By Scottie Brown

The Selma Times-Journal

 

The 53rd Bud Burns Dixie Junior golf tournament began Monday morning at the Selma Country Club with the first round of 18 holes for the girls.

The tournament had 22 girls signed up to participate, including last year’s overall winner Madison Sanders. At the end of the first round, Brook Samson, from Selma, led the 13-15 age group with a score of 78 (+6). Anna Reid, from Demopolis, was led the 16-18 age group with a score of 78 (+6). Both girls were tied for first overall Monday afternoon

Bill Wilcox, the executive director for the Alabama Junior Golf Association, said that the tournament is a way to compete against different people and to get your name out there.

“You get tournament experience with players that are from all over the state,” Wilcox said. “Plus, a few of the neighboring states, so you’ve got a strong field. Getting a good finish at this tournament, that can really get the attention of some college golf coaches, and a lot of these players are looking to play college golf.”

Like many of the other golfers participating, Sydney Turner, from Montgomery, returned to play in the tournament. Turner said this was her third year at the tournament, and that she had gotten better each year she played.

“At this tournament, I actually did break 90,” Turner said. “It was a best for me.”

The competition for the girls division will finish Tuesday after another round of 18 holes. The winners for each age group as well as the overall winner will be announced Tuesday afternoon. The boys division will begin competing Tuesday morning with their first round of 18 holes.