O’Toole takes third tournament
Published 9:17 pm Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Above, John Michael O’Toole stands with the Otey Crismon Trophy following his 1-over, 214, at the Bud Burns Dixie Junior Invitational. O’Toole became the tournament’s first three time champion. -- Chris Wasson
After three days, 89 golfers and 54 holes, John Michael O’Toole was once again able to call himself champion of the Bud Burns Dixie Junior invitational.
The Pinson native was able to shoot a total score of 214 over the 54 holes to become the first three-time winner of the Otey Crismon Trophy in the history of the event.
“It’s an honor to have won this tournament,” O’Toole said. “When you look at that trophy and the names on it, to say that you’ve won the same events as pros like Stewart Cink and Bubba Watson — it’s just an honor.”
Selma Country Club golf professional Tommy Burns had high praise for the champion.
“It’s never happened before (three-peating),” Burns said. “He’s a great player, but more so, he’s a great kid. He’s a great sport and has great character.”
O’Toole ended his Bud Burns career on a high note, battling the heat of the week to shoot a 69 and 71 over thirty-six holes on Wednesday.
“Playing in the heat isn’t fun,” he said. “But everyone has to play in the same heat. You just have to have that competitive spirit and play hard. Finishing the thirty-six holes in the end is about being tough and competitive.”
Fisher Bodenstein finished second in the 17-18 boys A division with a 6-over, 219, followed by Hudson Graham with a 9-over, 222.
Burns said despite the blazing heat, this was one of the easiest tournaments he has had to manage.
“It was a great tournament,” Burns said. “Even though it was hot, we didn’t have anyone complain about it. Over three days no one got sick because of the heat. Most still wanted to continue on with the thirty-six holes.”
Burns was pleased with the way the course held up over the three-day event.
“We watered the heck out of it this week,” Burns said. “It also helps a lot that we were able to fertilize the course from corner to corner about 10-days ago.”
Other Boy’s winners include: James Cobb in the 17-18, B division, Lee Madison, 15-16 A division, Jake Finn, 15-16 B division, Alex Green, 13-14 A division, Sam Goldasich, 13-14 B division, Addison Nix, 11-12 A division, Jack Goldasich, 11-12 B division. Girl’s winners are: Cammie Gray, 16-18 division, Ashton Maddaloni, 13-15 division.
