Fernando Castillo Wins Inaugural Wellington National Club Championship

Wellington, Fla – March 21, 2017 – Over the course of the first two weekends in March, 14-year-old Fernando Castillo bested 40 other players to win the Inaugural Wellington National Golf Club Championship. Castillo, originally from Mexico, was the youngest player to participate in the tournament by ten years and did so with an exciting one shot victory over the course of 72 holes.

“The course was very difficult and long,” said Castillo about the Championship tournament. “The wind was blowing very hard and the greens were challenging- it was definitely very tough.”

The Championship Tournament capped off what has been an incredible first year for the Wellington National Golf Club (WNGC). Under the ownership of Doug Marty, Chip Smith and Andy Apple, Wellington National has become the premier destination in the Western Communities for top notch golf competition, event hosting, and fine dining.

 Participants in the Championship tournament took off in flights and played 18-holes each day. Castillo, who started playing golf at the age of 2, was part of the Championship Flight which played from a total yardage of 6,800. He competed directly with the other 13 players that teed off with him. The course was rated a 74.7 with a slope of 136 from the Championship Flight tees.

“I have always liked golf because of the challenge of working every day to get better,” remarked Castillo. “My goal is to always give 100% in every shot, to control my emotions, and to always remain calm and focused.”

The top three placings were decided only after a very competitive final nine holes. Castillo took home the top place honors narrowly with a one-shot victory over Lucas Botero and two shots over Josh Della-Pietra.

“It was incredibly exciting to watch Fernando play so well against members of all age groups,” said WNGC owner Doug Marty. “He played a great tournament and we are looking forward to a very bright future for this young man. It is really nice to watch him improve while playing on our course.”

The Wellington National Golf Championship Tournament is just one of several exciting golf events that are taking place at the golf and country club this spring. On April 2, Wellington National is hosting their first annual Spring Couples Classic for members and their sweethearts. This event will begin with a shotgun start at 12 noon and conclude with a gourmet poolside barbeque. The Ladies Club Championship will take place on April 3 and the Ladies Member/Guest Tournament is scheduled for April 10.

From left to right: JP Begley, Fernando Castillo, Doug Marty