TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Liles wins Sertoma golf

Highlands Today file photo

Sebring High senior Blake Liles shot rounds of 70-72-142 to win the boys 17-18 age group in the Sertoma Junior Tour's Expert Energy Savings Classic that was played over the Highlands Ridge North and South courses on Wednesday and Thursday.

ADVERTISEMENT

By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: June 27, 2009

AVON PARK - Keeping the ball in the fairway is important to shooting a good round of golf at the demanding Highlands Ridge North course.

Sebring High School senior Blake Liles managed to hit plenty of fairways, and the talented left-hander made his share of putts to shoot an even-par 72 in Thursday's final round of the Sertoma Junior Tour's Expert Energy Savings Classic.

Liles shot a 2-under-par 70 in Wednesday's first round at Highlands Ridge South for a two-day total of 142 to win the boys 17-18 age group.

"I hit the ball really well both days," said Liles. "I didn't make as many putts as I would have liked, but I'm pleased with my game and the results I'm getting."

Avon Park High standout linkster Greg Gentry finished second at 158, while Aaron Walkup finished third with a 169 and Clay Davis claimed fourth at 175.

The two-day event, which was for youngsters ages 6-18, attracted 56 junior golfers who competed in very hot and humid conditions over the tough Highlands Ridge courses.

"The kids did a good job of getting around the course on another very hot and humid day," said Sertoma Junior Tour director Andy Kesling. "It was interesting watching the kids deal with the very fast greens on the North course. I saw a lot of three putts and I hope this makes the kids realize how important that aspect of the game is.

"Ball striking is very important, but the golfers that dedicate a lot of practice time to chipping and putting are the ones that separate themselves from the pack."

Daniel Miller won the boys 15-16 division with a two-day total of 169, while Sean Garner placed second with a 171 and Colin Walkup finished third at 177.

"I knew I had to play well today because I was three shots back," said Miller. "My tee shots were good and I made some key putts that kept me from making any big numbers."

In the girls 14-18 age group, Sebring senior Camiel White finished first with a 180, while Avon Park golfer Paige Moffat placed second at 188 and Blue Streak linkster Lindsey Lovett came in third with a 190.

Will Bennett won the boys 13-14 division with a 188, while William Beattie claimed second at 190 and Joey Staffieri came in third with a 201.

In the girls 11-13 age group, which plays nine holes, Kendall Griffin finished first with a 105, while Emily Waller placed second at 114, Kaylan Rotman shot a 123 and Avie Clark finished at 139.

Silas Berry won the boys 11-12 division, which plays nine holes, with a two-day total of 92, while Jett Dexter placed second at 95 and Michael Ford claimed third place with a 96.

In the boys 9-10 age group, which plays nine holes, Charlie Anderson won with a score of 99, while Chance Bertram came in second with a 109, Julian Crozier had a 112 and Garrett Norris came in with a 152.

Zach Doorlag won the boys 6-8 age group, which plays six holes from 200-yards away from the green, with a fine score of 84, while Luke Halprin placed second with a score of 96.

"We had a great two days of golf and I want to thank Highlands Ridge director of golf Sam Timms and his staff for a wonderful experience," Kesling said. "I also want to thank Joel Walkup and the people with Expert Energy Savings Inc. for sponsoring the tournament."

The next Sertoma Junior Tour event is set for next Thursday at Golf Hammock Country Club.

"We've been fortunate with the weather so far this summer and I'm hoping even more kids come out for next week's event at Golf Hammock," said Kesling. "The age groups are very competitive and it's great to se the kids working hard to improve their games."

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

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT