The TJGT Sooner Invitational was played October 3rd-4th, 2009 at Jimmie Austin University of Oklahoma Golf Club in Norman, Oklahoma.
Almost 100 players teed it up with all Boys 12-18 played 6,866 yards and all Girls 12-18 played 5,851 yards in this 36-hole Golfweek-ranked event.
The first day was beautiful Fall weather greeted the players with very little wind, overcast skies, and temperatures in the 70’s. The rain moved in Saturday night and the players woke up to a wet golf course that made the course play much longer. Temperatures also dropped into the high 50’s and the wind picked up as well.
Several coaches were in attendance with the University of Oklahoma Men’s Golf Coach Ryan Hybl, University of Oklahoma Men’s assistant coach Blake Smart, CEO of Golf Coaches Association of America Gregg Grost, Cameron University Men’s Golf Coach Jerry Hrnciar, Oklahoma Christian University Head Coach Kelsey Cline all coming out to scout players from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Tennessee, and Mexico.
This was an incredible event played on the host course of the 84th USGA Amateur Public Links Championship as well as the home course of the University of Oklahoma men’s and women’s programs. Designed in 1951 by noted course designer Perry Maxwell, the Jimmie Austin Golf Club was a special treat for both players and parents. The players were showered with registration gifts which included a Nike shirt, two sleeves of Nike balls, an electronic gift, as well as various other golf accessories. The first day featured some great play in both the boys and girls divisions as well as some great fall weather, with temperatures in the 70’s. Charlie Graves got off to a hot start with an opening round 68 that included some great putting. Eli Juren was hot on his heels with a 2-under par 70. Ben Khanania shot an opening round 71 that included six birdies on the card. Trevor McInroe posted an even par round of 72 for fourth place after day 1. In the girls division, Hannah Arnold set the pace for the girls with an even par 72. Finishing one back of Arnold was Rachel Mulkey, Kayli Quinton, and Mariana Sims, while Fabiola Arriaga and Sierra Sims were two back after the first round. After the first round of play, the TJGT hosted a hamburger cookout at the pavilion at the golf course. Included in the dinner was some Q&A time with OU Men’s Head golf coach Ryan Hybl. Parents and players alike enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.
On to the day two action…the players arrived at the course to find it soaked by the overnight and morning rains. Due to rains, play was delayed for nearly an hour. Once play began, the players found a completely different course than the day before. The course played a lot longer the second round due to all of the rain. This didn’t faze many of the players at all. Charley Graves continued his torrid putting and got around the course in two under 70 for a six under total to claim the title. Eduardo Castiello followed his opening round of 75 with a 70 to finish in second place. Roberto Ruiz played two fantastic rounds of golf to finish in third place. Making the biggest move of the day was Jose Almada who shot an even par round of 72 to move into a tie for fifth with Juan Espiga, who shot a final round of 73. There was no playoff as Almada had to leave due to a travel conflict. In the girls division, any score under 80 was an incredible round and the girls posted several of these. Mariana Sims and Rachel Mulkey held it together the best with final rounds of 76 each to finish in a tie for first. Finish in third was Kayli Quinton with a final round 77. The playoff ended quickly as Mulkey birdied the first hole of the sudden death playoff to claim the title.
The TJGT would like to thank the Jimmie Austin Golf Club for their hospitality and help with the event. We look forward to coming back here in the future.
Boys 12-18:
1st Place: Charley Graves, Plano, TX; 2011; 68-70-138
2nd Place: Eduardo Castiello, Zapopan, Mexico; 2009; 75-70-145
3rd Place: Roberto Ruiz, Torreon, Mexico; 2009; 74-73-147
4th Place: Alec Heinen, Edmond, OK; 2011; 76-72-148
T5 Juan Espiga, Katy, TX; 2011; 76-73-149
T5 Jose Almada, El Paso, TX; 2010; 77-72-149
Note: Almada had to catch a plane back to El Paso and therefore was unable to compete in the playoff.
Girls 12-18
T1 Rachel Mulkey, Flower Mound, TX; 2011; 73-76-149
T1 Mariana Sims, Austin, TX: 2012; 73-76-149
3rd Place: Kayli Quinton, Cypress, TX; 2012; 73-77-150
*In the boys 12-18 division, there was a tie for 5th place between Jose Almada and Juan Espiga. Due to travel conflicts, Espiga was awarded the trophy and there was no playoff. In the girls division, Rachel Mulkey beats Mariana Sims with a birdie on hole #9, the first playoff hole.
