MS/LA Jr. golf at Wolf Hollow
Published 5:00 am Friday, August 3, 2007
WESSON — The Third Annual MS/LA Junior Championship has a newlocation but a similar format. After two years at the BrookhavenCountry Club, the popular event has been moved to the Wolf HollowGolf Club, located on the campus of Copiah-Lincoln CommunityCollege.
Ronny Ross, creator and host for the event, is a PGAProfessional and serves as Wolf Hollow’s general manager. He saidthe tournament would be held Saturday and Sunday. It is expected toattract around 100 golfers from Mississippi and Louisiana.
Ross is president of the Mississippi Junior Golf Association. Heis involved the MJGA Tour. Also a member of the Gulf StatesSection, Ross has combined the two tours in an effort to determinean overall champion.
“It has worked out really well for us,” said Ross. “I think theywill enjoy the Wolf Hollow course more because it is a little morechallenging.”
Tee times will be set by the MGA office. Ross said he expectsthe players to tee off from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.
From an economic standpoint, Ross said the tournament woulddefinitely benefit the local economy in Wesson as well asBrookhaven. “Moms and daddies and mamaws and papaws come toBrookhaven and make a weekend out of it. They fill up the hotelsand the eating places.”
Ninety percent of the youngsters are from Mississippi.
“If people want to come out and watch, they are welcome,” saidRoss. Golf carts will be available on a first-come, first-servebasis.
Among the local entries are Jacob and Olivia Ross of Brookhaven,and Perry Katherine Furr and Berry Givens of Wesson. Caleb Windhamis another entry from Brookhaven.
Ross pointed out the generous support provided by Entergy, StateBank and Trustmark Bank. “I want to thank the sponsors. Theyactually buy the kids gifts. This year each player is receiving aNike gift bag.”
“They (sponsors) help make our tournament something special. Thekids really look forward to it.”
Ross said that a Nike representative would be present today.Participants would be allowed to try out the latest line ofclubs.
The $100 tournament entry fee includes a practice round today.Ross said that the 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18 age divisions would play18 holes each day. The 10-11 and 9-under divisions would play 9holes daily.
The past two tournaments, winners of the older group usuallyposted a 2-day score of 6-8 under at the Brookhaven Country Club.Ross said Wolf Hollow will challenge the golfers.
“This course is longer and harder,” said Ross. “I think everypar (72) probably could win it.”
Trophies will be presented to the top 5 finishers in each agedivision. A $200 scholarship will be presented to the winners ofeach 18-hole division.