By Jenny Evans
Communications Intern

Everyone who attended The PING Invitational felt a little bit more like a cowboy after the weekend’s events had come to an end. The citizens of Stillwater, Okla., the eager volunteer staff, Okalahoma State University and the AJGA put together a first-class Invitational event to be remembered by all. 

The weekend was kicked-off Cowboy style at OSU’s Gallagher-Iba Arena, where juniors and their families were able to show off their basketball skills and enjoy each other’s company. After a warm welcome from the Chairman & CEO of PING, John Solheim, and Mike McGraw, Men’s Head Golf Coach at OSU, the hungry crowd headed to Boone Pickens Stadium for dinner and some fun under the stadium lights on the football field.

The fun didn’t stop at the stadium. Back at Karsten Creek’s driving range, PING gave juniors an opportunity to try out clubs and test their skills. But it wasn’t all golf at The PING Invitational. Hill-billy golf, bean bags and water-balloon launchers allowed juniors to play without a club in hand for a change. An organized water-balloon toss got a little off track, and everyone walked away with smiling faces, wet clothes and an afternoon of memories.   

The excitement kept brewing in Stillwater when Gregor Main of Danville, Calif., recorded a 4-under-par 68 in the first round, taking the lead and never looking back. He finished the tournament with an eight-stroke advantage over the field. In the Girls Division, Vicky Hurst of Melbourne, Fla., fired a 3-under-par 69 in the second round to capture the lead from Tiffany Lua of Rowland Heights, Calif. The victory was the final step for Hurst on her way to receiving Player of the Year honors.

The driving force behind the event and what made the weekend so unique was the great support from OSU, the Stillwater community and the endless supply of volunteers. From the early morning shuttle rides, to the smiling faces that greeted each and every junior and spectator, all the way to those who sat for hours on end on the fairways spotting balls, the event was a success because of those who volunteered their time and talent.