The IMG Junior Golf Tour was developed to fill a key niche in junior golf, the IMG Junior Golf Tour provides an elite setting for junior golfers to compete and gain exposure to college golf, professional golf, national junior rankings and athletic excellence.
Held in Florida every December, and open to boys and girls ages 11-18, the the IMG Academy Junior World Florida Challengeis a qualification and invitation only event featuring an international field of over 200 players.News
IMG Junior Golf Tour makes stop at Red Tail Golf Club, Sorrento, Fla.
Dominican Republic's Diego Schiffino wins Boys 15-18 Division; China's Yvonne Zheng back on top of points race with Girls 15-18 Division win; and Louisville's Matt Liston dominates Boys 11-14 Division
The IMG Junior Golf Tour made its first-ever stop at Red Tail Golf Club in Sorrento, Fla., Nov. 10-11. The Dominican Republic’s Diego Schiffino shot two solid rounds to finish at 71+73=144 (E) to earn his first IMG Junior Golf Tour win in the Boys 15-18 Division. To secure the victory, Schiffino had to withstand a late surge by Japan’s Kyotaro Sasaki, who shot an even-par 72 to finish one stroke off the lead on Sunday.
“To be victorious in one of these events really shows that what I am working on, and that the direction I’m going in is the right one – my hard work is paying off,” Schiffino said of the win. “My putting was key, my speed was perfect, along with my driving.”
China’s Yvonne Zheng took over the top spot in the points race for the Symetra Tour exemption with her first win this season in the Girls 15-18 Division,, finishing with a score of 75+70=145 (+1). She finished with a seven-stroke lead over Thailand’s Kanyanat Saithip and Columbia’s Camila Serrano, who finished tied for second with totals of 152 (+8). Zheng received four stars for AJGA Performance Based Entry with the win.
“Distance off the tee was critical due to well-placed fairway and waste bunkers; fortunately I hit all the fairways and positioned myself with good looks at greens in regulation,” Zheng remarked about her performance. “Ultimately, I’m just excited. It’s good to be back in the winner’s circle with my first win of 2012.” Last season, Zheng won three Tour events and garnered Player of the Year honors.
Louisville, Ky.-native Matt Liston made the trip to Florida to participate in the Boys 11-14 Division and dominated the field. Liston shot 71+70=141 (-3) to secure a 10-stroke victory in his first appearance in an IMG Junior Golf Tour event.
Red Tail Golf Club is highly regarded in Central Florida, and has played host to many collegiate events, including the UCF Challenge. The IMG Junior Golf Tour returns to action Nov. 23-25 at the New Course at Grand Cypress Golf Club for a 54-hole event. The event is recognized by AJGA Performance Based Entry and Golfweek/Sagarin Junior Rankings.
For full results, visit the IMG Junior Golf Tour leaderboard by clicking HERE.
