FW Country Club set to host invitational

FORT WAYNE — At last, somebody other than Allison Curtis will win the High School Invitational golf tournament today at Fort Wayne Country Club.

Curtis, the former DeKalb standout who played last season at IPFW, won the last three girls titles. But now that she’s more than a year out of high school, Curtis was not invited to the seventh annual tournament, which begins at 2 p.m. today with a shotgun start.

Nearly 90 of the top boys and girls players from northern Indiana were invited to play, according to Kyle Cramer, assistant professional at FWCC.

“As people have participated in it, and we’re getting some golfers who have had other brothers and sisters play in it,” Cramer said. “The word’s gotten out on it, and people expect it. We’ll get calls from coaches and parents throughout the year, as their kids start to play well, that we know about them.”

Although Curtis’ personal domination will come to an end, DeKalb can keep the school’s streak alive.

The Barons’ Barbie Snyder and Kristen Konieczki finished second and third last year.

Last year’s boys’ winner, Jon Finley of Homestead, will not be present to defend his title.

Bishop Dwenger’s Jake Leonard tied for second last year with a 77.

“The neat thing is not as many kids get to play Fort Wayne Country Club throughout the summer,” Cramer said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to play at a great facility and a great golf course. It’s neat that the members raise all the money for it. They take a lot of pride in this event to showcase the facility.”

stwarden@jg.net