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Letter to the editor

Shriver schools his competition

By DAVE THEALL, Times Correspondent
Published August 26, 2007

There was a three-way tie in team scoring at Monday's West Central Chapter PGA Pro-Am at Belleair, but a clear-cut winner among pros in individual scoring.

Bill Shriver, co-director of the Belleview-Biltmore Golf Academy, crafted 8-under 63, winning by four strokes over Matt Mitchell of the Downs Golf School. Shriver's score set an east course record, topping the 64 held by a small group of people, including Belleair director of golf Jim Slattery.

Shriver's drive toward the low score came late since he was even par after the first nine holes with just one birdie offset by a bogey. He made seven birdies on his closing nine including six in a row. Asked to account for his sharp game on a typically hot and humid August day, Shriver pointed to two factors.

"One, I've been competing lately, namely this month's chapter and (PGA North Florida) section championship," Shriver said. "And secondly, I putted well - 23 putts on Monday."

Shriver also holds the course record of 10-under 62 at Diamondback in Haines City.

MORE SCORING: Chapter president Jim Garrison of Temple Terrace finished third with 69, followed by the Vinoy's Randy Mosley (70) and a tie at 71 between Slattery and Tim Polce of Pasco County.

Shriver's team, rounded out with amateurs Marvin Bailey, Doug McArthur and Kevin McGrath, all Belleview Biltmore members, posted 128. Slattery's team of Westin Jensen, Scott McNay and Jeff Putney also posted 128 and won on a scorecard match. The third team in the mix, also with 128, settled for third. They were Mosley of the Vinoy, Dane Zimring, John LeFors and Jim Hartley.

WEST COAST WOMEN: Pat Rogers of Tampa Palms, the league's 2007 champion, continued her winning ways in last week's match at Temple Terrace shooting 3-over 75. Jean Krause of the Bayou Club was second with 84.

COUNTY GOLF: Mike Sanderson of Homosassa continued his winning ways at River Wilderness in Parrish on Monday, teaming with Tony Baccari in a better-ball match with 65. Bill Maxfield and Jim Bailey won (75) the senior division; Randy Bish teamed with Tim Landwehr at 64 for net title.

LARGO SCRAMBLE: The bi-weekly match at the par-62 city course was won with 12-under 50 by Tom Shaw, Largo; George Brennen, Clearwater; Gary Hull, Indian Rocks Beach; and Larry Bates, St. Petersburg. The next match is at 7:30 on Sept. 1. Call the pro shop at 518-3024.

RYAN WELLS JUNIORS: Evan Jensen of Belleair capitalized on her recent high-level experience at this summer's U.S. Girls Championship and the more recent U.S. Women's Amateur Championship to rally from behind for the 36-hole win at Innisbrook's Highlands north and south courses. Three birdies in her final round of 1-over 72 were more than enough to overcome the lead of long-time friend and competitor Maria Castellanos of Stuart, who finished five strokes off the pace.

Pinellas boys finished second, then fourth through 10th, headed by Alec Konstantin of Tarpon, who lost in a playoff to Lutz's Rick Kittlestad. The others were Nick Buccina, 145; Justin Foster, 146; Chad Fleming, 148; Taylor Hancock, 148 (tie); Aaron Watson, 150; Tyler Wilkins, 150 (tie); and Travis Ralph, 151.

- Four Northside Christian girls played well, aiming for another state Class A title this fall. They were Michelle Butler, fourth, followed by Morgan Jackson and A.J. Newell, sixth and seventh, plus Danielle Grace of St. Pete Beach.

NEXT WEEK: The First Tee of St. Petersburg begins classes Monday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Cypress Links, 62nd Ave., NE. Ages 8-12 are eligible. Visit www.thefirstteestpetersburg.org or call 551-3333.

- Michael Holmes, a Shorecrest Prep senior, will fly to California next week with First Tee coach and program coordinator Rick Waltman for the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. He'll play each day with a Champions Tour pro and two amateurs. It will air on the Golf Channel each day at 6:30 p.m.

[Last modified August 25, 2007, 22:50:31]