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Sertoma Golf Titles Up For Grabs

Brian Gjurgevich/Highlands Today

Rocky Khara leads the boys 17-18 age group heading into this weekend's Sertoma Junior Golf Tour Championship at Sun 'N Lake Country Club.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: August 16, 2008

SEBRING - The summer has flown by and the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour wraps up its 14th year this weekend with its two-day Tour Championship tournament at Sun 'N Lake Country Club.

"It's been a really good summer," said Sertoma Junior Tour director Andy Kesling. "Our numbers are up slightly from last year, and it's been very competitive in most of the age groups.

"The kids have improved and learned more about the right way to play the game, and that's what the Sertoma Junior Tour is all about."

Most of the age group point standings are close, and the two-day tournament, which begins at 9 a.m. today, will decide the winners.

The point totals for each player are based on top-five finishes in the first eight events of the summer season, with the Tour Championship worth double points.

"A lot of the age groups are so close that whoever does well this weekend has a chance to move up," said Kesling, who is an assistant professional at Sun 'N Lake Country Club.

The youngsters, ages 5-18, will play the Turtle Run course today and will compete on the demanding Deer Run course on Sunday.

In the boy's 17-18 age group, Rocky Khara has a tenuous five-point lead over Blake Liles and a 20-point advantage over Greg Gentry.

"Those three boys are talented and have battled all summer," Kesling said. "Rocky's a very good player, but Blake and Greg have the ability to come from behind.

"It should be an interesting finish."

In the girls 14-18 division, Camiel White has a lock on first place with a 40-point lead over Sarah Liles, while Paige Moffat is in third place.

"Paige has had a solid summer and Sarah has improved and gotten a lot more confidence in her game," said Kesling

Evan Danzey is clinging to a six-point lead in the boys 15-16 age group over Sean Garner, Jason Sava is seven points behind and Taylor Barlow is within striking distance just 13 points back.

"This age group is definitely up for grabs," said Kesling. "They have been close all summer and it's going to come down to Sunday's final round."

In the boys 13-14 division, Daniel Miller leads Colin Walkup by 10 points, while Dalton Hewett is in third place 37 points behind.

"Daniel started out strong, but Colin has really come on the last few events to close the gap," said Kesling.

Silas Berry leads the boys 11-12 age group by 40 points over Joey Staffieri, while Zach Garner is in third place.

"Silas has been consistent over the summer and has steadily improved his game," Kesling said.

In the girl's 10-under division, Kendall Griffin holds a commanding lead over Emily Waller, while Avie Clark is in third place.

Jett Dexter leads the boys 9-10 age group with 150 points, while Nic Staffieri is in second place with 135 and Ben Tubbs is within striking distance with 131.

In the boys 6-8 age group, Julian Crozier is in first place, while Quinn Clark is in second and Zach Doorlag is in third.

"Julian has improved a lot over the summer and should be ready to compete in the next age group next year," Kesling said.

The tournament concludes on Sunday with the awards banquet to follow at the Sun 'N Lake Community Center.

"It should be a great weekend of golf, and we're looking forward to the awards banquet," Kesling said.

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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