AVON PARK — If Rocky Khara had a chance to avoid a playoff on Sunday, he was certainly going to take it. After finishing second in the 2006 and 2007 Bagwell Invitationals, Khara seized on his opportunity to claim top honors when he birdied his final hole to hold off Cory Meade of Haines City and win the overall championship at the 39th annual Bagwell Junior Invitational at River Greens golf course. "It's very satisfying," said Khara, 16, a recent qualifier for the upcoming Florida State Golf Association Amateur championships. "It's something I've always needed to do, and not come in second again." But it didn't come easy: Khara saw his three-stroke lead with five holes to play evaporate on a makeshift leaderboard strapped to the back of one of the dozen or so golf carts following the final group. After sinking a 20-footer on No. 16, he figured he was in good shape to hold off Meade. ...more

June 9, 2008

AVON PARK — Rocky Khara has played the River Greens Golf Course countless times in his youth. The 16-year-old Sebring resident took advantage of his vast knowledge of the tight and demanding 6,100-yard layout by shooting a sizzling 6-under 66 on Saturday to seize the first round lead of the 39th annual Bagwell Junior Invitational. The prestigious junior golf tournament, which is for ages 12-18, has attracted a talented field of 58 boys and five girls from across the state. Khara's fine 66 gave him a two-stroke lead over 13-year-old Connor Lynch, who carded a 4-under 68. Mike Gillooley is in third place after a 71, Katsu Yuki Sakuri is at 72 and Greg Gentry of Avon Park, Drew Guffey and defending champion Cory Meade are at 73. ...more

June 8, 2008