Pine Crest’s Weinberg becomes school’s first individual state golf champion
A day after shooting his season-best score, Alexander Weinberg knew a strong encore was needed in order to come away a state champion.
Day two wasn’t the prettiest with some inclement weather creating challenges.
But when Weinberg sunk a birdie putt on the 18th hole, it was mission accomplished.
Weinberg’s combined two-day score of 143 was enough to edge the rest of the field by one stroke and secure the Class 1A boys’ individual state championship at the Mission Golf Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla.
“It’s an incredible feeling. The conditions were really tough with the rain and winds being pretty strong,” Weinberg said. “I was proud of my preparation and hard work finally paying off and getting the victory.”
Although Pine Crest won a boys’ team state title in 1996, Weinberg became the school’s first ever boys’ individual state champion. Weinberg, a junior, also became Pine Crest’s first individual state champion since Deborah Austin in 1966.
Weinberg shot a 67 on Tuesday, the first day of the tournament, which was the lowest round of any boys’ golfer at this year’s state meet regardless of classification. He had six birdies and an eagle during that round.
On Wednesday, Weinberg wasn’t as dominant, but was clutch down the stretch.
“The key really was going one shot at a time and not getting ahead of myself, staying in the moment,” Weinberg said.
Weinberg finished one shot ahead of runner-up Orlando First Academy’s Palmer Haynes. Miami Ransom Everglades’ James Hellring was the next-highest finisher from Dade or Broward with a two-day score of 148 to finish tied for eighth place.
Miami Florida Christian’s Mason Keisch entered the second day of the competition in second place behind Weinberg after shooting a 70, but shot an 82 on the second day and finished tied for 19th.
The Patriots, however, were Dade’s top boys’ team, finishing fifth with a two-day score of 623. The score was the highest of any Dade team at this year’s championships. Pine Crest led all Broward teams, finishing seventh with a combined score of 626. North Palm Benjamin won the team title with a score of 602.
FAU won the girls’ team title with a 578. Sagemont led all Broward teams, placing sixth with a 614 led by Ariana Silva’s 146, which was good for 15th place individually.
Miami Palmer Trinity’s Remi Bacardi was Dade’s top finisher on the girls’ side, finishing tied for 12th with a 145.
SLAM finished ninth overall with a score of 628 and Carrollton finished 13th with a 656.
This story was originally published November 16, 2023 at 1:16 PM.
