Golf notes, Dec. 16: Werenski reclaims Web.com Tour card
Richy Werenski secured another year on the Web.com Tour after surviving the circuit's final qualifying stage, though a wind-whipped Sunday at PGA National left the Berkeley Hall pro with some anxious moments near the end.
Werenski endured a 6-over-par 78, as blustery South Florida winds played havoc with everyone on the final day but especially those on PGA National's Champion layout - the same Jack Nicklaus design used at the Honda Classic.
The former IJGA standout, who had broken 70 in his previous three rounds, wound up sliding to a share of 34th - one stroke clear of the cut line for full status on next year's circuit. An opening birdie proved to be his only one of the day, holding on through eight bogeys before reaching the finish line.
He was far from the only one to struggle. Former Georgia Tech teammate Ollie Schneiderjans, who ended his amateur days No.1 in those world rankings, closed with a 76. So did former PGA Tour veteran Hunter Haas.
Werenski had to take the qualifying route again after finishing 79th on last season's money list, four spots shy of earning a spot in the Web.com Tour Finals.
Beaufort's Mark Anderson never found his rhythm at PGA National, finishing 10 shots off the cut line for a full card. He'll hold restricted status on next year's tour.
IJGA SWEEP AT HARBOUR TOWN
Kayla Kozak (Bluffton) and Chase Phillips (Hilton Head Island) led a sweep of IJGA students at last weekend's IJGA Invitational at Harbour Town, with Japan's Shiso Go rounding out the group by repeating in the boys' top division.
Kozak went wire-to-wire in the girls' division with scores of 74-73, pulling away over the final six holes for a five-stroke victory. The win was her second on the International Junior Golf Tour.
Go cruised to a seven-shot romp in his division, recording the lowest round each day with scores of 70-73. Phillips notched his third victory in the Boys 14-under division, using rounds of 81-80 for a two shot victory.
ACES AND ALBATROSSES
Donald Lucas recorded a hole-in-one Nov. 29 on No. 5 at The Golf Club at Indigo Run, using a 3-hybrid from 157 yards out. Witnesses were Karen Lucas, Steve Siegelbaum and Judi Siegelbaum.
David Graham notched a hole-in-one Dec. 11 on the eighth hole at Argent Lakes GC, watching his 9-iron attempt go in from 83 yards. Witnesses were John Raley, J.T. Stevens and Ken Wales.
Peggy Barr scored a hole-in-one Dec. 12 on the third hole of Oldfield Club, finding the cup with a 7-iron from 85 yards. Jay Barr provided witness.
This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 12:58 PM with the headline "Golf notes, Dec. 16: Werenski reclaims Web.com Tour card."