Luke Llaneras, of Miami Springs, won the Boys Overall title by posting a two-day total of 140. Llaneras fired two consecutive rounds under par by maintaining his focus during weather delays on Saturday. The delays, which halted play for approximately 90 minutes, forced some groups to complete their rounds on Sunday morning. Luke’s unfazed rounds of 70-69 were good enough to clear the chasing Overall Boys competition by six strokes.

Patrick Perez, also of Miami Springs, claimed the Boys 16-18 victory by firing a 146. Second place in the division was decided by scorecard playoff, with Alex Spencer, of Port St. Lucie, edging out Ryan Stenmark, of Pembroke Pines. Both Spencer and Stenmark recorded a two-day total of 152.

In the Boys 14-15 division, James Petrokus, of Royal Palm Beach, claimed the division title by carding a two-day total of 156. Petrokus bested second place finisher Tim Graham, of Port St. Lucie, by 6 strokes. Graham’s 162 was good enough to claim second place honors over Justin Friedman, of Boca Raton, who secured third by recording a 165 over the course of the 36-hole competition.

In the Girls Overall division, first-time SFPGA Jr. Tour competitor, Katherine Williamson, of Boca Raton, claimed the title of Champion by carding a two-day 169. Williamson’s debut performance got off to a rocky start as her round 1, hole 1 tee ball sailed out-of-bounds. However, Katie’s resiliency won out as she earned a Mother’s Day victory with her mom watching from the sidelines.

Megan Turnquest, of Loxahatchee, bested Tracy Peyton, of Boynton Beach, for the Girls 16-18 division title. Their two-day scores of 177 and 178, respectively, barely outpaced third place finisher Arianna Presilla of Weston. Presilla carded a 181 over the course of the two-day competition.

In the Girls 14-15 Division, Jaci Cruz shot a two-day 177 to claim the title. Cruz did not cruise to victory, however, as second-place finisher Katya Barahona of Pembroke Pines finished one-stroke behind with a 178 total. Rounding out the top-3 was Andrea Presilla, also of Weston, recording a 182.

The 12-13 Boys and Girls Divisions were the most affected by the weather delay on Saturday. Numerous groups were forced to return Sunday at 8AM and resume their first rounds. Upon finishing their respective rounds, players the teed off later in the morning to complete the 36-hole event. The delay, however, did not seem to affect the magnificent play from the division competitors.

In the Boys 12-13 division, Anthony Muttillo carded a two-day, even-par total of 144 for the event. Muttillo, of Boca Raton, drained a 100+ ft. putt for eagle just moments before the rounds were halted on Saturday. Mutillo ultimately carded a 74-70 to best second place finisher and fellow Boca native, Michael Checo, by six strokes. Checo’s 150 total was followed by a 155 from third-place finisher Justin Shiao of Coral Springs.

Gabrielle Soarez, of Weston, and Tamsyn Butler, of Lake Worth, both shot a two-day total of 167 to vie for the Girls 12-13 divisional title. Ultimately Soarez came out on top via a scorecard playoff, while Butler took home the second-place honors. Hannah Foster, of Hobe Sound, earned herself a third-place finish with a 170 two-day total.

The next South Florida PGA Junior Challenge Tour event will be held at Bear’s Paw Country Club in Naples on May 18-19.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour is proudly presented by The Honda Classic and supported by Allianz Championship, Chiquita, Club Med Golf Academy, Don Law Golf Academy, John Webster Golf Academy, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, The Men’s Fun Group at Mirasol, and Titleist.

 
“I was playing for par…that’s all I thought I needed,” Horrobin said. “I knew I was ahead of Gene Fieger,” the first round leader with 66, who was in the final threesome with him. “We didn’t know about Chris Campbell,” who finished one group ahead with 68-137.

 
Horrobin, 52, who plays out of the CC of Miami in Hialeah, said he was between clubs in the 18th fairway, decided on a soft 9-iron, hit it to 12 feet and birdied for his second straight 68 for 136 on the Fazio course at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club at Old Trail. He received $1,000 from the total purse of $15,250 in cash and merchandise.

Campbell, head professional at Vista Plantation GC in Vero Beach, was second, followed by Fieger, who holds the same title at Hideout GC in Naples, third on 72-138. Campbell said he lipped out on a five foot birdie putt at the 18th Friday.

 
Herb Smith, the 2003 Senior Open champion from Hialeah, and PGA Master Professional Bill Davis of the Jupiter Hills Club, tied atop the 60-69 age group at 148. Amateur age group winners were Steve Sponder, Cooper City, low gross, 150, and Stan Zabytko, Port St. Lucie, low net, 140, 50-59; and Vic Gerard, Palm Beach Gardens, low gross, 152, and Leonard Carothers, Boca Raton, low net, 137, 60-69.

The two oldest age groups played the adjacent, par 71 Hills course. The winners were Roger Kennedy, Stuart, 70-72—142, and Earl Puckett, Palm Beach Gardens, 75-older, 73-70—143. There were no amateurs in the two oldest flights.

“I want to try and qualify for the Champions Tour later this year,” Horrobin said. “I am just trying to see how well I can play, especially how well I can putt, under the gun. I tried qualifying last year and was doing okay until I shot 76 the last day. There are a lot of good players in these tournaments.” He made five birdies and a bogey in each round here.
 
The tournament presented by the Seminole Casino Immokalee drew 103 entries.
 
South Florida PGA Section
26th annual South Florida Senior Open
Jonathan’s Landing GC @ Old Trail, Jupiter, Fla.
 
50-59, Fazio, 6,597 yards, par 72
                        Professionals
Peter Horrobin, Miami, $1,000                                            68-68—136
Christopher Campbell, Vero Beach, $700                        69-68—137
Gene Fieger, Naples, $600                                                  66-72—138
John Nelson, Coral Springs, $480                                      71-70—141
Douglas Reed, Naples, $480                                              69-72—141
John Lee, Naples, $356.66                                                 74-69—143
Mike San Filippo, Hobe Sound, $356.66                          73-70—143
Rick Gomes, Tequesta, $356.66                                        71-72—143
Peter DuPriest, Sebring, $322.50                                      74-70—144
Jerry Impellittiere, Palm City, $322.50                                73-71—144
Victor Tortorici, Stuart, $322.50                                          73-71—144
Peter Oakley, Palm City, $322.50                                      68-76—144
Michael Jonges, Palm Beach Gardens, $291.66             74-71—145
Adam Adams, Coconut Creek, $291.66                           72-73—145
Ed Sabo, Tequesta, $291.66                                              72-73—145
John Bungert, Pembroke Pines, $280                               71-75—146
David Ragan, Coral Gables, $272.50                                75-72—147
Marty Stanovich, Tamarac, $272.50                                   69-78—147
Dennis Meyer, Estero, $250                                                76-72—148
Varick Harris, Hobe Sound, $250                                       76-72—148
John Calabria, Naples, $250                                               74-74—148
Greg Cerulli, Port St. Lucie, $250                                       70-78—148
                        Amateurs, Gross
Steve Sponder, Cooper City, $310                                    76-74—150  
                        Amateurs, Net
Stan Zabytko, Port St. Lucie, $340                         67-73—140
 
            60-69, Fazio, 6,257 yards, par 72
                        Professionals
Herbert Smith, Hialeah, $445                                              76-72—148
Bill Davis, Jupiter, $445                                                       75-73—148
Bryan Abbott, Stuart, $365                                                  75-74—149
Steve Benson, Palm City, $350                                          79-71—150
Billy Ziobro, Palm Beach Gardens, $350                           72-78—150
John Traub, Stuart, $335                                                      79-72—151
Fred Harkness, Jupiter, $330                                              78-74—152
                        Amateurs, Gross
Vic Gerard, Palm Beach Gardens, $250                           75-77—152
                        Amateurs, Net
Leonard Carothers, Boca Raton, $275                              68-69—137
Mark Rubin, Coconut Creek, $235                                    78-71—149
 
            70-74, Hills, 5.692 yards, par 71
                        Professionals
Roger Kennedy, Stuart, $355                                              70-72—142
Thomas Caddell, Palm Beach Gardens, $130                 88-76—164
Dick LaGrasse, Port St. Lucie, $130                                 82-82—164
 
            75-older, Hills, 5,023 yards, par 71
                        Professionals
Earl Puckett, Palm Beach Gardens, $435             73-70—143
Bob Joyce, Palm Beach Gardens, $405                  74-73—147
Jim King, West Palm Beach, $370                         76-73—149
Paul Kelly, Jupiter, $370                                          73-76—149
Nunzio Ciampi, Palm City, $355                            79-71—150
Paul Stieglitz, Pembroke Pines, $175                    76-75—151
Willie Felker, Deerfield Beach, $175                     72-79—151
 
            Money listed for amateurs awarded in merchandise certificates
 

For complete results click here.

Bottke, succeeds Brian Peaper PGA Director of Golf at Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach. Succeeding Bottke as Vice President is Mark VanDyck, PGA Director of Golf at Fort Lauderdale Country Club, who served the past two years as Secretary. Don Meadows, PGA Director of Golf at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach, was elected Secretary.

Additional new members to the Executive Board include, Bob Mallek, PGA Head Golf Professional at Orangebrook Golf Course as the Southern Chapter President, Scott Kirkwood, PGA Director of Golf at Ocean Reef Club as the Southern Chapter At-Large Board Member, and Dan Gawronski, PGA Assistant Professional at Pelican’s Nest Country Club as the Southwest Chapter President.

Bottke is a PGA Teaching Professional at Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, where he focuses heavily on growing the game of golf through countless lessons and clinics that he conducts daily for golfers of all skill levels.

Bottke elected to membership in 1981 actively serves as one of the many PGA Professionals that serves as an adjunct faculty member for the PGA of America’s PGA/PGM program. Bottke travels the country to the various PGA Golf Management Universities providing instruction to PGA Apprentices as they advance towards PGA membership. 

Bottke is also no stranger to awards as he is one of 18 South Florida PGA members who have received an award on the national level.  In 2005 Bottke was name Horton Smith Award winner for his dedication to developing and improving education opportunities for PGA Professionals.

PGA Vice President Mark VanDyck, has been heavily involved in both Section and Chapter administration having served from 2011-2013 on the Section board as the Secretary.  As PGA Vice President, VanDyck will oversee the finances of Section and previously served as the Section Finance Committee Chairperson for from 2009 to 2011

VanDyck was elected to membership in 1998 and is the Director of Golf at Fort Lauderdale Country Club.  Outside of his Section involvement VanDyck has served extensively in the Southern Chapter and has twice been named the Southern Chapter Golf Professional of the Year.

PGA Secretary Don Meadows is the PGA Director of Golf at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach. Elected to PGA membership in 1997, Meadows most recently served as the Section Awards Chairperson from 2011-2013.

Each of these offices carry a two year term.

About the South Florida PGA

The South Florida Section of the PGA of America is an association of golf professionals whose mission is to promote interest, participation and enjoyment in the game of golf; establish and maintain professional standards or practice; and enhance the well-being of golf professionals.

 Approximately 1,650 members and apprentices are employed at over 425 facilities in the South Florida region, currently ranking South Florida Section the third largest Section of PGA Professionals amongst all 41 PGA Sections in the United States.

• President – Warren Bottke, PGA Master Professional at Abacoa Golf Club
• Vice President – Mark VanDyck, PGA Director of Golf at Ft. Lauderdale Country Club
• Secretary – Don Meadows, PGA Director of Golf at Quail Valley Golf Club

The field for the event consisted of twenty-four teams comprised of one PGA Professional and three amateur golfers.  With the participation of these twenty-four teams over $40,000 was raised in support of the South Florida PGA Foundation. 

Two weeks prior, on April 19^th the South Florida PGA Foundation spent a morning up road in Jupiter breaking ground on their second home for Habitat for Humanity.  After making a donation of $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity in late 2012, the South Florida PGA Foundation and countless PGA Professional’s will work alongside the Williams’ family this summer as they achieve their dream of home ownership for the first time. 

This Pro-Am not only supports projects like Habitat for Humanity, it also supports other South Florida PGA Foundation programs including; Smiling Fore Life, The South Florida PGA Junior Tour, charitable gifting, and scholarships.

Special thanks presenting partner Tire Kingdom and support partners Fairway and Greene and Lost Tree Club for making this event a success, and helping the South Florida PGA Foundation change lives in the South Florida community through the game of golf.

About TBC Retail Group
Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, TBC Retail Group, Inc., a subsidiary of TBC Corporation,operates more than 770 tire and automotive service centers under the brands: Tire Kingdom, NTB – National Tire and Battery, and Merchant’s Tire and Auto Centers, along with nearly 500 franchised Big O Tires locations. The contingent of over 1250 stores has trained and certified ASE technicians who use state-of-the-art equipment to provide quality service on cars and trucks.  The nationwide warranty provides peace of mind while it protects consumers and their investment in over 40 states.  TBC Retail Group employs more than 300 associates at its Juno Beach, Florida headquarters and approximately 10,000 associates nationally.  To locate a store near you, call 800-NEW-TIRE. TBC Corporation, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is one of the nation’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through a multi-channel retail and wholesale strategy. There are 260 Tire Kingdom retail locations in the Southeast, 188 of which are in Florida.

About South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,650 men and women PGA Professionals dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf. www.sfpgagolf.com/foundation/

It’s not Christmas, but the start of May is the next best thing for South Florida golfers. Rates at local courses drop, the departure of seasonal residents leaves plenty of tee times available and the four-hour round once again becomes the norm, not the exception.

And the cherry on top: The South Florida PGA GolfPass kicked in Wednesday.

Available for $50 by phone, online or through area golf shops, the GolfPass is in its 15th year and offers discounted play through October 31 at more than 200 golf facilities across 13 South Florida counties, ranging from Palm Beach County to Vero Beach and Punta Gorda on the west coast to areas south through the Keys, as well as instruction and other discounts at dozens of driving ranges and retail outlets.

“It’s always been targeted for the year-round consumer of golf, not the tourist,” said Geoff Lofstead, executive director of the South Florida PGA Section based in Atlantis. “It gives golfers an opportunity to play courses that in many cases they couldn’t otherwise play. And it provides revenues for our facilities in the summer that otherwise might have to lay people off.”

“It’s a win for everybody,” added Todd Leckrone, director of golf at Atlantis Country Club, one of 37 Palm Beach County courses in the program. “The golfer gets discount golf, the facility gets business it might otherwise not get and the South Florida PGA gets stronger.”

Golf cards for summer play aren’t new in South Florida. The American Lung Association’s card was the most prominent among the many offering discounted rates at both private and public courses dating back 30-40 years. But when the South Florida PGA launched its GolfPass in the late ’90s, it brought instant credibility along with playing opportunities never before imagined by the average golfer.

PGA National is a case in point. Catering primarily to tourists who spend several days or more at the resort, PGA National charges non-guests $148 for an 18-hole round at its Squire, Palmer and Haig courses in the summer and $202 for the Champion, site of the Honda Classic. GolfPass members get to play each of the first three courses listed once for $42 and the Champion, also once, for $92.

Do the math and, in one round, the card has paid for itself.

Bear Lakes CC in West Palm Beach and Polo Trace in Delray Beach are other high-end courses on the card, but the most exclusive Palm Beach County member is Dye Preserve in Jupiter, a private course that counts 18 PGA Tour pros among its membership.

“With summers as slow as they are, we felt this was a way to spark a little interest in the club and hopefully get some prospective new members,” head pro Mitch Peterson said of the golf committee’s decision to join the program this year.

Even with the card, a day at Dye Preserve is hardly a bargain, with charges including $155 per round, a $20 cart fee and a $160 caddie fee per foursome. Then again, without the card, the only way to access the course is as the guest of a member.

A less expensive course new to the program this year is Indian Spring, a private club west of Military Trail in Boynton Beach. GolfPass members are able to play its 36 holes as many as four times at $45 per round. As is the case with many other clubs, tee times will only be available after 10 a.m., allowing members the chance to get out earlier.

“We’re looking for new members, and we’re hoping some of the better players in the area will take the opportunity to come out, see what we have to offer and decide to join,” pro Mike McLellan said.

Even for a private club, McLellan said he doesn’t see a downside to the program.

“You might get the odd group that thinks it’s OK to bring coolers or wear cargo shorts, but not many,” he said. “We can weed them out pretty fast.”

Like most area courses in the summer, Indian Spring has maintenance work planned in the form of bunker renovation and aeration that will shut down nine-hole tracts for two weeks at a time.

For Leckrone, the revenue generated by GolfPass rounds at Atlantis ultimately saves his club money that otherwise would be spent on advertising.

“I could see where a high-end private club might not think it’s worth it, because the public player coming in is not likely to be a candidate to join that club,” he said. “But for us, with a $1,500 annual membership, it’s a way to introduce people to the course who might end up joining.”

The South Florida PGA staff, who also runs outings for GolfPass members throughout the summer, say that membership has increased each of the past five years, topping out at about 6,500 last year. About 4,400 passes have been sold this year, and they expects business to be brisk up to Father’s Day in mid-June.

Click here for more details about the 2013 South Florida GolfPass.

A recent success story comes from our original location, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. Joel, a 15 year old young man, had become a regular in the weekly program, always excited when it was golf time.  After the SFPGA Foundation installed a putting green at the hospital last fall, this young man received a putter as a gift and could often be found practicing his putting, even during non-golf times. 

Dave Cunliffe, PGA Teaching Professional at the Don Law Golf Academy, visits Joe DiMaggio weekly, and noticed that Joel had been absent for a few weeks. When he inquired about Joel, Dave learned that he had undergone a heart transplant and was not able to participate due to his recovery.  Dave understood that when he was able to, Joel would be back at golf, and wanted to do something that would cheer him up and help him to get excited and ready to play.  Dave decided to put together a set of clubs for the young man.

After a few weeks, while Joel still wasn’t healthy enough to participate in the class, he would go and watch his friends participate, just to be around the game he was learning to love.  While presenting Joel with his new set of clubs, Dave was able to speak with him about PGA Tour Professional Erik Compton, who has successfully undergone 2 heart transplants, and is now a successful Tour Professional.

On April 23, Joel met Dave at Plantation Preserve Golf Course for his first outdoor golf lesson.  Also on hand for the day, were a few signed gifts from Erik Compton, who wrote Joel an encouraging message about staying strong.

During his lesson, Joel built on the skills that he had learned at Smiling Fore Life, including aiming and distance control. He was also able to see how the real green differed from the hospital’s practice green in length, speed, and undulation.  Dave and Joel stayed on the practice putting green to work on putting and chipping skills. After a few reminders about posture, grip, and alignment, Joel went to work.  He was able to build on his consistency and saw improved ball control after only a short amount of time.  “Joel has a real talent for the game, and was able to adjust quickly to the new surroundings” stated Dave.  When asked what he thought about being at the course compared to his Smiling Fore Life lessons, Joel said “it’s a lot bigger!”

Even though the sun was strong, Joel kept a smile on his face for the entire lesson. He’s feeling healthy and loving the ability to have a golf club back in his hands.  Before he left for the day, Joel asked his dad when he could come back to the course for more practice. One day a week just isn’t enough!

Because of the South Florida PGA Foundation’s Smiling Fore Life program, Joel has found a new focus for his rehab, golf.  Through this program, he has also found a new role model in Erik Compton, who has been through similar health struggles and has enjoyed success as a professional athlete.

The Smiling Fore Life program has been able to impact juniors and their families, while giving them an enjoyable experience to look forward to every week.  For more information on the program, please visit our website here.  If you would like to be involved with or make a contribution to the Smiling Fore Life program, please contact Meredith Schechter at mschechter@pgahq.com.

About the South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education, scholarships and charitable gifting. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals serving as the experts in business and the game of golf.

It’s the second annual Habitat for Humanity project for the South Florida PGA Foundation.

“We hope to sponsor one home each year and eventually have one in each of our the 14 counties,” said SFPGA Executive Director Geoff Lofstead.

The first one was completed last year in Fort Myers.

The SFPGA Section boundaries encompass everything south of Indian River County on the east coast and Charlotte counties on the west.

The ceremonial groundbreaking was staged last Friday at Kennedy Estates II in Jupiter, south of Indiantown Road just east of Interstate 95. It’s where 19 single family homes will be built on three and a half acres, according to Bernard Godek, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County.

The Palm Beach County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity stretches from Hypoluxo Road north to the Martin County line and west to Lake Okeechobee. Over the past 25 years, the local organization has built or renovated 157 homes.

“It’s clear that South Florida PGA Professionals have a tremendous passion for golf,” Godek said. “The other passion they share is giving back to the community.”

This year’s recipients are Sateria Williams and her three daughters: Jasmin, 18, a graduate of Inlet Grove High School and currently a freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers; Jade, 12, a seventh-grader at Jupiter Middle School; and Debra, 10, a fourth-grader at Grove Park Elementary.

For the past 10 years they have lived in a two-bedroom apartment at Saddlebrook, near 45th and Haverhill in suburban West Palm Beach.

“I am so overwhelmed,” Sateria Williams, a customer service representative for Florida Power & Light, said through her tears. “I never had a place to call home and that’s what I wanted for my daughters, a place to come back to. Owning a home will accomplish my biggest long-term goal. We are so appreciative and humbled.”

The new home, which should be ready for occupancy later this summer, according to Lofstead, is nobody’s freebie. It comes with conditions attached such as obligating the new residents, during the 6-8 month qualifying process, to promise to contribute at least 500 hours of “sweat equity” and to demonstrate the ability to make payments on a 30-year interest-free mortgage.

In addition to the $50,000 sponsorship, SFPGA Professionals have been asked to assist in the construction of this home. “We hope to have 100 of our members involved, maybe 6-12 a day until this home is complete,” Lofstead said.

“Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity has been wonderful in providing our 1,700 members and apprentices with an opportunity to fulfill their desire to give back to the community and creating camaraderie working alongside one another to build and provide deserving families with an opportunity to own their own homes.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County
Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of sub-standard housing by building simple, decent, safe, affordable houses for low income, hardworking qualified families in partnership with God, community volunteers and local organizations.  Each Habitat partner family is required to invest a minimum of 500 sweat equity hours of their own labor into the construction of homes before being eligible to purchase their home utilizing a 30-year, no-profit, no-interest loan. The affiliate’s service area extends from Hypoluxo Road in the south to the Martin County line in the north, and from Palm Beach to Lake Okeechobee.

About the South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education, scholarships and charitable gifting. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals serving as the experts in business and the game of golf.