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Gentry finishes 39th at state

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Avon Park junior Greg Gentry shot an 81 on Wednesday to finish 10-over-par total, a tie for 39th, at the Class 1A state golf tournament at Juliette Falls Golf Course in Dunnellon.

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Highlands Today Staff Report

Published: November 6, 2009

DUNNELLON - Avon Park junior Greg Gentry carded rounds of 73-81 to finish tied for 39th place in the boys Class 1A state golf tournament at Juliette Falls Golf and Spa Community on Wednesday.

Gentry had a pair of double bogeys and a triple bogey over the demanding 6,800-yard, par-72 Juliette Falls layout.

"Greg played better than his score indicated," said veteran Avon Park golf coach Bobby Barben. "He made three or four bad swings and it seemed like every time he did, it cost him.

"He had a few three-putts on some very fast greens, but he showed a lot of heart and hung in there against some very good golfers to finish on a positive note."

Archbishop McCarthy's (Fort Lauderdale) Jesse Perkins was medalist with a two day total of 67-71-138, while Matt Ceravolo of Benjamin (West Palm Beach) placed second with a 140.

Gentry, who was medalist at districts, shot a 73 at regionals to finish third to qualify for the prestigious state tournament.

"There were a lot of people here and this has been a neat experience for me," Gentry said.

Sebring's Rocky Khara, who plays on the local Sertoma Junior Golf Tour in the summer, had rounds of 75-74-149 to finish 26th in the boys Class 2A state golf tournament at Silver Springs Shores Country Club on Wednesday in Ocala.

Khara, who is a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, is being looked at by several Division I programs, including the University of Michigan, and his strong play at the state tournament on a very demanding and long Silver Springs Shores course should attract some very good offers.

With Gentry returning for his senior season, the experience he gained at the state tournament should be invaluable to him.

"Greg's an outstanding golfer and the experience at state is only going to help him," said Barben. "All the golfers at state were very solid players and Greg can play with any of them.

"A lot of the players had professional help their entire careers and Greg more than held his own."

With Gentry leading the way, the Red Devils should be formidable next year on the links.

"We lose some seniors off the team, but we've got some young guys that can play," said Barben. "Greg will be a team leader and hopefully, some of our guys can hone their games during the summer on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour."

The Highlands Today sports department can be reached at 863-386-5837 or sports@highlandstoday.com

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