Gentry ready for states

Junior Greg Gentry has two goals when he steps on Juliette Falls Golf Course for today's first round of the Class 1A golf tournament.

"I want to shoot below 4-over-par total for the tournament," he said, "and I just want to make it in the top 10."

The way the left-hander has been swinging lately, those are modest aspirations.

Gentry carded an even-par 72 in last week's Class 1A-Region 5 golf tournament at The Eagles Golf Club in Odessa, finishing third overall and punching his ticket to the two-day, 36-hole state tournament.

Helped immensely by a recent lesson with Don Sebastian, Gentry is playing his best golf of the year - at the best possible time.

Two weeks ago, Gentry claimed medalist honors in the Class 1A-District 13 tournament after shooting 79 and defeating teammate Clay Davis on the first playoff hole. Then he competed in the 15th annual Highlands County Ryder Cup, going 3-0 and leading the amateurs past the professional team. The next day, Gentry fired the 72 at the region tournament, becoming the first Avon Park boys golfer in at least 30 years to qualify for states.

"It means a lot," Gentry said of qualifying as only a junior. "It should make next year a lot easier, knowing that I've done it this year."

Gentry has limited knowledge of the course - four of the holes have waterfalls, it's not that long (6,800 yards) - but he headed to Dunnellon on Sunday night for a Monday practice round. He will then meet up with his coach, Bobby Barben.

Gentry will tee off around 8 a.m. today.

"I'm pretty excited," Gentry said.

Sebring's Rocky Khara, who now plays for Lakewood Ranch High, also qualified for the Class 2A state tournament at Silver Springs Shores Country Club in Ocala.