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Sertoma Junior Tour Down To The Wire

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Scott Cantwell blasts out of the sand trap during a recent Sertoma Junior Golf Tour event. Many of the age group championships came down to Sunday's final round at Sun 'N Lake Country Club.

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By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 18, 2008

SEBRING - The youngsters that compete on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour have worked hard on their games and overcoming their nerves over the course of the summer.

They got a chance to see how much they've learned and improved by competing in the final tournament of the summer over the weekend at Sun 'N Lake Country Club.

Many of the age group titles are very close and the two-day Tour Championships, which was held on the Turtle Run course on Saturday and the Deer Run course on Sunday, would decide the final standings.

In the boys 17-18 age group, Rocky Khara held a slim five-point advantage over Blake Liles and a 20-point lead over Greg Gentry heading into Saturday's round.

Khara came out sizzling on Saturday and carded nines of 34-34 for a 4-under 68, while Liles and Gentry each shot 75.

"That was an impressive round by Rocky," said Sertoma Junior Tour director Andy Kesling. "He hits it very long and when he hits it straight, he's tough to beat."

All of the players managed to finish their rounds despite a 15-minute rain delay.

"We were fortunate to dodge the rain," said Kesling. "It helped to cool things off a little bit and I'm sure the kids didn't mind that."

In the boys 15-16 division, Evan Danzey has a slim lead over Sean Garner, Jason Sava and Taylor Barlow.

Garner shot an 84 on Saturday, while Barlow had an 85 and Danzey came in with a 91.

"That division has been a battle all summer," said Kesling, who is an assistant pro at Sun 'N Lake Country Club. "I'm sure it will come down to who plays the best on Sunday."

In the girls 14-18 age group, Camiel White, who has a lock on first place, shot a 105, while Lindsey Lovett and Paige Moffat each came in with a 111.

"Camiel has been consistent all summer," said Kesling. "She has worked hard to improve and it shows."

In the boys 13-14 bracket, Colin Walkup, who is in second place, shot a 95, while leader Daniel Miller carded a 97 and Austin Tracey came in with a 106.

Silas Berry, who has a lock on first place in the boys 11-12 age group, shot an impressive 44 for nine holes, while Joey Staffieri came in at 51 and Tyler Hewett carded a 53.

"Silas is a real competitor," said Kesling. "He is a good athlete and had a very solid summer."

Jett Dexter, who leads the boys 9-10 division, shot a 43, while Nic Staffieri had a 48 and David DeGenaro came in with a 51.

Kendall Griffin, who has clinched first in the girls 10-under age group, shot a 50, while Avie Clark had a 55 and Emily Waller shot a 61.

In the boys 6-8 division, Zach Doorlag shot a 52 and Quinn Clark came in with a 62.

"We've had a great summer and playing under pressure is a good experience for the kids," said Kesling.

Results from Sunday's final round were not available at press time.

For the complete story and pictures from Sunday's awards banquet see Tuesday's sports section.

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

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