Mills wins first WFGT title

Photo provided: Carl Wakely (left) presents Mills (center) the first-place check for his win in the Kingsway Classic alongside his caddy, Pete Winters (right).


Here are the results from the West Florida Golf Tour's Kingsway Classic in Lake Suzy, courtesy of the WFGT:

Position Name Score $ Prize money
1 Jay Mills 69 820
t-2 Robert Rohanna 72 475
t-2 Greg Lawhorn 72 475
t-4 Drew Pierson 73 280
t-4 Joshua Cabrera (am) 73 280 (voucher)
t-6 John McCann 74 186.66
t-6 David Lamm 74 186.66
t-6 Justin McCarragher 74 186.66
9 Ashlan Ramsey (am) 75 120 (voucher)
t-10 David Ostrowski (am) 76 60 (voucher)
t-10 Tom Jenks 76 60
t-10 Federico Torresani 76 60
t-10 Robert Carvill 76 60

GSJGA results

In Thursday's edition of The Herald, full results were promised from the Greater Sarasota Golf Association's 9-hole Winter Tournament Series event at River Strand Golf Club on April 25.

Without further ado, here are top finishers in each age division, courtesy of the GSGA:

Boys 11 and over

1. Evan Murphy, Bradenton, 48.
2. Trent Bell, Bradenton, 49.
3. Josh Silverman, Sarasota, 52.
4. Ellis Adler, Sarasota, 61.
5. Ben Burg, Sarasota, 69.
6. David Wecke, Sarasota, 70.

Boys 10 and under

1. David Siwy, Bradenton, 41 (match of cards).
2. Dean Badger, Venice, 41.
3. Jack Knowles, Bradenton, 43.
4. Matthew McDonnell, Bradenton, 44.
5. Lamar Williams, Tallevast, 52.
6. Matthew Bruton, Bradenton, 54.
7. Javier Amaya, North Port, 55.
8. Alvaro Amaya, North Port, 56.
9. Garrett Wilson, Venice, 60.
10. Hunter Folz, Palmetto, 89.

Girls (all ages)

1. Alissa Roegge, Venice, 48.
2. Kadi Pallastrone, Sarasota, 50.
3. Nicole Polivchak, Sarasota, 56.
4. Victoria Cangero, North Port, 58.
5. Allyson Guthrie, Nokomis, 63.
6. Aly Cote, Bradenton, 70.
7. Lexi Murphy, Bradenton, 77.

O'Brien leads Sarasota City at half-way point

(Courtesy of Bobby Jones Golf Complex)

Here are the results for the Sarasota Men’s City Championship (thru 36 of the 72-holes).

Flight

Champ

Larry O'Brien - 69, 71 -- 140

Spencer Dunford - 68, 76 -- 144

Mark Leetzow - 74, 70 -- 144

Brian Schmidt - 74, 72 -- 146

Michael Visacki - 74, 72 -- 146

Phil Walters - 75, 71 -- 146

Aaron Bishop - 74, 73 -- 147

Chris Bradshaw - 73, 74 -- 147

Charles Walters Jr - 73, 75 -- 148

Joel Beaver - 73, 76 -- 149

Doug Boever - 77, 72 -- 149

John Christian Templeton - 74, 75 -- 149

Jeff Partin - 77, 73 -- 150

Ray Wenck - 80, 70 -- 150

Joe Clarkson - 74, 77 -- 151

Paul Grondahl - 76, 75 -- 151

Nick Rigopoulos - 75, 77 -- 152

Chad Stancil - 77, 75 -- 152

1st

Lawrence Elliot - 78, 75 -- 153

Scott Kalm - 73, 80 -- 153

Rich Kyllonen - 73, 80 -- 153

David Perna - 72, 81 -- 153

Dwayne Rogers - 80, 73 -- 153

Andy Moore - 77, 77 -- 154

Chris French - 75, 80 -- 155

Ryan Jaso - 77, 78 -- 155

Mark Walters - 75, 80 -- 155

Danny Davis - 77, 79 -- 156

Steve Slocum - 80, 76 -- 156

Richard Baran - 78, 79 -- 157

Richard Baranowski - 78, 79 -- 157

Jonathan Sanchez - 80, 77 -- 157

Bill Soucie - 77, 80 -- 157

Joe Stottlemeyer - 78, 79 -- 157

Dan Walters - 77, 80 -- 157

Paul Kirby - 76, 82 -- 158

2nd

Michael Amerine - 80, 79 -- 159

Joe Bramante - 81, 78 -- 159

Doug Hackel - 82, 77 -- 159

Bart Pfankuch - 81, 78 -- 159

Rick Taughner - 83, 77 -- 160

Moe Charania - 79, 82 -- 161

Bill Wudte - 84, 77 -- 161

Eustace Kigongo - 81, 81 -- 162

Tim Morrissey - 83, 79 -- 162

Bill Wessel - 82, 80 -- 162

Tom Donato - 80, 83 -- 163

Charles Hamel III - 83, 80 -- 163

Derick Millspaugh - 80, 83 -- 163

Paul Mraz - 83, 80 -- 163

Charles Walters Sr - 82, 81 -- 163

Mark Wilhelmi - 81, 82 -- 163

Scott Yow - 82, 81 -- 163

3rd

Chad Keech - 82, 82 -- 164

Ken Kigongo - 82, 82 -- 164

Bernard Kishoiyian - 82, 82 -- 164

Edward Scheid Jr - 80, 84 -- 164

Jim Williams - 78, 86 -- 164

Michael Faraone - 81, 84 -- 165

Jeff Haire - 81, 84 -- 165

Edward Lorents Jr - 87, 78 -- 165

Jack McKissock - 81, 84 -- 165

Ross Revill - 82, 83 -- 165

Charles Fredey - 81, 85 -- 166

Joseph McKenny - 86, 80 -- 166

Craig Mullett - 81, 85 -- 166

Ted Roberts - 82, 84 -- 166

Scott Shirley - 87, 79 -- 166

4th

Steve Bigelow - 85, 82 -- 167

Nick Exarhou - 86, 81 -- 167

Steve Gatz - 85, 82 -- 167

Dan Smith - 83, 84 -- 167

Toby Snelson - 85, 82 -- 167

James Syltie - 84, 83 -- 167

Byron Melreit - 85, 83 -- 168

Curtis Smither - 86, 82 -- 168

Ken Boyce - 85, 85 -- 170

TJ Sherwin - 89, 81 -- 170

Scott Alexander - 90, 81 -- 171

Les McCurdy - 85, 86 -- 171

Michael Casper - 88, 84 -- 172

Patrick Hilliard - 79, 93 -- 172

Sarayut Noikasem - 84, 88 -- 172

James Ellis III - 85, 88 -- 173

Terry Jackson - 87, 86 -- 173

Gerry Knoll - 91, 82 -- 173

Todd Pike - 83, 90 -- 173

5th

Kevin Crane - 87, 87 -- 174

Will Olson - 86, 88 -- 174

Thom Rowland - 81, 93 -- 174

David Crum - 88, 87 -- 175

Xavier Cruz - 84, 91 -- 175

Don Holl - 91, 85 -- 176

Glenn Polley - 91, 85 -- 176

Mitchell Sahs - 96, 80 -- 176

Tommy Swain - 88, 88 -- 176

Seth Templeton - 89, 87 -- 176

Rob Manoogian - 89, 88 -- 177

Jason Walker - 85, 92 -- 177

Rich Cocco - 86, 92 -- 178

Matt Reynell - 89, 89 -- 178

Byron Sanders - 89, 89 -- 178

Al Anderson - 94, 85 -- 179

Jack McKissock Sr - 86, 93 -- 179

Robert Miller - 93, 86 -- 179

Michael Bistarkey - 94, 86 -- 180

Kyle Clayton - 90, 90 -- 180

Todd Harmon - 85, 95 -- 180

6th

Stephen F. Jones - 96, 85 -- 181

John Oroukin - 91, 90 -- 181

Jeremiah Adam - 99, 83 -- 182

John Javorski - 91, 91 -- 182

Jason McMahon - 87, 95 -- 182

Tim Muldoon - 85, 97 -- 182

Mark Brower - 90, 93 -- 183

Ken Rescott - 89, 95 -- 184

Bill McAllister - 97, 88 -- 185

Kyle Moore - 98, 89 -- 187

Greg Turner - 94, 93 -- 187

Gary Jaeger - 90, 99 -- 189

Jennie Murphy - 94, 95 -- 189

Jeff Wilson - 91, 99 -- 190

Steve Swain - 100, 96 -- 196

Terry Roberts - 103, 94 -- 197

Kurt Schnering - 97, 103 -- 200

Dennis Kow - 102, 108 -- 210

William Nickles - 113, 99 -- 212


The tournament concludes this weekend.

Two break par in Sarasota City opening round

Courtesy of Bobby Jones Golf Complex, below are the first round scores of the 39th Annual City of Sarasota Men's Amateur Championship.

Bobby Jones Golf Complex, British Course, Par 72:

Round 1
Dunford, Spencer - 68
O'Brien, Larry - 69
Perna, David - 72
Beaver, Joel - 73
Bradshaw, Chris - 73
Kalm, Scott - 73
Kyllonen, Rich - 73
Walters, Charles Jr - 73
Bishop, Aaron - 74
Clarkson, Joe - 74
Leetzow, Mark - 74
Schmidt, Brian - 74
Templeton, John Christian - 74
Visacki, Michael - 74
French, Chris - 75
Rigopoulos, Nick - 75
Walters, Mark - 75
Walters, Phil - 75
Grondahl, Paul - 76
Kirby, Paul - 76
Boever, Doug - 77
Davis, Danny - 77
Jaso, Ryan - 77
Moore, Andy - 77
Partin, Jeff - 77
Soucie, Bill - 77
Stancil, Chad - 77
Walters, Dan - 77
Baran, Richard - 78
Baranowski, Richard - 78
Elliot, Lawrence - 78
Stottlemeyer, Joe - 78
Williams, Jim - 78
Charania, Moe - 79
Hilliard, Patrick - 79
Amerine, Michael - 80
Donato, Tom - 80
Millspaugh, Derrick - 80
Muldoon, Tim
Sanchez, Jonathan - 80
Scheid, Edward Jr - 80
Slocum, Steve - 80
Wenck, Ray - 80
Bramante, Joe - 81
Faraone, Michael - 81
Fredey, Charles - 81
Haire, Jeff - 81
Kigongo, Eustace - 81
Marsh, Bill - 81
McKissock, Jack - 81
Mullett, Craig - 81
Pfankuch, Bart - 81
Rowland, Thom - 81
Wilhelmi, Mark - 81
Hackel, Doug - 82
Keech, Chad - 82
Kigongo, Ken - 82
Kishoiyian, Bernard - 82
Revill, Ross - 82
Roberts, Ted - 82
Walters, Charles Sr - 82
Wessel, Bill - 82
Yow, Scott - 82
Hamel III, Charles - 83
Morrissey, Tim - 83
Mraz, Paul - 83
Pike, Todd - 83
Taughner, Rick - 83
Cruz, Xavier - 84
Noikasem, Sarayut - 84
Syltie, James - 84
Wudte, Bill - 84
Boyce, Ken - 85
Ellis, James III - 85
Gatz, Steve - 85
Harmon, Todd - 85
McCurdy, Les - 85
Melreit, Bryon - 85
Muldoon, Tim - 85
Smith, Dan - 85
Snelson, Toby - 85
Walker, Jason - 85
Cocco, Rich - 86
Exarhou, Nick - 86
McKenny, Joseph - 86
McKissock, Jack Sr - 86
Olson, Will - 86
Smither, Curtis - 86
Steve bigelow - 86
Crane, Kevin - 87
Jackson, Terry - 87
Lorents, Edward Jr - 87
McMahon, Jason - 87
Shirley, Scott - 87
Casper, Michael - 88
Crum, David - 88
Swain, Tommy - 88
Manoogian, Rob - 89
Rescott, Ken - 89
Reynell, Matt - 89
Sanders, Byron - 89
Sherwin, TJ - 89
Templeton, Seth - 89
Alexander, Scott - 90
Brower, Mark - 90
Clayton, Kyle - 90
Jaeger, Gary - 90
Holl, Don - 91
Javorski, John - 91
Knoll, Gerry - 91
Oroukin, John - 91
Polley, Glenn - 91
Wilson, Jeff - 91
Miller, Robert - 93
Anderson, Al - 94
Bistarkey, Michael - 94
Murphy, Jennie - 94
Turner, Greg - 94
Jones, F. Stephen - 96
Sahs, Mitchell - 96
McAllister, Bill - 97
Schnering, Kurt - 97
Moore, Kyle - 98
Adam, Jeremiah - 99
Swain, Steve - 100
Kow, Dennis - 102
Roberts, Terry - 103
Nickles, William - 113

Ochoa's early retirement isn't unique

Lorena Ochoa's recent retirement announcement came as quite a shocker to LPGA followers.

Ochoa is just 28-years-old, which isn't quite the age golfers retire - just ask Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus or the countless others who have continued to impact the game past 50.

However, Ochoa is following the path set forth by the Annika Sorenstam, the tour's dominating golfer prior to Ochoa's arrival as the LPGA's driving force.

And she isn't the only golfer - male or female - to retire from the sport before the age of 30, which is usually the prime of a golfer's career.

Legendary golfer, Bobby Jones, retired from the sport at the same age as Ochoa.

Jones conquered the golf world with the grand slam in 1930. He won the United States and British opens as well as both the U.S. and British amateurs.

Nobody has won all four major championships in the same year since Jones - the closest was Tiger Woods' "Tiger Slam" when held all four titles at the same time in 2000-01.

But, Jones was an amateur during a time when professional golfers were frowned upon.

It'd be unheard of in the modern game for a male professional to retire so early, but for Ochoa it isn't.

Mainly, because she said she wants to start a family.

You could hardly blame her, the question now becomes what does the family she's leaving behind, the LPGA Tour, do for a star.

Only time will tell.

Sarasota's Men's City Championship field is set

The 39th Annual City of Sarasota Men's Championship begins Saturday on the British Course at Bobby Jones Golf Complex. The 72-hole tournament is played over two weekends, and is the oldest amateur city amateur event in either Manatee or Sarasota counties.

The field is stacked with top local amateurs including defending champion Brian Schmidt. The Sarasotan polished off the recent City of Bradenton Two-Man Combo Championship with partner Eli Nogiec, also of Sarasota, at River Run Golf Links this past weekend.

Schmidt also is the reigning City of Bradenton Men's Amateur champion.

Current Bradenton and Sarasota seniors titleholder, Ray Wenck, is in the field, as is Bradenton's Phil Walters.

Walters, the 2008 champion in both Bradenton and Sarasota, is regaining form after partnering with Larry O'Brien to finish in second place behind the Schmidt/Nogiec team last weekend.

Here are the pairings for the first two rounds, courtesy of Bobby Jones Golf Complex:


Saturday April 24th Sunday April 25th
Adam Jeremiah # 1 10:55 AM 8:56AM
Alexander Scott # 1 12:45 PM 12:45 PM
Amerine Michael # 1 8:30AM 11:20 AM
Anderson Al # 1 10:38 AM 9:13AM
Baran Richard # 1 8:48AM 11:04 AM
Baranowski Richard # 1 7:56AM 11:54 AM
Beaver Joel # 1 7:45AM 12:02 PM
Bigelow Steve # 1 12:45 PM 12:45 PM
Bishop Aaron # 1 10:30AM 9:22AM
Bistarkey Michael # 1 7:56AM 11:54 AM
Boever Doug # 1 9:22AM 10:30AM
Boyce Ken # 1 12:36 PM 12:36 PM
Bradshaw Chris # 1 7:45AM 12:02 PM
Bramante Joe # 1 9:47AM 10:04AM
Brower Mark # 1 9:56AM 9:56AM
Casper Michael # 1 9:30AM 10:21AM
Charania Moe # 1 9:56AM 9:56AM
Clarkson Joe # 1 8:39AM 11:12 AM
Clayton Kyle # 1 9:39AM 10:13AM
Cocco Rich # 1 9:05AM 10:47 AM
Crane Kevin # 1 10:55 AM 8:56AM
Crum David # 1 10:55 AM 8:56AM
Cruz Xavier # 1 12:11 PM 12:11 PM
Davis Danny # 1 9:13AM 10:38 AM
Donato Tom # 1 8:13AM 11:37 AM
Dumford Spencer # 1 8:39AM 11:12 AM
Elliot Lawrence # 1 8:22AM 11:28 AM
Ellis James III # 1 11:45 AM 8:05AM
Exarhou Nick # 1 10:13AM 9:39AM
Faraone Michael # 1 9:56AM 9:56AM
Fredey Charles # 1 11:12 AM 8:39AM
French Chris # 1 8:39AM 11:12 AM
Gatz Steve # 1 10:13AM 9:39AM
Greg Turner # 1 12:36 PM 12:36 PM
Grondahl Paul # 1 10:30AM 9:22AM
Hackel Doug # 1 10:47 AM 9:05AM
Haire Jeff # 1 9:56AM 9:56AM
Hamel III Charles # 1 8:39AM 11:12 AM
Harmon Todd # 1 9:30AM 10:21AM
Hilliard Patrick # 1 9:30AM 10:21AM
Holl Don # 1 11:37 AM 8:13AM
Jackson Terry # 1 10:38 AM 9:13AM
Jaeger Gary # 1 7:56AM 11:54 AM
Jaso Ryan # 1 10:30AM 9:22AM
Javorski John # 1 11:20 AM 8:30AM
Jones F. Stephen # 1 11:37 AM 8:13AM
Kalm Scott # 1 8:48AM 11:04 AM
Keech Chad # 1 9:30AM 10:21AM
Kigongo Ken # 1 8:30AM 11:20 AM
Kigongo Eustace # 1 8:30AM 11:20 AM
Kirby Paul # 1 10:47 AM 9:05AM
Kishoiyian Bernard # 1 9:22AM 10:30AM
Knoll Gerry # 1 9:47AM 10:04AM
Kobren Jared # 1 9:47AM 10:04AM
Kow Dennis # 1 12:45 PM 12:45 PM
Kyllonen Rich # 1 8:48AM 11:04 AM
Leetzow Mark # 1 8:22AM 11:28 AM
Lorents Edward Jr # 1 11:28 AM 8:22AM
Manoogian Rob # 1 10:21AM 9:30AM
Marsh Bill # 1 11:37 AM 8:13AM
McCallister Bill # 1 12:36 PM 12:36 PM
McCurdy Les # 1 10:21AM 9:30AM
McKenny Joseph # 1 11:12 AM 8:39AM
McKissock Jack Sr # 1 11:20 AM 8:30AM
McKissock Jack # 1 11:20 AM 8:30AM
McMahon Jason # 1 10:38 AM 9:13AM
Melreit Bryon # 1 9:22AM 10:30AM
Miller Robert # 1 8:30AM 11:20 AM
Millspaugh Derrick # 1 10:21AM 9:30AM
Moore Andy # 1 11:54 AM 7:56AM
Moore Kyle # 1 11:54 AM 7:56AM
Morrissey Tim # 1 10:30AM 9:22AM
Mraz Paul # 1 10:47 AM 9:05AM
Muldoon Tim # 1 10:21AM 9:30AM
Mullett Craig # 1 12:36 PM 12:36 PM
Murphy Jennie # 1 11:45 AM 8:05AM
Nickles William # 1 11:37 AM 8:13AM
Noikasem Sarayut # 1 7:56AM 11:54 AM
O'Brien Larry # 1 8:22AM 11:28 AM
Olson Will # 1 11:28 AM 8:22AM
Oroukin John # 1 11:28 AM 8:22AM
Partin Jeff # 1 8:48AM 11:04 AM
Perna Dave # 1 12:28 PM 12:28 PM
Pfankuch Bart # 1 12:11 PM 12:11 PM
Pike Todd # 1 12:28 PM 12:28 PM
Polley Glenn # 1 10:38 AM 9:13AM
Revill Ross # 1 8:05AM 11:45 AM
Reynell Matt # 1 8:05AM 11:45 AM
Rigopoulos Nick # 1 9:05AM 10:47 AM
Roberts Ted # 1 10:13AM 9:39AM
Roberts Terry # 1 10:13AM 9:39AM
Rogers Dwayne # 1 11:12 AM 8:39AM
Rowland Thom # 1 10:55 AM 8:56AM
Sahs Mitchell # 1 12:02 PM 7:45AM
Sanchez Jonathan # 1 11:54 AM 7:56AM
Sanders Byron # 1 11:45 AM 8:05AM
Scheid Edward Jr # 1 9:22AM 10:30AM
Schmidt Brian # 1 8:13AM 11:37 AM
Schnering Kurt # 1 12:11 PM 12:11 PM
Sherwin TJ # 1 9:47AM 10:04AM
Shirley Scott # 1 11:20 AM 8:30AM
Slocum Steve # 1 12:28 PM 12:28 PM
Smith Jimmy # 1 7:45AM 12:02 PM
Smith Dan # 1 9:13AM 10:38 AM
Smither Curtis # 1 9:13AM 10:38 AM
Snelson Toby # 1 8:05AM 11:45 AM
Soucie Bill # 1 9:13AM 10:38 AM
Stancil Chad # 1 8:05AM 11:45 AM
Stottlemeyer Joe # 1 12:45 PM 12:45 PM
Swain Steve # 1 11:45 AM 8:05AM
Swain Tommy # 1 11:54 AM 7:56AM
Syltie James # 1 11:28 AM 8:22AM
Taughner Rick # 1 10:47 AM 9:05AM
Templeton John Christian # 1 8:13AM 11:37 AM
Templeton Seth # 1 12:11 PM 12:11 PM
Visacki Michael # 1 8:13AM 11:37 AM
Walker Jason # 1 11:12 AM 8:39AM
Walters Mark # 1 9:05AM 10:47 AM
Walters Dan # 1 9:39AM 10:13AM
Walters Charles Jr # 1 12:02 PM 7:45AM
Walters Charles Sr # 1 12:02 PM 7:45AM
Walters Phil # 1 12:28 PM 12:28 PM
Wenck Ray # 1 8:22AM 11:28 AM
Wessel Bill # 1 12:02 PM 7:45AM
Wilhelmi Mark # 1 9:05AM 10:47 AM
Williams Jim # 1 9:39AM 10:13AM
Wudte Bill # 1 9:39AM 10:13AM
Yow Scott # 1 7:45AM 12:02 PM

Gamez falls short in Monday qualifier

Robert Gamez, who played in a recent West Florida Golf Tour tournament at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, fell short in his bid to Monday qualify to the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Gamez carded a bogey-free, 3-under, 69 to miss out on a playoff for the remaining spots in this week's tour event.
He blistered the front nine with three birdies, but came finished with 11 consecutive pars.
Matthew Fast and Brennan Webb were co-medalists with 5-under, 67s to earn entry into the tournament.
Five players shot 68s and had a playoff for two spots at the LaTour Golf Club in Mathews, La.
The tournament begins Thursday.
Meanwhile, Gamez will tee it up at the Nationwide Tour's South Georgia Classic in Valdosta, Ga. this week.

An makes first PGA Tour cut

Byeong-Hun (Ben) An made his first PGA Tour cut Friday in the Verizon Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island.

An followed his opening round of 69 with a 1-under par, 70 to finish in a tie for 33rd.

But it could have been much better for the Bradenton Prep senior.

An, the reigning United States Amateur champion, got as close as one shot off the lead, when he birdied the par-4 sixth.

That put An, who started his second round on the back nine, at 6-under par for the tournament, one off the pace.

However, An faltered in his final three holes, playing them in three-over.

An bogeyed No. 7 before a double on the ninth.

Despite the setback, An will play the weekend for the first time, since earning PGA Tour exemptions based off the U.S. Amateur victory.

He did it with steady putting, which plagued An in both previous Tour events - the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Masters.

An had 26 putts in round one, and backed that up with 29 putts in round two, which ranked him tied for 43rd through the first 36 holes.

However, those were still markedly improved numbers with the flatstick then his first ventures on the Tour.

An had an eagle and four birdies, while hitting 72 percent of greens in regulation during his second round to ensure making the cut.

So while An's tee time on Saturday is a bit earlier than he might have liked, given how low he had gotten, the 18-year-old doesn't have to start at the crack of dawn.

He'll play with Marc Leishman, as the pair tee off at 10:35 a.m.

Ben An scores well at Verizon Heritage

Byeong-hun (Ben) An's first round at this week's PGA Tour stop in South Carolina was good enough to put the Bradenton Prep senior into a tie for 28th.

An carded a 2-under par, 69 at the Verizon Heritage Classic on Thursday.

It was the first time, An has cracked 70 on the PGA Tour, since making his debut two weeks before The Masters at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.

An's ability to score well came off a quality day with the putter, as he needed just 26 putts during his opening round in the 72-hole event.

An had three birdies and an eagle to offset three bogeys.

He'll try to make his first PGA Tour cut, when he tees off Friday off No. 10 at Harbour Town Golf Links at 1:40 p.m.

Baker finishes 20 shots out

Bradenton's Stephen Baker shot a final round 79 to finish near the bottom portion of the field in the FSGA's Senior Amateur Championship at Southern Hills Plantation Golf Club in Brooksville.

Baker carded rounds of 81-74-79--234 in the 54-hole tournament.

On the flip side, Bill Zylstra (Ocklawaha) shot 73-69-72--214 to win the title after a one-hole playoff with Pat Vincelli of Stuart.

Baker was the lone Bradenton golfer to make the cut in the event.

Gamez looking for PGA Tour return

Robert Gamez has multiple PGA Tour titles under his belt, but that didn't prevent the professional golfer based in Orlando to make a trip to Manatee County earlier this month.

Gamez played the West Florida Golf Tour's Prudential Palms Ritz Classic held at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club.

He carded a 2-under, 70 - good enough for a top-10 finish.

But it wasn't about winning the mini-tour's stop in Lakewood Ranch.

Gamez is practicing hard and developing a new approach to putting - his self-described Achilles heel - in the hopes of regaining his PGA Tour status, which he lost after failing in Qualifying School last winter.

To read more about Gamez' story, please check out Thursday's edition of The Bradenton Herald.

Big Summer Golf Card is here

March Madness is over.

But I'm not talking about the basketball variety.

Golf's version of March Madness - the rush of people clogging up courses all over Manatee County - is just about over.

If it wasn't Easter signaling the change in weather to crisp, sunny days that usually means the end of the season, then it's Tax Day that serves as a memo to area players that the summer is approaching.

That's because the Big Summer Golf Card, a discount card designed for Southwest Florida residents, is available for purchase.

The middle of April serves as Tax Day, but the day after is the deadline for current cardholders or those new to the area to register for the 2010 edition at the price of $53 per card.

After April 16th, the card jumps to $60.

Head to http://www.bigsummergolf.com for more information.

The website advertises "save up to 40 percent on greens fees and carts," with "over 100 courses," and several tracks in Sarasota/Manatee County are on the list.

I've already renewed my card, and hope to see you on the links.

Baker alive at FSGA Senior Championship

Bradenton's Stephen Baker recovered from an opening round 81, with a 2-over par, 74, to make the cut at the Florida State Golf Association's Senior Amateur Championship.

Baker, the lone Bradenton golfer left, made the cut by one shot at Southern Hills Plantation Golf Club in Brooksville.

Meanwhile, Jim Stone, also of Bradenton, soared to a 81 on Wednesday following his opening round 76 to miss the cut by two strokes.

Baker sits 15 shots out of leader Robert Hess (73-67--140), who is from Casselberry, which is outside Orlando.

The 54-hole tournament concludes Thursday.

Wenck wins Seniors double

SARASOTA - Ray Wenck capped the area's seniors double on Masters Sunday, with a victory in the 15th Annual City of Sarasota Men's Senior Championship at Bobby Jones Golf Complex.

Wenck is now the titleholder of both Bradenton and Sarasota senior championships.

He did it with final round 2-under, 70 for a five-shot win.

Wenck's final round was the tournament's lowest, and he also carded the only under-par round in the tournament.

Wenck shot 1-under, 143 for the 36-hole tournament, as first-round leader Bill Soucie skyrocketed to a 5-over, 77 on day two to finish in third.

John Gering (75-73, 148); Soucie (72-77, 149); Tim Morrissey (75-74, 149); John Kopinski (76-73, 149) rounded out the top five.

Wenck in the hunt, again

SARASOTA - Ray Wenck's form can only be described as hot as a volcano. And like a volcano, Wenck is erupting at the right time.

The Sarasotan backed up his 2009 City of Bradenton Seniors Championship with a stellar defense in brutal conditions at River Run Golf Links for the 2010 crown in late March.

Now he's in the hunt for a sweep of the area's senior tournaments.

Wenck shot 1-over, 73 Saturday at Bobby Jones Golf Complex to get himself into the championship flight of the 2010 City of Sarasota Seniors Championship.

Wenck sits in second place, heading into Sunday's final round of the 36-hole tournament.

He's one stroke behind Bill Soucie, who carded the lone round that wasn't over par, when he turned in an even-par round of 72.

John Gering (75) and Tim Morrissey (75) join Wenck and Soucie in the final pairing of the day.

The foursome is scheduled to tee of at 12:19 p.m.

Wenck won both of his Bradenton seniors' titles in wire-to-wire fashion, having opened in either a share of first place or first place alone after the first round.

So, if Wenck prevails, it'll be his first seniors trophy without starting the final round with at least a tie for first.

An misses Masters cut

Ben An hit it plenty off the tee in his two Masters' rounds, but the Bradenton Prep senior, who plays and trains at The Concession Golf Club with Jonathan Yarwood, had little else go right.

An shot 78-77 for an 11-over two-day total to miss the cut in his first Masters tournament.

The venerable Augusta National major championship boasts ultra fast, undulating greens, and that's the area that plagued An in both rounds.

He had 64 putts, which was good for an average of 32 putts per round.

Conversely, co-leader near the end of day two, Ian Poulter, had just 54 putts over his two rounds.

Poulter shot 8-under with a pair of 68s, which was 19 shots better than An.

An also hit 18 of 36 greens in regulation, and he finished with three birdies against 14 bogeys for the week.

Yet, he belted the ball nearly 290 yards per drive off the tee.

So, while Bradenton's area golfer is out at The Masters, the tournament still has marquee names left that should make for an exciting weekend.

And An isn't finished competing in major championships or regular PGA Tour stops.

He's scheduled to play the United States and British opens later this year, as part of the exemptions he earned with last year's U.S. Amateur triumph.

An will also play the Verizon Heritage next week at Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina.

An's opening round a bit bumpy

Ben An's first round at The Masters has left the Bradenton Prep senior well behind the pack at Augusta National Golf Club.

An carded a 6-over, 78 that puts the United States Amateur champion near the bottom of the field, as several players remain on the course.

An missed nine greens in regulation, hit just eight fairways and had 33 putts, while recording one birdie and seven bogeys in Thursday's round.

AJGA results, part three

This is the final tournament conducted by the AJGA last weekend that featured Bradenton juniors. The other tournament based in California had a field made up of juniors from the western half of the country.

Courtesy of the AJGA:

BRYAN, Texas -- Final results from the Laredo Energy Junior at Traditions conducted by the American Junior Golf Association at The Traditions Club at Texas A&M.
Boys Par: 36-36--72. Yardage: 7000. Rating: 73.9. Slope: 149
Girls Par: 36-36--72. Yardage: 6159. Rating: 77.9. Slope: 150

Boys Division
1. David Lee, Houston, Texas (2012) 71-70-73--214 -2
2. Tyler Dunlap, Westlake, Texas (2011) 75-73-68--216 E
3. Nicholas Torrance, Bradenton, Fla. (2010) 72-73-72--217 +1
4. Carl Jonson, Bainbridge Island, Wash. (2011) 74-70-74--218 +2
5. J.J. Holen, Castaic, Calif. (2011) 76-72-71--219 +3
5. Nicholas Reach, Moscow, Pa. (2011) 74-74-71--219 +3
7. Zachary Olsen, Cordova, Tenn. (2013) 75-73-72--220 +4
7. Connor Black, Katy, Texas (2014) 74-70-76--220 +4
9. Kramer Hickok, Plano, Texas (2011) 74-75-72--221 +5
9. Nick Tremps, San Antonio, Texas (2011) 75-72-74--221 +5
11. Dylan Siebenaler, Sugar Land, Texas (2013) 71-77-74--222 +6
11. Sam Fidone, Lufkin, Texas (2011) 72-76-74--222 +6
13. Michael Decker, Pebble Beach, Calif. (2013) 77-71-75--223 +7
14. Michael Kim, Del Mar, Calif. (2011) 77-73-74--224 +8
14. Curtis Thompson, Coral Springs, Fla. (2011) 75-70-79--224 +8
16. Andrew Lister, Haymarket, Va. (2011) 78-73-74--225 +9
16. Curtis Reed, Castroville, Texas (2010) 77-69-79--225 +9
18. Tucker Wadkins, Dallas, Texas (2011) 74-78-74--226 +10
18. Sarosh Adi, Frisco, Texas (2011) 77-75-74--226 +10
18. Christopher Ingham, Miami, Fla. (2011) 73-75-78--226 +10
18. Eli Juren, Austin, Texas (2011) 76-72-78--226 +10
18. Stratton Nolen, Austin, Texas (2013) 73-76-77--226 +10
23. Brandon Dalinka, Newtown, Pa. (2011) 77-74-76--227 +11
23. Joseph Winslow, Overland Park, Kan. (2011) 79-71-77--227 +11
23. Landon Lyons, Baton Rouge, La. (2010) 73-76-78--227 +11
26. Beau Titsworth, Avon, Ohio (2012) 81-71-76--228 +12
26. Seiji Liu, Beverly Hills, Calif. (2010) 74-77-77--228 +12
26. Joseph Abella, Plano, Texas (2012) 79-73-76--228 +12
26. Geoff Vartelas, Cromwell, Conn. (2012) 75-76-77--228 +12
26. Jonathan Beatty, Montgomery, Texas (2012) 78-75-75--228 +12
26. Brandon Wilhide, Richmond, Texas (2010) 75-78-75--228 +12
26. Trey Mullinax, Mount Olive, Ala. (2010) 82-71-75--228 +12
26. Matthew Barth, The Woodlands, Texas (2011) 77-70-81--228 +12
26. Johannes Veerman, Sugar Land, Texas (2010) 74-75-79--228 +12

Girls Division
1. Erynne Lee, Silverdale, Wash. (2011) 69-72-74--215 -1
2. Tanaporn Kongkiatkrai, Bradenton, Fla. (2011) 72-72-74--218 +2
3. Casey Grice, College Station, Texas (2010) 74-75-73--222 +6
3. Portland Rosen, Sugar Land, Texas (2010) 73-74-75--222 +6
5. Sun Gyoung Park, Vail, Ariz. (2010) 76-73-75--224 +8
6. Kaylin Terry, Austin, Texas (2010) 75-75-77--227 +11
6. Alicia Malagon, Tampico Mx, Mexico (2011) 74-79-74--227 +11
6. Gianna Misenhelter, Overland Park, Kan. (2010) 75-73-79--227 +11
6. Lauren Kim, Los Altos, Calif. (2012) 74-75-78--227 +11
10. Karen Chung, Livingston, N.J. (2013) 73-76-79--228 +12
11. Marijosse Navarro, San Antonio, Texas (2014) 74-75-81--230 +14
12. SooBin Kim, Coquitlam, BC (2011) 74-79-78--231 +15
13. Ashley Armstrong, Flossmoor, Ill. (2011) 78-78-77--233 +17
14. Kyle Roig, Pembroke Pines, Fla. (2011) 74-77-83--234 +18
14. Lauren Salazar, Santa Clara, Calif. (2012) 79-75-80--234 +18
16. Samantha Wagner, Clermont, Fla. (2015) 75-80-81--236 +20
16. Sierra Sims, Austin, Texas (2013) 78-77-81--236 +20
18. Marika Liu, Bradenton, Fla. (2011) 80-78-79--237 +21
19. Kayli Quinton, Cypress, Texas (2012) 77-80-82--239 +23
19. Taylor Moreno, Austin, Texas (2011) 82-76-81--239 +23
21. Elisabeth Bernabe, Anaheim Hills, Calif. (2013) 82-76-82--240 +24

AJGA results, part two

Here's the second tournament from last weekend's AJGA events, featuring Bradenton juniors.

Again, the results below are courtesy of the AJGA:

BRASELTON, Ga. -- Final results from the Junior All-Star at Château Élan conducted by the American Junior Golf Association at Château Élan.
Boys Par: 36-35--71. Yardage: 6654. Rating: 71.8. Slope: 133
Girls Par: 36-35--71. Yardage: 5902. Rating: 74.5. Slope: 134

Boys Division - Château Course
1. Corey Shaun, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (2014) 74-71-72--217 +4
2. Christian Cichan, Charlotte, N.C. (2013) 72-75-71--218 +5
2. Rigel Fernandes, Bradenton, Fla. (2013) 74-71-73--218 +5
4. Colin Proctor, Anderson, Ind. (2014) 75-74-71--220 +7
4. Brock Drogosch, Westlake Village, Calif. (2013) 74-72-74--220 +7
4. Adam Wood, Zionsville, Ind. (2014) 77-69-74--220 +7
7. Forrest Gamble, Birmingham, Ala. (2012) 72-78-71--221 +8
7. Kendrick Vinar, Chapel Hill, N.C. (2013) 77-71-73--221 +8
7. Emilio Maurer, Puebla, Mexico (2013) 71-77-73--221 +8
7. Santiago Lopez, Boca del Rio, Mexico (2014) 70-74-77--221 +8
11. Jonathan Hardee, Greer, S.C. (2014) 72-76-74--222 +9
11. Carter Page, Waynesville, N.C. (2012) 75-72-75--222 +9
11. Davis Riley, Hattiesburg, Miss. (2015) 73-74-75--222 +9
11. Andy Shim, Duluth, Ga. (2012) 72-73-77--222 +9
11. Will Thomas, Cary, N.C. (2012) 75-71-76--222 +9
16. Andrew Buchanan, Los Altos Hills, Calif. (2013) 73-78-72--223 +10
16. Matthew Beringer, Macon, Ga. (2014) 78-73-72--223 +10
18. Kristian Caparros, Miami Lakes, Fla. (2015) 74-77-73--224 +11
18. Michael Davis, Newtown Square, Pa. (2014) 77-75-72--224 +11
18. Rafael Barnoya, Howey in the Hills, Fla. (2014) 72-77-75--224 +11
18. Taylor McCullum, Hoover, Ala. (2013) 74-80-70--224 +11
18. Jeffrey Meltzer, Bradenton, Fla. (2012) 76-71-77--224 +11
18. Zachary Martin, Pinehurst, N.C. (2013) 74-73-77--224 +11
24. Conner Lewis, Davidson, N.C. (2012) 78-71-76--225 +12
24. Thomas Walsh, High Point, N.C. (2015) 76-74-75--225 +12
24. Tanner Owen, High Point, N.C. (2014) 75-76-74--225 +12
24. Raymond Knoll, Naperville, Ill. (2013) 75-72-78--225 +12
28. Drew Johnson, Oak Ridge, N.C. (2013) 70-79-77--226 +13
28. Brandon Pierce, Covington, La. (2013) 73-78-75--226 +13
30. Michael Lee, Sanford, Fla. (2013) 72-79-76--227 +14
30. Anthony Alex, Wayne, N.J. (2013) 79-73-75--227 +14

Other notables
43. Ramsey Touchberry, Bradenton, Fla. (2014) 78-77-78--233 +20
MC James Leadbetter Bradenton, Fla. (2013) 77-81--158 +16

Girls Division - Château Course
1. Jisoo Keel, Coquitlam, BC (2013) 71-74-72--217 +4
2. Natalia Forero, Cali , Colombia (2014) 72-71-77--220 +7
3. Hannah Kim, San Ysidro, Calif. (2014) 73-77-74--224 +11
4. Allisen Corpuz, Honolulu, Hawaii (2016) 78-73-74--225 +12
5. Louise Oxner, Greenville, S.C. (2013) 75-81-71--227 +14
6. Ashley Holder, Orlando, Fla. (2013) 75-76-77--228 +15
7. Katy Harris, St. Simons Island, Ga. (2013) 78-76-75--229 +16
8. Isabella Skinner, Cumming, Ga. (2014) 78-76-76--230 +17
8. Sloan Shanahan, Suwanee, Ga. (2013) 77-77-76--230 +17
10. Stephanie Liu, Saint Albans, Mo. (2015) 75-80-76--231 +18
11. Jessica Hoang, North Augusta, S.C. (2013) 76-82-74--232 +19
12. Anna Sophia Bohmer, Cali, Colombia (2013) 77-81-75--233 +20
12. Gabrielle Weiss, Macungie, Pa. (2014) 78-76-79--233 +20
14. Catherina Li, Kent, Wash. (2014) 79-75-80--234 +21
15. Bryana Nguyen, Columbia, Md. (2014) 79-78-79--236 +23
16. Lauren Gros, Gainesville, Fla. (2014) 82-77-80--239 +26
17. Marissa DeCola, Butler, Pa. (2012) 82-78-84--244 +31
18. Michaela Owen, Alpharetta, Ga. (2015) 77-81-87--245 +32

Other notables
MC Shane Crutchfield St. Petersburg, Fla. (2012) 86-76--162 +20
MC Mariana Nule Galofre Bradenton, Fla. (2014) 81-83--164 +22

Bradenton juniors excel in AJGA tournaments

As noted in Thursday's edition of The Herald, several junior golfers had strong showings in AJGA events this past weekend.

The field was large, so I'll be breaking the results up in three segments.

First up is the AJGA Junior at Innisbrook, found below, courtesy of the AJGA:

PALM HARBOR, Fla. -- Final results from the AJGA Junior at Innisbrook conducted by the American Junior Golf Association at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club.
Boys Par: 36-35--71. Yardage: 7330. Rating: 76.6. Slope: 144
Girls Par: 35-35--70. Yardage: 5800. Rating: 76.2. Slope: 140

Boys Division - Copperhead Course
1. JD Tomlinson, Gainesville, Fla. (2011) 73-73-68--214 +1
2. Daniel Berger, Jupiter, Fla. (2011) 74-70-71--215 +2
3. Patrick Rodgers, Avon, Ind. (2011) 71-74-71--216 +3
4. Patrick Winther, Howey in the Hills, Fla. (2010) 74-70-73--217 +4
5. Kyle Kochevar, Glen Ellyn, Ill. (2012) 73-75-71--219 +6
6. Marshall Talkington, Jackson, Tenn. (2010) 72-73-75--220 +7
7. Kentaro Toyota, Tampa, Fla. (2011) 77-72-72--221 +8
8. Tanapol Vattanapisit, Bradenton, Fla. (2011) 77-74-71--222 +9
8. Hank Lebioda, Winter Springs, Fla. (2012) 75-72-75--222 +9
8. Hunter Stewart, Nicholasville, Ky. (2011) 77-69-76--222 +9
11. Shun Yat Hak, Lake Mary, Fla. (2012) 75-72-76--223 +10
11. Thomas Stewart, St Augustine, Fla. (2011) 75-71-77--223 +10
13. Sean Kelly, Staten Island, N.Y. (2011) 78-75-71--224 +11
13. Scott Smyers, Lakeland, Fla. (2010) 76-77-71--224 +11
13. Blake Morris, Waterbury, Conn. (2011) 76-72-76--224 +11
13. Cyril Suk, Bradenton, Fla. (2011) 72-70-82--224 +11
17. Jay Pinkos, Clifton, Va. (2011) 77-75-73--225 +12
17. Payne Denman, Riverwatch, Tenn. (2010) 75-75-75--225 +12
17. Noori Hyun, Centreville, Va. (2011) 76-74-75--225 +12
17. John Foster, Concord, ON (2011) 72-77-76--225 +12
17. Matthew Rushton, Hilton Head Island, S.C. (2013) 73-75-77--225 +12
17. Lee McCoy, Palm Harbor, Fla. (2012) 75-71-79--225 +12
23. Jose Lopez, Veracruz, Mexico (2010) 81-70-75--226 +13
23. Blake Kennedy, Moore, S.C. (2012) 78-72-76--226 +13
23. Marcel Puyat, Makati, Philippines (2011) 78-71-77--226 +13
23. Nicholas Scott, Union, Ohio (2011) 69-78-79--226 +13
23. Austin Powell, Jupiter, Fla. (2011) 75-73-78--226 +13
28. Michael Chen, Bradenton, Fla. (2011) 76-76-75--227 +14
28. Matthew Mabrey, Little Rock, Ark. (2011) 76-75-76--227 +14
30. Robert De Biase, North Miami, Fla. (2010) 75-75-78--228 +15
30. Haoyuan Lu, Bradenton, Fla. (2012) 75-78-75--228 +15
30. Matthew Ross, Hartland, Wis. (2012) 78-75-75--228 +15
30. Tyler Wingo, Fairfax, Va. (2011) 79-71-78--228 +15
30. Austin Romeo, Erie, Pa. (2011) 79-75-74--228 +15
30. Tyler Sluman, Sarasota, Fla. (2010) 78-71-79--228 +15
30. Cody Proveaux, Leesville, S.C. (2012) 71-76-81--228 +15

Other notables

43. Peter Sterner, Sarasota, Fla. (2011) 75-76-79--230 +17
53. Jack Maguire, St. Petersburg, Fla. (2013) 77-77-78--232 +19
53. Domenico Geminiani, Bradenton, Fla. (2014) 78-77-77--232 +19
59. Zheng Liang, Bradenton, Fla. (2012) 79-76-78--233 +20
MC James Yoon Bradenton, Fla. (2012) 78-78--156 +14
MC Ben Palanszki Bradenton, Fla. (2010) 83-75--158 +16
MC Blake Soni Bradenton, Fla. (2010) 80-79--159 +17
MC Michael Visacki Sarasota, Fla. (2012) 77-84--161 +19
MC Meechai Padungsiriseth Bradenton, Fla. (2012) 82-83--165 +23
MC Ian McConnell Riverview, Fla. (2010) 78-88--166 +24

Girls Division - Osprey North
1. Stephanie Meadow, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland (2010) 72-69-70--211 -5
2. Ginger Howard, Bradenton, Fla. (2012) 74-68-71--213 -3
3. A.J. Newell, Tampa, Fla. (2011) 72-66-77--215 -1
4. Doris Chen, Bradenton, Fla. (2011) 77-67-72--216 E
4. Simin Feng, Orlando, Fla. (2013) 71-73-72--216 E
4. Kelly Shon, Port Washington, N.Y. (2010) 70-71-75--216 E
7. Jaye Marie Green, Boca Raton, Fla. (2012) 73-71-73--217 +1
8. Robbi Howard, Bradenton, Fla. (2013) 73-75-70--218 +2
9. Hally Leadbetter, Bradenton, Fla. (2011) 75-74-71--220 +4
9. Vivian Tsui, Markham, ON (2011) 74-72-74--220 +4
11. Annie Park, Levittown, N.Y. (2013) 74-73-74--221 +5
12. Yueer Cindy Feng, Orlando, Fla. (2014) 77-73-72--222 +6
13. Anna Newell, Tampa, Fla. (2014) 72-78-75--225 +9
14. Monifa Sealy, Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. (2011) 78-72-76--226 +10
14. Daniela Ordonez, Bogota, Colombia (2011) 75-72-79--226 +10
14. Michelle Butler, Dunedin, Fla. (2011) 70-75-81--226 +10
14. Laura Camila Blanco Trujillo, Bogota D.C., Colombia (2010) 72-74-80--226 +10
18. Christina Foster, Concord, ON (2013) 76-78-73--227 +11
18. Silvia Garces, Cali, Colombia (2012) 76-76-75--227 +11
18. Ri Hyang Park, Hilton Head Island, S.C. (2011) 77-73-77--227 +11
18. Nicole Quinn, Windermere, Fla. (2011) 76-73-78--227 +11
22. Amira Alexander, Alpharetta, Ga. (2012) 78-74-76--228 +12
23. Heather Proctor, Silver Spring, Fla. (2011) 78-76-75--229 +13
23. Lauren Coughlin, Chesapeake, Va. (2011) 76-75-78--229 +13
25. Suzie Lee, East Northport, N.Y. (2010) 79-77-74--230 +14
25. Daniela Lendl, Bradenton, Fla. (2011) 80-78-72--230 +14
25. Irene Jung, Jacksonville, Fla. (2011) 75-78-77--230 +14
28. Samantha Marks, Maitland, Fla. (2012) 82-73-76--231 +15
28. Alexandra Milan, Lutz, Fla. (2011) 77-74-80--231 +15
30. Tisha Alyn Abrea, Murrieta, Calif. (2011) 80-77-75--232 +16
30. Cristina McQuiston, Amherst, Mass. (2011) 79-79-74--232 +16
30. Brogan McKinnon, Mississauga, ON (2012) 78-75-79--232 +16
30. Audrey Monssoh, Howey in the Hills, Fla. (2011) 76-76-80--232 +16

Other notables
35. Vivian Hsuan Chen, Bradenton, Fla. (2013) 83-74-77--234 +18

An's Masters pairings announced

The Masters pairings list for the first two rounds was announced today. That means Bradenton Prep senior and reigning United States Amateur champion, Byeong-Hun An, will play the first two days with defending Masters champion Angel Cabrera and former U.S. Open winner Jim Furyk.

An's group starts Thursday's opening round at 10:24 a.m. EST.

To read more about An and this story, check out Thursday's edition of The Bradenton Herald.

Prudential Palms Ritz Classic results

Here are the results from Monday's Prudential Palms Ritz Classic at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, courtesy of West Florida Golf Tour owner Carl Wakely.

Position


Name


Score


$ Prize money

1


Hampton Ballard


67


1500

t-2


Jon Bullas


69


545

t-2


Travis Hampshire


69


545

t-2


Abs Mawji


69


545

t-2


Matthew Galloway


69


545

t-2


Joey Lamielle


69


545

t-2


Billy Glandon


69


545

t-8


Robert Gamez


70


246

t-8


Robert Rohanna


70


246

t-8


Jong Yoon


70


246

t-8


Kevin Collins


70


246

t-8


Abbie Valentine


70


246

t-13


Marek Novy


71


195

t-13


Kyle Bilodeau


71


195

t-13


Eric Higgins


71


195

t-13


Gonzalo Ibarraran


71


195

t-17


Lucas Lizanek


72


132

t-17


Hunter Spitler


72


132

t-17


Nick Jones


72


132

t-17


Larry O’brien


72


132

t-17


Dan Ganahl


72


132

t-22


Kenny Chong


73


75

t-22


Geoff Wood


73


75

t-22


Stephen Thomas


73


75

t-22


Justin Schlau


73


75

26


John McCann


74


50

t-27


Sam Komar


75


15

t-27


Tom Jenks


75


15

t-27


Colton Turnquist


75


15

t-27


Andrew Thomas (am)


75


15

t-27


Patrick Sams


75


15

t-27


Brian Ward


75


15

t-27


BJ Tripplett


75


15

t-27


Punir Mehta


75


15





Photos provided by Wakely: Hampton Ballard (left) is presented a check from Prudential Palms Realty co-owner Mark Sosso for Ballard's victory on Monday.

What we learned

Tiger Woods had his long-awaited press conference Monday afternoon. But, what did we learn from the 14-time major winner?

He said he'll tone down his reactions on each shot, whether it's a fist-pump for a good one or a club tossing for a bad one.

Woods said when he thought he wasn't playing golf in the near-future during his February public apology.

Woods said he has never taken an illegal drug. He added he was never given HGH or PEDs from Dr. Anthony Galea, and visited Galea about helping him recover with PRPs and from his achilles tendon injury sustained in 2008, because there's a comfort level knowing a doctor has treated athletes before.

In a nutshell, we didn't learn much. It's all the same stuff that's been rehashed since the Thanksgiving car crash.

Woods answered some questions like a politician would, while directly answering others.

El Tigre not playing in The Masters is about as unlikely as Augusta National not doling out a green jacket to the winner.

A colleague of mine brought up a good point, if Woods misled the public about the type of person he really was for the past five years, then why would we believe he's changed and not misleading us all now?

It's food for thought, but hopefully we can all just get to the important stuff, like watching this year's Masters.

Just get it over with, Tiger

Tiger Woods long layoff is just about over. His return to competitive golf is this week at the Masters, the first major of the year.

So Masters Week, filled with tradition-laden events prior to the tournament unlike most events, begins Monday.

Woods will speak to media members in a full-fledged press conference at Augusta National.

Or will he?

First, Woods stayed quiet as revelations about his infidelities surfaced all over the tabloids, gossip magazines and traditional media outlets.

Then Woods had a controlled apology speech that aired live on television, opposite the tour's World Golf Championship's Match Play Championship.

Woods followed that up with exclusive interviews with ESPN and the Golf Channel, under a brief time limit.

Now he's speaking to the media.

But guess what?

We're in for another controlled atmosphere, because Augusta National is only letting in one reporter for each news outlet, with few exceptions.

Tiger just needs to let everyone ask him the questions he's avoided, get it over with, and then the golf world can move on.

Then, maybe, we can get back to watching golf.

WFGT's tee times

The West Florida Golf Tour makes a stop to a new venue this week. The mini-tour, designed for players in Southwest Florida, kicks off Masters Week with a tournament Monday at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club.

Prudential Palms Realty is the tournament sponsor, and features a field with the likes of former PGA Tour winner Robert Gamez. 2010 Manatee County Open champion and 2008 United States Open participant Joey Lamielle is also scheduled to play.

They'll join the rest of the field gunning after the tour's Order of Merit leader, Travis Hampshire.

Hampshire has won over $2,500 in three events this year and the following is the tee times list, courtesy of Carl Wakely and the WFGT.

Time Tee Name Name Name Name
11.30 1 Punir Mehta Robert Gamez Abhishek Ruia (am) Sam Komar Jr
11.40 1 Greg Hart Brandon Stafford Zach Gould Ryan Gabel
11.50 1 Jamie Miller Jeff Wolniewicz Robert Rohanna Nick Jones
12.00 1 Yinchi Liu Colton Turnquist David Ostrowski (am) Matthew Galloway
12.10 1 Gonzalo Ibarraran Larry O’Brien (am) Spencer King Jon Bullas
12.20 1 Jong Yoon Kevin Collins Billy Glandon Kenny Chong
12.30 1 Travis Hampshire Abbie Valentine Kyle Bilodeau Andrew Thomas (am)
12.40 1 Tom Jenks Federico Torresani Joey Lamielle Travis Benson(am)
12.50 1 John Hewlin Nick Torrance(am) Tatiana Gammichia(am) Ross Buchanon

11.30 10 Jack Collins Stephen Thomas Carl Wakely Bennie Triplett
11.40 10 Marek Pleyer Mike Murray Brian Ward Dan Ganahl
11.50 10 Jared Kobren Joshua Cabrera (am) Phil Phelan Patrick Sams
12.00 10 Eric Higgins Jon McCann Hampton Ballard Jeremy Holland
12.10 10 Justin Schlau Larry Rupp Alex Malachowski Jan Ryba (am)
12.20 10 Marek Novy Brad Johnson Kenny Cavender (am) Lukas Lizanek
12.30 10 Mark Noonan (am) Corey Pion Justin Robinson Ben Samritpricha (am)
12.40 10 Tommaso Vielmo (am) Tyler Beasley Abs Mawji Geoff Wood
12.50 10 Kristian Sorensen (am) Jason Chase Hunter Spitler Joe Hampton