Bulldog qualifies to participate in renowned golf tournament

SALT LAKE CITY — Judge Memorial Catholic High School rising sophomore Chris Turner qualified to participate in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship in Palm Beach, Fla. One of only two players from Utah to qualify in his age division, this tournament is one of the largest and best-known junior golf tournaments in the world.

Turner, son of Wesley and Victoria Turner of Salt Lake City, participated in the boys 14-15 age division and qualified after shooting a 75 at East Bay golf course and a 76 at Fox Hollow in a two-day qualifying tournament. This year’s Optimist was held July 23-28, 2009 at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens.

"As a freshman, Chris was our number one player and as he entered his sophomore year, his game continues to improve," said Mike Brimley, head coach of the Judge men’s golf team. "Chris is playing and competing throughout the summer in the Utah Junior Golf Association against Utah’s best junior players from all over the state. His game has reached a new level and his future in golf is very bright, as evidenced by his qualifying for an international tournament such as the Optimist. Judge is fortunate to have a player of his ability. We are all very proud of his accomplishments and look forward to having him on the Judge golf team for another three years."

There are five ways to qualify for the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships: official district qualifying tournaments, exemptions, the United States/Canada at Large application process, international designates, and the International At Large application process. Optimist Districts in the U.S. and Canada organize tournaments that serve as qualifying events for the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. A limited number of golfers in each age division advanced to the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships through all District qualifiers.

Since 1978, Optimist-sponsored golf tournaments have served as a springboard for many of golf’s greatest players. Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Davis Love III, Tiger Woods, Michelle McGann, and Nancy Lopez are just a few of today’s elite players who found their humble beginnings with the Optimists.