AJGA PRESEASON JUNIOR AT GAINESVILLE
University of Florida Golf Course
Gainesville, Florida
May 10-12, 2002

GIAMMARESI HOLDS ON FOR THE WIN IN GAINESVILLE
Fifteen juniors earn automatic entries into additional 2002 AJGA events

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Philip Michael Giammaresi of Tampa, Fla., carded a 7-over-par 77 in the final round of the AJGA Preseason Junior at Gainesville on Sunday to take medalist honors. He finished with a tournament total of 2-over-par 142 and a four-stroke victory.

Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the Preseason Junior at Gainesville held at the University of Florida Golf Course in Gainesville, Fla., consisted of an 84-player boys-only field (ages 13-18) representing 14 states and Canada. Eighteen juniors from Florida competed in the 36-hole stroke-play event.

The 16-year-old Giammaresi's strategy for the day was to hit fairways and greens.

"I knew today's round would not be as good as yesterday's from the start," he said. "I was not trying to be aggressive."

After finishing the day with only 11 pars, Giammaresi said his opening round 5-under-par 65 held him in contention.

"I struggled the whole way around today," he continued. "I did not putt very well and I was not hitting the ball nearly as good. The course played a lot tougher today and it set up at least three shots harder from the beginning. But the win does help my confidence."

Giammaresi is hoping his confidence continues on Monday when he attempts to qualify for the U.S. Open.

Finishing four shots off the pace was Noah Goldman of Longwood, Fla., with a 76 for the day and a 6-over-par 146 tournament total. Tied for third at 147 were Matthew Pierce of San Juan Capistrano, Calif., and Benjamin Kishigian of Warner Robins, Ga. Rounding out the top five at 148 was Lee Keong Yang of Bradenton, Fla.

The AJGA Preseason/Postseason Junior Series, a boys-only series, is expanding to eight tournaments in 2002 from the six featured last year. The series is designed to provide playing opportunities to juniors who have not yet played in an AJGA tournament. Players who finish in the top 15, including ties, receive one, two or three automatic entries into future AJGA tournaments, depending on their finish.