When the Trusted Choice Big “I” National Championship returns to Ardmore in three weeks, the tournament will have its fair share of local representatives.
Ardmore High School’s Cash Campbell shot a 73 Tuesday to win the Big “I” qualifier with a two-day total of 143. He bested second-place Zach Tucker by one stroke.
Not far behind Campbell were some of his Tiger teammates. Trey Payne claimed the final qualifying spot with a third-place 74-70—144 and Andrew Riesen shot a 72-73—145 to claim the second alternate spot for the 18 and under tournament, which will run from July 26-30.
Taylor Neidy of Clinton won the girls qualifier with a 78-75—153, followed by Ashton Collier of Union (77-77—154) and alternates Bethany Darrough of Kingfisher (81-75—156) and Kendra Mann of Harrah (80-78—158).
It gets even better for Campbell and Payne, who will take a run at the Big “I” title at the same course they qualified on: Dornick Hills.
“We got lucky they’re gonna host it here,” said Campbell, who’s a member at Dornick Hills. “It was pretty tough. We were playing some pretty good players, but we have a lot of competition from each other.”
Since the trio didn’t qualify for or finish in the top 10 in last year’s tournament, they had to bear through the qualifier this season. Awaiting Campbell, Payne and possibly Riesen this year are golfers such as Carl Albert High School’s Talor Gooch, the 2008 5A individual champion as a sophomore and a 2009 EA Sports All-American. Quite the competition looms, but both Campbell and Riesen said the improvement they’ve made from last year to now has been immense.
“I’m thinking shots through and playing smarter,” the soon-to-be sophomore said. “The home course advantage helps a lot, but it’s also a lot of pressure because you’re expected to do better.”
“Last year, if I made a double bogey, I’d throw the round away,” said Riesen, a rising junior. “This year, I’ve learned that if I double bogey the first hole I have 17 more to play.”
Tournament host committee member Bob Bramlett was thrilled to hear that the prestigious tournament would have as many as three Ardmoreites on hand. Dornick Hills last hosted the event in 2004.
“I’m just tickled to death that Cash, Trey and Andrew played so well,” Bramlett said. “To have three of our kids finish in the top five is incredible.
“It’s gonna be a great event. We’re very excited about bringing these kids and their families to Ardmore.”
