TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Another Playoff, Another Khara Win

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Sarah Liles watches this chip shot on the ninth hole during Thursday's Sertoma junior Golf Tour event at Harder Hall golf course.

ADVERTISEMENT

By BRIAN GJURGEVICH

Highlands Today

Published: July 26, 2008

SEBRING - Rocky Khara's favorite hole of late has undoubtedly been No. 19.

For the second time this month, the Bagwell Junior Tournament champion came from behind and birdied the first playoff hole to defeat Sebring High School's Blake Liles and win the 17-18 boys division at a Sertoma Junior Tour event at Harder Hall golf course.

Each player fired a 73 on Thursday to send the division to extra holes, one shot ahead of third-place finisher Greg Gentry of Avon Park, who carded a 74.

"It's always nice to see these two in a playoff," said Sertoma Director Andy Kesling, who noted that Liles bogeyed No. 17 and No. 18 to slip into a playoff with Khara. "The experience is very valuable for both."

Another notable low round came from Julian Crozier, whose 27 over six holes captured the 6-8 boys division. Crozier nailed a 25-foot birdie on No. 6 - his first-ever birdie in tournament play - to cap off the impressive round.

"That's one of the best scores I've seen for that age group," Kesling said. "It's been great to watch him progress over the past couple of years.

"I'm very proud of Julian today - that's what this tour is all about, watching these kids have fun and improve their golf games."

Camiel White also impressed, breaking the century mark and winning the 14-18 girls division with a 96. That score edged division rivals Sarah Liles (107) and Paige Moffat (109).

Another low round came from Evan Danzey, who cruised to victory in the 15-16 boys division with a 75. Jason Sava took second in the division with a 83, while Taylor Barlow carded an 85 for third. Tyler Sanders (87) and Aaron Walkup (89) rounded out the top five.

Colin Walkup was the only player among the 13-14 boys to break the century mark and won the division with a 91. Dalton Hewett took second with a 103, followed by Daniel Miller (107), William Beattie (109) and Will Bennett (117).

There was a tight race atop the 11-12 boys division, but in the end, Joey Staffieri took first place with a 53 for nine holes, one ahead of Silas Berry (54). Zach Garner (57), Tariq Ausaf (63) and Terrell Williams (67) rounded out the top five.

Jett Dexter won the 9-10 boys division with a nine-hole score of 49, followed by Nic Staffieri (51), Kyle Hewett (60) and Austen Flannery (67).

The 10-under girls division - which also played nine holes - was won by Kendall Griffin, whose 55 edged out Emily Waller's 57. Nisha Patel (61) and Avie Clark (74) rounded out the field.

The Sertoma Tour continues on Thursday, when the players head to Pinecrest golf course.

"We're looking forward to the next couple of tournaments," said Kesling. "There should be good points-battles down the stretch."

SERTOMA EVENT NO. 7

At Harder Hall golf course

17-18 Boys - Rocky Khara, 73 (won in playoff over Blake Liles)

15-16 Boys - Evan Danzey, 75

13-14 Boys - Colin Walkup, 91

11-12 Boys - Joey Staffieri, 53

9-10 Boys - Jett Dexter, 49

6-8 Boys - Julian Crozier, 27 (nine holes)

14-18 Girls - Camiel White, 96

10-under Girls - Kendall Griffin, 55 (nine holes)

Brian Gjurgevich can be reached at 863-386-5841 or bgjurgevich@highlandstoday.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT