Published: June 09, 2009 12:37 am      

McKenzie makes sure of things this time around

MEADS — Grant McKenzie didn’t take any chances Monday in the Eastern Kentucky Junior Golf Association Walmart Tour season opener.

McKenzie, from Russell, came away with first place in the Boys Grade 10-12 division at Sandy Creek Golf Course. Last year, he lost a sudden-death playoff to Morehead’s Jared Stacy in the same tournament after playing the wrong ball in the fairway.

’Today, I put my initials on every ball,’’ McKenzie said with a smile. ’I was thinking about playing with neon golf balls so there wouldn’t be any confusion.’’

McKenzie shot a 4-over-par 74 this time, good enough for a one-shot victory over Russell High School teammate Kent Shepard and Olive Hill’s Matt Logan.

’I hit the ball solid,’’ McKenzie said. ’I missed a lot of putts I should have made, but overall I’m content with my play.’’

No playoff, no problem.

’That would have been a little ironic,’’ said McKenzie, sharing a laugh with Shepard.

McKenzie’s round included birdies on No. 4 and No. 17. He also did some nice work on No. 5 to save par.

’I hit a 3-wood over the green and ended up making about a 20-footer,’’ McKenzie said.

The tournament had 75 entries and attracted players from several eastern Kentucky counties.

’That’s a very good number, considering the extended school year in some of the systems,’’ said EKJGA founder Tom Cooksey. ’We had a good amount of volunteers to get the kids around the golf course in a decent amount of time.’’

The addition of summer interns Kaci Boyd and Ryan Brookshire ’ both Marshall University golfers ’ has helped lighten Cooksey’s work load at the outset of the tour’s second year.

Paintsville’s Katy Humphrey repeated as champion in the Girls Grade 10-12 division.

Humphrey, who tied for 20th place in the State High School Tournament last fall, shot 75 to win by 12 strokes over Candace Stacy of Hazard.

’I played a good round,’’ said Humphrey, 17. ’I’m glad to start the year off right in this tournament.’’

Last year, Humphrey finished with a 79 at Sandy Creek. This time, she parred all three par-5s and had nothing above a five on her scorecard.

’I think that’s my first round ever without a double bogey,’’ Humphrey said. ’I was surprised with my chipping and putting, especially on the back. The fairways and roughs were in good shape for the amount of rain we’ve been having.’’

Humphrey birdied No. 16 after hitting one of her longest drives of the day.

Other winners included: Tyler Smith (Boys Grade 7-9); Hunter Holbrook (Boys Grade 4-6); Natalie Conley (Girls Grade 7-9); Kristina Bentley (Girls Grade 4-6); Joe Benton (Boys and Girls Grade 3-under).

The EKJGA Walmart Tour’s second event is Friday at River Bend Golf Club.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.