The 50th annual Bud Burns Junior Invitational teed off Monday.

Fourteen girls, ages 12 to 18, began their first round at 8 a.m. Monday in the two-day tournament at the Selma Country Club.

“The number 14 is two more than last year, so that is good to see that increase,” country club golf pro Tommy Burns said. “The girls this year are also better players so the level of competition is a bit higher, which you always like to see.”

The girls were split into two divisions, ages 13-15 and 16-18 and, Burns said, one 12-year-old who is playing above her age.

Seventy five male participants walked the course for their practice round Monday in preparation for their rounds that start tomorrow.

The total participation, 89, is two down from last year, but Burns said the reason for that is qualification of the U.S. Juniors tournament is also being held this week.

“That really hurts our numbers,” Burns said. “But it is ok, we are happy with the turnout that we have and are ready for the rest of the week.”

The girls will continue tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. and the boys will begin their first round at 9 a.m.

“They will all be at the first tee tomorrow,” Burns said. “Hopefully we can keep this going well.”

The standings at the end of the first day are, 13 to 15 A Division, Ashton Maddaconi (87), Sarah Batty (92), Virninia Green (92) and Jillian Stewart (95). The standings for the 13 to 15 B Division are Grayson Gladden (99), Rachel May (100), Anna Fausnatt (104), Katelyn Gilmore (105), Haley Crosby (113) and Julia McAlindon (129).

Leaders in the 16 to 18 A Division are Cammie Gray (73) and Megan Heath (78). Leaders in the 16 to 18 B Division are Tori Smith (89) and Rachael Barnes (96).