chirandidni, tee off at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

The field will be flighted after the first round and will play from the gold tees, which measure 5,600 yards with a par of 72.

Melissa Doorlag, who works at Highlands Ridge North, will also be competing for the coveted title, and she thinks that a two-day total of 160 will contend for the championship.

"We have some strong players competing in the tournament and I think something around 160 has a chance to win," Doorlag said. "The weather is supposed to be nice and the course is in excellent shape."

Unfortunately, Doorlag said, no local high school golfers are playing in the tournament.

A strong short game will be required to win the championship considering the size and speed of the Highlands Ridge North greens.

"Most of the women keep the ball in play off the tee," Doorlag said. "Being able to get up and down around the greens and making short putts will be a key to winning.

"This is a tournament we're looking forward to hosting and hopefully, it will be a success and continue to grow."

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