Tie for 66th at Optimist Junior World Championships

In the photo Grandma Millie has Gary try on a pair of John Daly's Loudmouth Slacks at the PGA National Golf Shop. Gary didn't buy although Grandma encouraged him to do so and may have bought them for his birthday. If he wears them we hope he chooses a different shirt!


Gary shot a nice three over par 75 on the Palmer Course at the PGA National Resort to finish in a tie for 66th in the Optimist Junior World Championships out of 141 players from 25 states and 22 foreign countries. Click here for the full scoreboard. Today's three over round included 15 pars and 3 bogeys. He missed the cut of the low fifty players (and ties) by 3 shots.

Today's fellow competitors James Bramlett of North Carolina shot 78 and Kevin Clarke of Virginia shot 79.

Today's statistics are as follows: 11 fairways, 9 greens, and 30 putts. Today there were no fairway bunkers, no penalty shots, and no 3 putts. His final score of 77, 80, and 75 (232) was three off the cut line of the low fifty players (229).

Gary showed he can hold his own with international competition. His ball striking was well above the average. If just a few putts had fallen he would have been easily within the top 30 or 40 players.

Tonight there was a presentation by the Academic Adviser of the David Ledbetter Academy on strategies for moving on to college golf. This is a good tournament with great competition, fun activities, camaraderie, and educational opportunity. Thanks to the Optimist Clubs and great volunteers.

Next week Gary will enter USGA Amateur qualifying at Avila Country Club in Tampa. This is a two day event and Grandpa Gary with help from Grandma Millie will be the caddy (with a cart!). Grandpa has already been informed he will not be reading putts!