CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) – A local fourth grader will compete in a golf competition on the Augusta National Golf Course this weekend.
Preston Tolnar is competing in the national Drive, Chip & Putt contest. His favorite area is chipping, but he’s so good at all three of them that he had the highest score in his regional qualifier to receive the invitation.
The nine-year-old will compete with nine other kids in his age group. Only 80 finalists nationwide between the ages of seven and 15 were invited.
“If I win Augusta, it would feel awesome. Knowing that there are only 10 kids in my age bracket and 80 kids down there in the total, that would feel awesome,” Preston said.
Preston says he’ll have to prepare even harder knowing that Augusta is one of the most difficult courses in the world, but practice has never been a problem for him, and he has an instinct for big success. He’s won over 60 golf events.
“He wants to beat you by ten and win the tournament. So that’s the difference between, you know, his level of being a competitor and being able to participate, so he wants to win,” said Preston’s father, Brian Tolnar.
Preston’s father believes that he has a good shot at making at least the top three if he plays his normal game and keeps his composure.
The competition is on Sunday and afterwards, Preston gets to stay and watch Monday’s practice round at the Masters.
Source: Local 4th grader to compete in golf competition at the Augusta National Course
