Clearwater Central Catholic’s golfing star Ryan Orr signs with the University of Florida.
BELLEAIR – Clearwater Central Catholic golf star Ryan Orr has signed with the University of Florida.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to become a Gator and play for Buddy Alexander, one of the finest college golf coaches in the country,” said Orr, a Belleair resident.
Orr, 17, won the American Junior Golf Association’s Florida Junior Championship in June at the Weston Hill Country Club.
In May he won the Florida Junior Tour’s boys 16-18 division major at Innisbrook Resort. He posted the second lowest qualifying total (69-64) at the U.S. Junior Amateur Sectional in June.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Gator,” said Orr. “My sister goes there. Most of my family has gone there. I’ve always been a Gator fan. Ever since I was little I always wanted to play golf for them.”
Orr has been playing golf since he was 3 years old and has wanted to play competitively for the past six years.
“That’s when I finally started to realize that this is what I want to do,” Orr said.
The Tampa Bay Times 2011 Boy’s Pinellas County high school golf player of the year said he loves golf because “it can be so peaceful, extremely rewarding. I fell in love with it at an early age – the feeling of hitting solid shots, shooting low scores. It’s just really great to me,” he said.
Clearwater Central Catholic coach Tony Pasquine has been influential upon Orr.
“I’m very thankful for him. He’s helped me out a lot in the past four years in high school golf. Helping in the recruiting process with me. Just always being there for me. Anything I needed, he did it for me,” Orr said.
Orr plans to study business and golf course management. His dream, though, has been to play professional golf.
“I have to get through the next four years. With those
coaches and the type of facilities and everything, it will probably be the best opportunity if I wanted to (turn pro),” Orr said. “I just have to look forward to it, practicing hard and keep going,” he said.
![[Image]](/content_images/112812_bee-03.jpg)
![[Image]](/content_images/070312_pco-01z_front.jpg)
