Sertoma Junior Tour Ready to Launch

There are two sure signs that it's just about summer in the Heartland.

One is the Memorial Day holiday and the other is the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour's annual adult/child tournament.

The Sertoma Junior Golf Tour, which is for junior golfers ages 5-18, is in its 15th year and is one of the best and most economical ways for boys and girls to hone their golf games, while getting plenty of exercise in the outdoors.

The adult/child tournament is being held Sunday at Sun 'N Lake Country Club with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the 18-hole, alternate-shot format tees off at 1 p.m.

"We're looking for a good turnout because this is a great way for parents, grandparents or any adult to spend time with the kids on the golf course," said Sertoma Junior Tour director Andy Kesling. "The alternate-shot format makes for a lot of fun and keeps everybody involved in the round."

Entry fee for the adult/child tournament is $80 per team and includes range balls, trophies and a nice dinner after the competition.

"The adult/child tournament is a real fun event," said Kesling, who is an assistant professional at Sun 'N Lake Country Club, "We cap it off with a nice dinner and give trophies out."

The 40th annual Bagwell Junior Classic, which is not part of the Sertoma Junior Tour, is set for June 6-7 at River Greens golf course.

Even though the Bagwell is not part of the Sertoma Junior Tour, Kesling is encouraging all junior golfers to participate in the prestigious junior event.

"The Bagwell is a great tournament, it's been around a long time and is one that the junior golfers in the Heartland should support," Kesling said.

The first event on the Sertoma Junior Tour, which has weekly tournaments and runs through Aug. 16, is set for June 11 at the Bluffs in Arcadia.

There is a one-time registration fee of $30 per child and a $10-15 fee for each event.

The weekly tournaments attract between 50 and 65 youngsters and Kesling is hoping that even more junior golfers come out this year.

"We're looking forward to the summer," said Kesling. "The Sertoma Tour is not for beginning golfers, but for youngsters that have played and practiced some and want to improve their games.

"We're hoping a large number of kids come out and participate because competing on the Sertoma Tour is the best way to understand the rules and learn how to perform under pressure."

The Sertoma Tour, which Kesling played when he was younger, offers youngsters a chance to play a different course each week under competitive pressure.

"I know I learned a lot competing on the Sertoma Tour when I was growing up and getting over being nervous and seeing how you compare with the other golfers," Kesling said.

The Country Club of Sebring hosts the June 18 event, while Highlands Ridge North and South will be the site of the June 24-25 tournament.

Golf Hammock will host an event on July 2, Torrey Oaks in Bowling Green will be the site of the July 9 tournament, while Harder Hall will host on July 16.

The Bill Jarrett Match Play Championships are slated for July 22-23 with River Greens golf course hosting the two-day event.

Placid Lakes Country Club is the site of the tournament on July 30, while Lake Wales Golf and Country Club will host on Aug. 6.

The summer season winds up with the Sertoma Tour Championships at Sun 'N Lake Country Club on Aug. 15-16.

Out of the nine tournaments, the top five scores will be counted so that if youngsters miss some tournaments because of vacations or traveling, they still have a chance to succeed.

"We know everyone has vacation plans during the summer," said Kesling. "So we just take the top five scores from each player for the final point standings.

"That way if you miss a few events, you still have a chance to win your age group."

The Sertoma Junior Tour offers youngsters a great opportunity to play a different course each week for very little money.

"The Sertoma Tour is a great bargain," said Kesling. "That wouldn't be possible without the support and assistance we get from all the courses we play on and we can't thank them enough.

"The sooner youngsters are introduced to the game, the quicker they improve and we're looking forward to a great summer of golf."

For more information on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour contact Kesling at 863-385-4830.

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com