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Highlands Today

Fragakis, Feng Win Junior Golf Tour Event

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Special to Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 27, 2009

LAKE PLACID - Brian Fragakis went wire-to-wire and Cindy Feng came from behind to win the 16-18 division titles at the Florida Junior Tour's (FJT) event at Placid Lakes Country Club on Sunday.

The two-day, 36-hole tournament attracted more than 80 of the top junior golfers in the state.

Fragakis, of Royal Palm Beach, led after a first round score of 3-under-par 69 on Saturday over the 6,815-yard, par 72 Placid Lakes course.

The 18-year-old Fragakis followed with a two-under par 70 in Sunday's second round, winning by four strokes for his second FJT win of the season.

Coming in second place was Alec Ceravolo, of Palm Beach Gardens.
Ceravolo finished the event at one-under par, shooting rounds of 71-72.

Aaron Watson, of Palm Harbor, finished the event at even par after rounds of 73-71 to take home third place honors.

Cindy Feng, of Orlando, captured her second victory this season in the 16-18 division to go along with her three second place finishes.

The 12-year of Feng, who attends the Leadbetter Academy in Orlando, shot a 2-over-par 74 in the first round and trailed first round leader Erica Popson by three strokes.

Feng carded a 1-under 71 on Sunday to edge Popson by one stroke for the title. Popson, of Davenport, finished in second place with rounds of 71-75.

Rounding out third place was Kristine Odiayar, of Ocala, shooting rounds of 73-78.

Placid Lakes professional Shane Ward was pleased with the turnout for the tournament and the fact that things ran smoothly.

"I was very pleased with the tournament and I can't thank the volunteers enough for their assistance," said Ward. "The weather was great and these are some of the top junior golfers in the state.

"The maintenance crew did a great job with the course and we look forward to hosting one of these events again and hopefully, we can get some local players to participate."

Conducted by the Florida State Golf Association, the Florida Junior Tour (FJT) is a junior golf tour offering highly competitive and affordable competitions for juniors in Florida.

The 2008-2009 season consists of 23 events for juniors, male and female, ages 13-18 beginning in September and running through May.

The FJT schedule will play at some of the state's top courses including LPGA International Golf Club and Sara Bay Country Club.

This year will also feature 54-hole events over the Thanksgiving and Memorial Day weekends.

The FJT's focus is on quality, affordability and integrity, and tournaments consist of 36 holes conducted over two days, typically weekends, with an entry fee of $95. Scholarship entry is available to junior golfers unable to afford the entry fee.

Working closely with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), FJT top competitors will receive exemptions and performance points towards AJGA events.

The FJT is the only Florida tour to participate in the AJGA's Performance Based Process. In addition, FJT events will be ranked by the Junior Golf Scoreboard, which helps junior golfers market themselves without having to travel the country.

The FJT will maintain a points list to assist in determining Junior Player-of-the-Year and invitations to other tournaments.

To view complete pairings, tee times, and results, please see www.floridajuniortour.org.

The FJT is conducted by the Florida State Golf Association which conducts 25 State Championships and more than 40 qualifying tournaments for USGA National Championships. The FSGA also maintains the USGA Handicap System, performs course ratings throughout Florida and assists in junior programs and scholarships.

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