Sports

Boys golf preview

By BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer
Published August 22, 2007

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In June, there were 13 sectional qualifiers across the country. More than 700 players teed up with the goal of playing their way into the U.S. Open.

The pressure-packed 36-hole qualifier sent more than 80 players to fill a spot in the 156-player field. The others went home disappointed.

Some of the players competing in the sectional were former major champions such as Greg Kraft.

Then there were others such as Palm Harbor University's Zach Sobel, who tried to beat the odds and earn his way into a major by advancing through the United States Golf Association's local and sectional qualifying.

Sobel, the Times' boys golfer of the year the past two seasons, was the only amateur among six golfers who advanced from a local qualifier at Innisbrook's Island Course.

He tried to become the third-youngest golfer to qualify for the U.S. Open.

He didn't win.

"It was a great learning experience," Sobel said.

Now, Sobel is turning his attention to high school golf. He has placed in the top 10 at state the past two years but has yet to win.

"That's the goal - to win state," he said.

Golfers to watch

Mike Baskovich, Calvary Christian: The best player on a deep squad, Baskovich finished second in the Bay Conference, third at the East Lake Invitational, fourth in districts and eighth at regions.

M.J. McGuire, Shorecrest: The freshman was key in the Chargers' postseason success last year, winning regions and finishing 32nd at state.

Tyler Wilkens, Countryside: The senior was Sobel's toughest competition last year, losing three close matches.

Kolin Woodbury, Indian Rocks Christian: The sophomore was stellar in the regular season before stumbling in the postseason. He's looking to regain form.

District breakdowns

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 12
Teams: Clearwater, Countryside, Dunedin, East Lake, Gulf, Hudson, Mitchell, Palm Harbor University, Ridgewood, River Ridge, Tarpon Springs.

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 13
Teams: Boca Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Gibbs, Lakewood, Largo, Northeast, Osceola, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, Seminole.

CLASS A, DISTRICT 14
Teams: Berkeley Prep, Cambridge, Citrus Park Christian, Jesuit, Newsome, Oldsmar Christian, Robinson, Seffner Christian, Tampa Catholic, Tampa Prep.

CLASS A, DISTRICT 15
Teams: Admiral Farragut, Calvary Christian, Canterbury, Clearwater Central Catholic, Indian Rocks Christian, Keswick Christian, Lakeside Christian, Northside Christian, Pinellas Christian Homeschool, St. Petersburg Catholic, Shorecrest.

For the fans

Admission: Regular-season invitationals and postseason tournaments are free.

Regular season: Schools can compete in a maximum of 14 meets from Monday to Oct. 13.

Postseason: District tournaments are Oct. 15-16, region tournaments Oct. 22-23 and state tournaments Oct. 30-31 in Lakeland, Davenport and Haines City.

Classifications: Schools are divided by enrollment into two, ranging from the largest (Class 2A) to the smallest (Class A).

[Last modified August 21, 2007, 22:23:13]