When he birdied the first two holes Wednesday at the Meadowlake Junior Open on the South Central Junior PGA Tour, Kingfisher’s Tristun Burnham knew it was his day.
That momentum helped him shoot a three-under-par 68 to win the Boys 16-18 category by five strokes over reigning winner Dawson Branstetter, who shot a two-over 73.
Burnham’s key moment was his 20-foot No. 2 birdie putt.
“Winning always feels good,” he remarked. “Go low when hot. Big birdie on No. 2. I tried to keep dropping throughout the round. I went low and aggressive.”
Burnham birdied 1,2, 4, 6, 12, and 13.
He birdied No. 1 by almost driving the green. On No. 12, he approached within 6 inches.
He birdied par fives Nos. 4 and 6 after almost reaching the green in two.
He stated he putted effectively and struck several greens. No expectations today. I came out here and swung freely and made putts.”
Burnham helped Kingfisher earn second in the state 3A tournament by finishing sixth. The Woodward K-101 Tournament winner shot 74.
His tee shot over the green on No. 15 resulted in a double bogey five.
Burnham claims he hit the wrong club.
Next month’s All-State dual participant Burnham signed with Southeastern Oklahoma State.
“It’s a good opportunity, but it’s far from home,” he remarked. “Coaching is great. Chickasaw Point is our home course and a terrific area to practice and improve to reach my goals.”
Branstetter birdied No. 10 with a tee shot down the centre. He two-putted for a birdie. Bogeyed Nos. 1, 3, and 14.
“Not my best,” he remarked. “Many three-putts. My driver was decent, but my approach shots should have been closer. I missed my objective of under par. It was easy.”
Kingfisher’s Myles Harrison finished third at 78. Gabe Jones of Pond Creek-Hunter tied for sixth with 81.
Brooklyn Bowman of Jenks won the girls 16-18 class with an 84, shooting 41 on the front and 43 on the back. Mooreland’s Evelyn Sturgil placed second with 86.
Wins are good, Bowman remarked. “Chipping was key.”
Other winners were Brecken Haglund of El Reno, Boys 9-11, 39 (nine holes); Marjorie Whitson of Norman, Girls 9-11, 49; Graham Myers of Kingfisher, Boys 12-13, 79; Lillie Whitson, Girls 12-13, 49; Grant Maher, Boys 14-15, 73; and Francie Dittamore, Girls 14-15, 93.