Poole takes Jimmy Anderson Boys' Invite
Winner Kenan Poole II (L)
(CGA Photo)
JACKSONVILLE, NC (April 15, 2018) - After the first round of the Jimmy Anderson Boys' Invitational, Kenan Poole II of Raleigh, NC had a strong three stroke lead and was poised to capture his first Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) title. Brandon McBride of Bluffton, SC and Drew Weary of Bluffton, SC also had thoughts of capturing their first CGA victory. In the end, Poole's steady play and second round of even par 72 and a 36-hole total of three under par 141 was good enough for a one stroke victory over the pair from Bluffton, SC. "I really wanted to win this tournament and it feels great to come away with the win" said Poole.
McBride made an early run birdying four of the first five holes and Poole and McBride were tied at four under par after five holes. "Brandon was hot early making all those birdies, but the birdie I made on six calmed things down and while it was tight all day, that hole really was the key and it helped me play a nice steady round" said Poole.
Weary, playing in the group in front of Poole and McBride made a late run birdying holes ten and thirteen and moved him into a tie for the lead, but a bogey on the tough eighteenth hole ended his valiant effort. Keegan Vaugh of Myrtle Beach, SC had the low round of the tournament with a second round of four under par 68 which propelled him to a two-day total of one under par 143 and a solo fourth place finish.
This annual junior tournament was started by the alumni of the Jacksonville Country Club junior golf program in 2009 to honor their longtime teacher and friend Mr. Jimmy Anderson. Jimmy Anderson was the head golf professional at Jacksonville Country Club for over 25 years. Each Saturday morning, he conducted a junior golf clinic to help spread the game of golf to the next generation.
During his tenure at Jacksonville CC, he taught many juniors including Mallory Miller, the 1987 N.C. Junior Champion and numerous future collegiate and golf professionals. Not only did he teach the game of golf, but was always there with a helpful word of encouragement to any young golfer. The tournament began as a boys and girls tournament, but due to the success of the event, the girls have been given their own tournament that is conducted each fall in October.