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Highlands Today

Liles leads Sertoma Junior Golf

Mark Pinson, Highlands Today

Lincoln Saunders watches his drive on the second hole during Wednesday's Sertoma Junior Tour event at Highlands Ridge South.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: June 26, 2009

AVON PARK - Taking advantage of steady play and a solid putting round, Sebring senior Blake Liles shot a 2-under-par 70 to take the first round lead in the Sertoma Junior Tour's Expert Energy Savings Classic at Highlands Ridge South on Wednesday.

Liles leads the boys 17-18 age group by four shots over Avon Park golfer Greg Gentry, who carded a 2-over-par 74, while Aaron Walkup is at 83 and Brett Drummond is in fourth after an 87.

The Sertoma Junior Tour, which is for ages 5-18, gives youngsters a chance to compete against golfers their own age on different courses each week during the summer.

This week's event was a 2-day tournament with the competitors playing on Highlands Ridge North in Thursday's final round.

Sean Garner leads the boys 15-16 division with an 83, while Taylor Barlow is second at 84 and Lincoln Saunders and Colin Walkup are tied at 85.

Drew Hornick and Daniel Miller are tied at 86.

"It was a tough day for most of the kids," said Sertoma Junior Tour director Andy Kesling. "It was very humid and the South course is very demanding and requires a lot of course management.

"The lower scores were shot by the more experienced golfers and most of the age groups are close and it's going to come down to who plays the best on the North course."

In the girls 14-18 age group, Sebring senior Camiel White leads after shooting a 94, while Blue Streak teammate Lindsey Lovett is second with a 99 and Avon Park linkster Paige Moffat is in third place at 102.

In the girls 11-13 division, which plays nine holes, Kendall Griffin is first after shooting a 50, while Emily Waller is in second at 55 and Kaylan Rotman is third after a 62.

Will Bennett leads the boys 13-14 age group with a 96, while Joey Staffieri shot a 100 and William Beattie is third at 103.

In the boys 11-12 division, which play nine holes, Jett Dexter is in first after firing a 43, while Silas Berry and Michael Ford are tied for second at 45.

Charlie Anderson leads the boys 9-10 age group, which plays nine holes, with a 48, while Chance Bertram is second with a 57 and Julian Crozier is in third with a 59.

In the boys 6-8 division, which plays six holes from 200-yards away from the green, Zach Doorlag leads with a 45, while Luke Halprin is in second after shooting a 47.

Thursday's final round results from Highlands Ridge North were not available at press time.

"The kids are looking forward to playing Highlands Ridge North and I think the scores will be a little lower," said Kesling. "All of the age groups are close heading into the final round of play and I think it's going to make for some interesting golf.

"It just depends on who steps up and plays a solid round of golf."

For the complete story and photos from the final round, be sure to check out Saturday's Highlands Today sports section.

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

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