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Shop manager makes run at State Amateur

By DAVE THEALL
Published May 20, 2006

Though Missy Pederson didn't reach the final of the 67th annual State Women's Amateur Championship, the 25-year-old golf shop manager at Pasadena Yacht and Country Club made her presence felt in Naples.

After qualifying with 6-over 78 in stroke play Monday, Pederson won her first three matches to reach the semifinals.

Tuesday, Pederson defeated Chris Epperly 3 and 2. Wednesday, she won on the 19th hole over Sharon Kell. Then Thursday, she disposed of Diane Lang 3 and 2 to reach the semis.

There, she ran into Jane Hiestand of Naples, the second seed in the field, and lost 4 and 3.

"This tournament was a big improvement for me over last year, when I won only once," said Pederson, who had an eagle and double eagle in a match earlier this year. "Every match was a challenge, and I really had to rise to the occasion in my second-round match (with Kell), where I was 2-up with two to go and couldn't close out the match on 18.

"She hit her second shot on the 370-yard No.1 playoff hole to within 8 feet. I hit an 8-iron to about 4 feet and sank the birdie putt for the win."

Pederson said she is playing steadier now, keeping a level head, and that makes a big difference in pressure golf.

Hiestand ran into Reggie Parker of Hobe Sound in the final losing 1-up at Bonita Bay Club East. For complete results, including Flights A through D, go to www.fwsga.org

Pederson returned to Naples on Wednesday, at the Imperial Club's East course, to compete in a qualifier for the U.S. Women's Open. Her 78 missed the cut by two strokes at the 6,500-yard course.

"I played with two veteran pros, and I was neck and neck with them all the way," said Pederson, who has been playing the game for only 21/2 years. "That helped me ... boost my confidence.

"Overall, I'm encouraged by the experience. I wouldn't have done as well without Jennifer Cully (Tierra Verde), my instructor, who caddied for me. It was helpful to me to have someone to bounce things off."

Monday, Cindy LaCrosse (Tampa/Plant) shot 2-over 74 at a first-stage qualifier at Timuquana Golf Course in Jacksonville to advance to a sectional June29 in Newport, R.I. Among a field of 81, 15 shot 78 or better to advance.

Danielle Jackson, the Times county player of the year in 2004-05 playing for Northside Christian, shot 84 on the 6,586-yard course. Her father and coach, D.J. Jackson, caddied for her. Danielle has accepted an academic/athletic scholarship to Stetson.

The Clearwater-based association revisited Countryside on Monday for a better-ball match. There were nearly full fields for the morning and afternoon matches.

Jeff Pett of Seffner and Claud Johnson had the best round of the day, shooting 7-under 65.

Eddie Grant and Dave Reber, playing in the senior division in the morning round, won with a 69.

A score of 66 tied the teams of Tim Deleon and Mark Thomas and Dunedin's Ken Palladino and Ed Shedd. Senior winners Bobby Jolly and Mark Thomas posted the same score.

The net winners among both groups were Joe Cilluffo and Joe Chuck at 57 followed by Gary Shellenberger and Jim Campoli at 59.

Dunedin's Justine Knox finished fourth (82-80-162) at World Woods in Brooksville in the girls 13-18 division. Her brother, Preston, tied for 12th at 75-77-152.

David Graham, the coach at Admiral Farragut, has resigned after 17 years to take a position in Hawaii. Primarily, Graham, the son of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham, was the dean of students and director of admissions.

City programs will be held by Largo, St. Petersburg, Dunedin and Treasure Island.

Largo, whose municipal course is closed until the fall, will have six lessons at Missings Links Range and a tournament at Pinecrest. Call 518-3024 for details.

For information about St. Petersburg's program and schedule, call 893-7800; Dunedin's St. Andrews Links, call 733-5061; Treasure Island, call 360-6062.

Other programs include:

LPGA Girls Golf Club of Largo, 786-2918; The First Tee of Clearwater, 742-7307; First Tee of St. Petersburg, 551-3300; Florida Junior Tour, www.fsga.org

The Pinellas County Men's League will have its 10th and final match to decide the 2005-06 winner at 1 p.m June5 at Innisbrook. An awards banquet follows.

[Last modified May 20, 2006, 01:58:12]