Villarreal and Sakuragi Win at Falcon's Fire

KISSIMMEE, FL - This weekend the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) hosted the GolfWorld Junior Open at Falcon's Fire Golf Club.  Falcon's Fire is well-known for its large greenside bunkers and the rolling mounds that line its fairways. The weather conditions were perfect for Central-Florida golf with temperatures resting in the mid to upper 80's that were accompanied by nothing but sunshine. IJGT competitors put their skills to the test as they were looking to bring home the top honors.

The Boys U-12 Division saw a familiar face take home the title once again. Hank Haney IJGA student Derrick Villarreal of Hartland, WI, who is no stranger to the winner's circle, was able to continue his winning ways after his recent victory at the IJGT event at Eagle's Pointe. Villarreal didn't give his competitors any chances at catching him this weekend with fantastic rounds of 74-73 for a 3-over par 147 finish.

In the Girls 16-19 Division, Hank Haney IJGA student Momo Sakuragi of Tokyo, Japan found herself in the middle of the pack with ground to make up following the completion of Saturdays round after carding a 79. However, Sunday was Sakuragi's day as she was able to fire a 5-under par 67 for a tournament total of 146. Sakuragi's 67, the lowest of any competitor in the field, was also good enough to earn her the Girls Division 59 Belts customized Falcon's Fire belt buckle. Close behind was fellow Hank Haney IJGA student Olivia Landino of Hermitage, PA who posted scores of 76-74, totaling 150. Bring home a third place finish was Hank Haney IJGA student Ann Kathrin Wuensch of Herrenberg, Germany posting rounds of 76-77 for a total of 153.

Sakuragi commented on her victory, "It feels great. I didn't play that well yesterday but putting really helped me a lot on today." Sakuragi credited some of her win to a new club which she says, "I'll be working with my new club and trying to make it more of a draw swing."

In the Boys 16-19 Division, there was a four-way tie for third place honors that included three Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy (Hank Haney IJGA) students. Thomas Strandemo (80-68) of Fargo, ND, Pablo Gerboles (74-74) of Leon, Spain, and Ernesto Vitienes (75-73) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic all combined for tournament totals 148.

Finishing in a close second in the Boys 13-15 Division was Hank Haney IJGA student Renato Bordes of Xalapa, Mexico who posted back-to-back 75's for a 150.