The Bud Burns Junior Invitational is reaching its golden years.

The prestigious event, which is considered by some to be one of the top three junior tournaments in Alabama, is gearing up for its 50th year at the Selma Country Club.

“Right now we have 64 entries,” Country Club President Tommy Burns said. “The deadlines don’t end until Friday though, so we still have time to reach our goal of about 100 people. A typical year we have anywhere between 100 and 125.”

Participants will be divided into five age brackets, with boys and girls competing in 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18 brackets.

The historic event has had its winners go on to long successes in golf, including PGA Tour winners Stewart Cink, Boo Weekly and Bubba Watson.

“As far as it goes with importance, I think it’s Future Masters, State Juniors and the Bud Burns,” said Burns. “This is one of the oldest junior tournaments in the state, so we try to make it as good as possible.”

Burns said that one of the advantages to having such a prominent tournament is the ability to capture the hearts and minds of children at such a young age.
“We certainly want to have them interested younger if possible,” he said. “If they haven’t played your course by the time they are 16, then they will go to other tournaments. We want them here, obviously because we think we have a great golf course that they can enjoy.”

Burns said the price is also something the parents can enjoy.

“Normally, tournaments now are anywhere between $175 or $200,” Burns said. “And they typically have more than one child attending, so it can be double or triple that. Here, the fee is $60, which, when you have more than one child, can equal two entries for the price of one in some places.”

The tournament will begin next Monday and continue through Wednesday.