By Angie Ledbetter

It came as no surprise when 11 year old C. J. Easley of Pope won the 2011 Mississippi Boys Jr. Amateur Golf Tournament in the “D” division on July 25-27 at Lake Caroline Golf Course in Jackson.

Easley shot a 37, one over par, on the first day giving him a one shot lead going into the second day.

On the second day Easley continued his performance shooting a 37 and giving him a three stroke advantage over Martin Bell of Senatobia going into the final round on Sunday.

Easley came out on Sunday in the finals and said he was determined to win it. With his same momentum going he shot a 38 for the victory.

“I was kind of mad after losing the other two playoffs before this one so that made me want to win even more,” he said. “I did good all three days. I just wanted to go out there and shoot good. Bell was good. He didn’t mess up a single bit and I wasn’t pushing anything on him. He shot a 38, 39 and 44. This is my second year to play against him.”  

Easley started his summer playing in Oxford at the Trusted Choice Big “1” qualifier at Ole Miss Golf Course. Easley and Payton Chandler were leading going into the final round. Easley won with a total of 12 over par (84).

Next on Easley’s golf stop was  the Greenwood Country Club. He shot a 37 to take an eight-point lead going into the final round. He finished on top after shooting a 44 to win by nine strokes.

At the Sonny Andrew Jr. Invitational on June 6-7 at the Cleveland Country Club. Easley took second place. Bell won shooting an 89.

Playing in Tupelo on June 13-14 Easley was one shot behind Simms Abney from Madison after the first day. Easley found himself in a sudden death playoff with Abney in the finals. After two holes Simms took the victory giving Easley second place.

Next on his tour was the famous Old Waverly Golf Course in West Point. It was a battle between Easley and Jack Gnam of Ridgeland. They tied for nine holes at 38 and proceeded to the final tee for a playoff where Gnam made a par to win. Easley took second place.

Easley said, “I’m happy with the way I’m playing now. I’m also happy about having the lead in points for player of the year. I’ve just got to play my best in the next tournament in September. I want to go and just try to win it.”

Easley is at the top of the leader board with 660.00 points after five events. Following him is Daily Parker from Jackson with 630.00. In third place is Gnam with 550.00 and Simms is in fourth with a 482.50. Miles Garner from Batesville is in eighth place with a 245.00 after playing in four events.

According to Easley’s father Jamie, his son should win player of the year for Mississippi.

“The last tournament is September 7-8 in Jackson and all C. J. has to do is show up and play to win player of the year,” said Jamie.